The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth

 PC
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 893 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 756 out of 893
  2. Mixed: 55 out of 893
  3. Negative: 82 out of 893

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  1. Annoymous1
    Mar 6, 2015
    8
    Immersive game indeed, and one of the few good flash games for PC (if you can call it that). It improved from the last game, and the story was definitely well-executed. Only downside? The surprising difficulty.
  2. VirtualHarrison
    Feb 26, 2015
    9
    The original Binding of Isaac was by far my favorite rogue-like game, and i spent 100+ hours on it just trying to get all the items and even get to the very final boss; needless to say it was a gem of a game. So when I heard there was a sequel coming out I feared it would be too similar to the original and just be a rehash of old ideas. I'm glad to say that I was so wrong. While the basicThe original Binding of Isaac was by far my favorite rogue-like game, and i spent 100+ hours on it just trying to get all the items and even get to the very final boss; needless to say it was a gem of a game. So when I heard there was a sequel coming out I feared it would be too similar to the original and just be a rehash of old ideas. I'm glad to say that I was so wrong. While the basic fundamentals of the game are still there, it added so much new content that I don't even care. With over 400+ items to collect, tons of bosses, lots of extra challenges, and infinite replayability, this game gives so much for just the small price tag of 15$. If you were like me and experienced lag from time to time in the original, fear not! The game is locked at 60 FPS so you'll always get a smooth gameplay from start to finish. There's just so much to this game that I can't even list everything this game has to offer. Just believe all the positive reviews and pick this game up as soon as you get the chance.… Expand
  3. rodericrinehart
    Feb 7, 2015
    9
    This was a fun game but also challenging. It offers a good mix of replayability and difficulty. It is better than the original and I am looking forward to see what else the developer will be doing!
  4. EvilstuffGaming
    Feb 7, 2015
    8
    Considering the step "down" from graphics and music (depending on opinion) it really could have turned out worse. Though it relies heavily on whether the game wants you to get good items or not, there is still a large amount of strategy and new content. If you don't like the music, there's a mod on Reddit to change it to the original.
  5. museanima
    Jan 31, 2015
    2
    This game is just boring. Go room to room in a boring map, hate the keyboard controls, kill stuff that mostly looks the same, boring grey monsters, get stuff that I don't know what to do with, die constantly. Boring.
  6. satanas666
    Jan 28, 2015
    10
    Best game ever IGN 10/10!
    Best game ever IGN 10/10!
    Best game ever IGN 10/10!Best game ever IGN 10/10!Best game ever IGN 10/10!Best game ever IGN 10/10!Best game ever IGN 10/10!Best game ever IGN 10/10!Best game ever IGN 10/10!
  7. Tb87670
    Jan 27, 2015
    6
    Catch this on sale, don't pay retail full price. Most things were improved but this took a step back in a few ways. There have been many times now I ran into rooms where you are forced to take damage with no way to avoid it no matter how 'good' you are. Difficulty is jumped up through the moon compared to the first game, as if this one expects you to be a pro in the original to play thisCatch this on sale, don't pay retail full price. Most things were improved but this took a step back in a few ways. There have been many times now I ran into rooms where you are forced to take damage with no way to avoid it no matter how 'good' you are. Difficulty is jumped up through the moon compared to the first game, as if this one expects you to be a pro in the original to play this one. Graphics look worse with pixelation but the game runs better because of it, runs much faster and smoother. I will give it that. But the asking price is too much. The cheese-crappy mechanics that made the original annoying still make this one annoying. I repeat what I said first: Catch on sale.… Expand
  8. silane
    Jan 24, 2015
    10
    Typically when I rate a game, it's based on hours of enjoyment per dollar spent. Some of the very worst for me are Brink and Diablo 3, which were both expensive, and dull. One of the very best games for me has been Binding of Isaac: Rebirth. It cost me a measly $15 dollars, and has rewarded me with about 50 hours of entertainment. (I expect another 50 before it's worn out). UnfortunatelyTypically when I rate a game, it's based on hours of enjoyment per dollar spent. Some of the very worst for me are Brink and Diablo 3, which were both expensive, and dull. One of the very best games for me has been Binding of Isaac: Rebirth. It cost me a measly $15 dollars, and has rewarded me with about 50 hours of entertainment. (I expect another 50 before it's worn out). Unfortunately the music was slightly inferior to the original game, which makes it a 9.9 out of 10, (which clearly rounds up to 10).… Expand
  9. Nintendont
    Jan 23, 2015
    2
    I really wonder what's in the water these days for people to be so mindlessly entertained by this drivel. When I play it I feel I am a special child being taught basic cognitive skills by a game probably designed for precisely that purpose. Maybe Pewdewpie can salvage this wreckage by making a funny video about it. The most fun I had was uninstalling it.
  10. DeadPudding
    Jan 20, 2015
    10
    Binding of Isaac :Rebirth

    One of my personal favorite games the original was really interesting and new to me and now a new refined version of the original 60 frames more balanced bosses and enemy's with retro new look heavy Zelda Inspired dungeons in it with the addition of even more content from the already monumental Items pool creating new things to do for the veteran Isaac players.
  11. spageopriya12
    Jan 11, 2015
    8
    This article is about the 2014 remake. For the original video game, see The Binding of Isaac.
    [hide]The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
    Developer(s) Nicalis Distributor(s) Sony (PS4/PS3/PS Vita) Valve Corporation (Steam) Designer(s) Edmund McMillen Composer(s) Matthias Bossi Jon Evans Platform(s) Microsoft Windows, OS X, GNU/Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita Release date(s)    This article is about the 2014 remake. For the original video game, see The Binding of Isaac.
    [hide]The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
    Developer(s) Nicalis
    Distributor(s) Sony (PS4/PS3/PS Vita)
    Valve Corporation (Steam)
    Designer(s) Edmund McMillen
    Composer(s) Matthias Bossi
    Jon Evans
    Platform(s) Microsoft Windows, OS X, GNU/Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita
    Release date(s) November 4, 2014
    Genre(s) Action-adventure, dungeon crawler, roguelike
    Mode(s) Single-player, co-op
    The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is a remake of The Binding of Isaac developed by Nicalis and designed by Edmund McMillen. The game was released on November 4, 2014, and is available on Microsoft Windows, OS X, GNU/Linux, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita.    … Expand
  12. mrpinsky
    Jan 11, 2015
    10
    Isaac is my favourite game from the last couple of years, and easily the best indie game of 2014. It it vastly superior to the original Flash game in pretty much every way. What really shines in this, and is notoriously lacking in AAA products these days, is the very well designed gameplay mechanics. The way the game is designed makes sure that it keