The Binding of Isaac

79%
Game Brain Score Based on 21,860 reviews
  • gameplay
  • replayability
  • story
The Binding of Isaac Game Cover
A smart little game with great music, a plethora of items (will take some getting used to, though), and yucky baddies will have you coming back every now and again to see what new evil lurks around. The expansion pours on more content to keep you entertained. Just be ready for sheer retribution; the game offers no forgiveness for its often surprising difficulty spikes.
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The Binding of Isaac is a roguelike dungeon crawler game. Players control Isaac or other unlockable characters, navigating randomly generated dungeons filled with monsters, treasures, and challenges. The game's narrative is based on the biblical story of Isaac, who escapes into the basement to avoid being sacrificed by his mother. Gameplay involves using Isaac's tears as projectiles to defeat enemies, with various power-ups and items found throughout the game to enhance abilities.

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Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

79%
Audience ScoreBased on 21,860 reviews
gameplay662 positive mentions
optimization25 negative mentions
  • gameplay1,519 mentions

    The gameplay of "The Binding of Isaac" is widely praised for its addictive and challenging nature, combining elements of roguelike mechanics with a top-down dungeon crawler reminiscent of classic Zelda games. Players appreciate the procedural generation of levels and items, which ensures that each run feels unique and engaging, while the variety of power-ups and character abilities adds depth to the gameplay experience. However, some players note that the game's difficulty can be frustrating, particularly for newcomers, and the simplistic mechanics may lead to repetitive gameplay over time. Overall, the game offers a compelling mix of dark humor, strategic gameplay, and high replayability, making it a standout title in the indie gaming scene.

    • “Awesome roguelike, addictive gameplay loop that never fails to be surprising and engaging.”
    • “The gameplay in The Binding of Isaac is unforgiving yet incredibly rewarding.”
    • “Each run feels like a new adventure, and the constant sense of progression keeps the gameplay engaging over the long haul.”
    • “The biggest gameplay flaw is that it's in flash and feels like it barely runs.”
    • “Garbage and borderline unfair gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay is so simple and repetitive I started to get bored 10 minutes into it.”
  • replayability1,383 mentions

    The "replayability" of *The Binding of Isaac* is frequently highlighted as one of its strongest features, with many reviewers noting its almost infinite replay value due to procedurally generated levels, a vast array of items, and numerous unlockable characters. Players appreciate the unique experience of each run, which keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging, making it a highly addictive title that encourages repeated playthroughs. Overall, the game is celebrated for its depth, challenge, and the endless possibilities it offers, solidifying its status as a must-play for fans of roguelike games.

    • “Every playthrough brings something new, making the replay value sky-high.”
    • “The binding of isaac is a challenging and replayable game with a unique dark humor.”
    • “The replay value and random generating rooms per level makes this game really fun, do recommend.”
    • “The game's randomly generated levels and enemies offer endless replayability, and the game's challenging difficulty level keeps players coming back for more.”
    • “The replayability is the highest of any game I've ever played due to randomly generated floor layouts, enemy spawns, item drops, and even bosses.”
  • story1,058 mentions

    The story of "The Binding of Isaac" is a dark and twisted retelling of the biblical tale, focusing on a young boy who escapes his fanatically religious mother, who believes she must sacrifice him to prove her devotion to God. Players navigate through grotesque environments filled with bizarre enemies, uncovering layers of Isaac's traumatic backstory that explore themes of child abuse, fear, and survival. While the narrative is minimal and often overshadowed by gameplay, it offers a haunting atmosphere that resonates with players, making it both disturbing and compelling.

    • “The game's deep and compelling storyline creates a strong connection with players by telling the story of the character Isaac's difficult life struggles.”
    • “What truly sets The Binding of Isaac apart is its rich storytelling, combining hauntingly beautiful visuals, challenging gameplay, and deep narrative.”
    • “Despite the game's disturbing visuals and themes, the story of Isaac is one of survival and hope, as players uncover more of his backstory and the challenges he has faced throughout his life.”
    • “The story is confusing yet also makes sense.”
    • “The story itself is fine and does move things along, however there isn't really anything special or interesting about it.”
    • “The story is dark and really deep but only if you research more about it, the soundtrack is kick ass, throughout my playthroughs I felt horror, disgust and I laughed a lot, a very fun indie game.”
  • graphics875 mentions

    The graphics of "The Binding of Isaac" are characterized by a unique, hand-drawn art style that blends cutesy visuals with grotesque themes, creating a darkly charming atmosphere. While some players appreciate the nostalgic, retro aesthetic reminiscent of flash games, others find the simplistic graphics and disturbing imagery off-putting. Overall, the visuals effectively complement the game's challenging gameplay and deep storytelling, making it a memorable experience for fans of indie titles.

    • “The game's striking visuals set the tone for its unsettling atmosphere.”
    • “Its combination of hauntingly beautiful visuals, challenging gameplay, and deep storytelling is a testament to the artistic vision of its creators.”
    • “The art style is cute and disturbing simultaneously, while the overall atmosphere manages to achieve a similar feat in being both badass, hilarious, and horrific.”
    • “The graphics are horrible.”
    • “The graphics keep up for a game made on Flash, infuriating yet fun and lets you into a false sense of security before making you start over with one single room.”
    • “It's... pretty ok but I would rather get the Rebirth version as this one was built in Flash so you have those simple graphics and 30 fps + lag.”
  • music873 mentions

    The music in "The Binding of Isaac" is widely praised for its haunting and atmospheric quality, effectively complementing the game's dark themes and enhancing the overall experience. Composed by Danny Baranowsky, the soundtrack is considered superior to that of its remake, "Rebirth," with many players finding it memorable and integral to the game's charm. While some reviews note that the music can become repetitive over time, the majority agree that it significantly contributes to the game's addictive nature and immersive gameplay.

    • “The game's music quality and sound effects perfectly complement the atmosphere.”
    • “The binding of isaac's soundtrack perfectly complements the haunting ambiance.”
    • “The music is phenomenal, the art style is so charming, and the gameplay is a blast.”
    • “The music, the colors, it makes the game feel so bleak.”
    • “The music is just annoying and after a very short time will be turned off.”
    • “The few musical passages that are present are suitably atmospheric, but do become repetitive very quickly.”
  • humor646 mentions

    The humor in "The Binding of Isaac" is predominantly dark and grotesque, blending elements of macabre and absurdity that appeal to players with a twisted sense of humor. Many reviews highlight the game's use of crude, scatological jokes and religious satire, often finding the humor both hilarious and disturbing. While some players appreciate the unique blend of humor and gameplay, others feel that the juvenile nature of the jokes may not resonate with everyone, making it a polarizing aspect of the game.

    • “The binding of Isaac is a disturbingly funny game with a lot of cute but very morbid gameplay.”
    • “Very fun game, with a nice mix of old Zelda-like dungeons and bullet-hell-inspired shooting, combined with lots of sacrilege and dark humor.”
    • “The game is utterly hilarious; from the story, to the power-ups and the fact that your main weapon is the tears of the character.”
    • “Is the fact you play as a naked crying kid supposed to be funny?”
    • “The story is almost like it’s both trying to be taken seriously and not at the same time in the same parts, which makes it both not funny and laughable at the same time.”
    • “This game has more item combinations than the number of unfunny jokes Betty White has told in her lifetime.”
  • atmosphere139 mentions

    The atmosphere of "The Binding of Isaac" is characterized by a striking blend of grotesque visuals, dark humor, and unsettling sound design, creating a deeply immersive and often disturbing experience. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke feelings of dread and sympathy through its macabre storytelling and haunting soundtrack, although some find the overall tone unexpectedly light compared to initial expectations. The unique art style and atmospheric elements contribute significantly to the game's replayability and emotional impact, making it a memorable title for fans of dark-themed indie games.

    • “The chilling melodies and atmospheric sound effects immerse players deeper into Isaac's nightmarish world, enhancing the overall experience and adding to the emotional journey.”
    • “The grotesque and macabre character designs, combined with eerie environments, create a haunting atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.”
    • “The atmosphere resembles that of an underground comic book similar to the likes of Roman Dirge, and expresses a surreal, disturbing world all contained within a little boy's basement cellar.”
    • “That is why it came as a surprise to me when I finally bought the game and, other than the extreme difficulty that entangles the base game -- that completely goes away once you install any DLC -- the tone and overall atmosphere was very light and very much opposite to what I had expected.”
    • “The atmosphere is very dull, nothing but mildly unsettling enemies and poop everywhere.”
    • “The game's atmosphere is dark and gloomy, and so when you die for the 100th time, you are left feeling hopeless.”
  • emotional90 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "The Binding of Isaac" is profoundly impactful, eliciting strong feelings of vulnerability, sadness, and introspection from players. Many reviews highlight the game's haunting atmosphere, complex themes, and the heart-wrenching narrative that explores deep psychological issues, often leaving players in tears. Despite its dark content, the game is described as a unique blend of humor and emotional depth, making it a memorable experience that resonates long after playing.

    • “This game, within the first few rooms, had made me feel vulnerable, scared, and alone.”
    • “The binding of Isaac is a game that is both hauntingly beautiful and disturbingly dark, yet manages to be an incredibly heartfelt experience that leaves a lasting impression on its players.”
    • “The game's symbolism and themes delve into complex psychological and emotional territory, leaving players pondering long after the controller is set down.”
  • optimization88 mentions

    The optimization of the game is widely criticized, primarily due to its reliance on the outdated Flash engine, which leads to significant performance issues such as frame rate drops, stuttering, and slowdowns, even on modern hardware. Many players report that the game becomes unplayable in scenarios with multiple on-screen elements, and while some mods may improve performance, the overall experience remains frustratingly inconsistent. Comparisons to the more optimized "Rebirth" version highlight the original's shortcomings, making it less appealing for new players.

    • “Finally, I recommend using Spidermod when not attempting the new eternal additions due to general performance improvements.”
    • “Rebirth is far more optimized and is more or less a high-quality remake of this game with far more content.”
    • “The controls are fantastic and the game runs smoothly.”
    • “Not sure what they changed, but for some reason this original Binding of Isaac is no longer playable. No way any modern computer should be having frame rate drops on a little 2D sprite game, but it is now impossible with the stuttering and loss of control when the game inexplicably slows down despite my CPU, GPU, and memory all under 10% utilization.”
    • “Terribly optimized for most machines due to the outlandish decision to make this in Flash, which is to say nothing of the player base (which mostly consists of powergaming players).”
    • “The only downside to the game is that it runs in Flash, so it isn't optimized well.”
  • stability82 mentions

    The game's stability is frequently criticized, with many users reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and performance issues such as lag and frame rate drops. While some players find the glitches add to the fun and challenge, others describe them as game-breaking, particularly in harder modes. Overall, the game is seen as unoptimized and prone to crashes, especially given its Flash origins, leading to a mixed reception regarding its stability.

    • “From what I've seen, it is bug free too.”
    • “It runs great and is an easy-to-run game, so you don't need a super computer to run it.”
    • “Well randomized, controls are super responsive, no glitches or lag (that I have ever encountered) and super addictive!”
    • “This game is so buggy it is impossible to play. I take so much damage and die all the time because every minute it stops me from moving or shooting for a few seconds, so I just die. Worst game ever.”
    • “The game doesn't run well and is very buggy.”
    • “It's old, buggy, and laggy as hell.”
  • grinding47 mentions

    Reviews highlight that grinding in the game can be both tedious and time-consuming, often requiring players to invest significant hours to unlock achievements and complete challenges. While some players find the grind rewarding and enjoyable, others describe it as frustrating and overly repetitive, particularly in harder modes where enemy encounters can feel unnecessarily drawn out. Overall, the experience of grinding varies widely, with some appreciating the depth it adds to gameplay, while others feel it detracts from the fun.

    • “The unlocking process isn't tedious or overly difficult, but it is challenging enough to be fun. The Binding of Isaac performs admirably as a provider of 'fun' for those of us who need to sit for moments to evenings at a time.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “This game is grindy, painful, and incredibly frustrating.”
    • “It's normal to not get all of the angel room items while farming the other achievements, and grinding runs for that last missing sacred heart / holy grail can be really tiresome.”
  • character development25 mentions

    Character development in the game is marked by unique and grotesque character designs that effectively enhance the dark atmosphere, creating a haunting experience. While some players appreciate the creativity and variety in character aesthetics, others find the designs unsettling or simplistic. Overall, the character development is seen as decent, with a focus on visual style rather than deep narrative or plot progression, allowing for engaging gameplay through item interactions and character upgrades.

    • “The grotesque and macabre character designs, combined with eerie environments, create a haunting atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.”
    • “Lots of dark humor and great character designs create one 'hell' of an adventure with lots of replay value.”
    • “I love the creativity in character design and the massive variety of items and combinations.”
    • “I hate the art and character designs but love everything else about this game.”
    • “This game doesn't need a huge plot, character development or plot twists, because it's a game you can jump into without needing to know the story.”
    • “Twisted little tale about a sad little boy, who ventures the horrors below and by doing so also becomes a horror of its own... this game has a great retro feeling and a unique style of character development.”
  • monetization5 mentions

    The game is praised for its lack of intrusive microtransactions, being a classic roguelike that predates aggressive monetization strategies. The expansion, "Wrath of the Lamb," is seen as a valuable addition that enhances the overall experience without relying on real-money purchases.

    • “The monetization model is fair and doesn't feel intrusive, allowing players to enjoy the game without feeling pressured to spend money.”
    • “I appreciate that the game offers a variety of cosmetic items for purchase, but they don't affect gameplay balance.”
    • “The in-game purchases are optional and provide a way to support the developers without compromising the overall experience.”
    • “This game is a roguelike made before the blatant cash grabs.”
    • “Does this game use real money for in-game purchases?”
    • “Microtransactions?”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

85% average critic score

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Play time

85hMedian play time
138hAverage play time
24-200hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 133 analyzed playthroughs

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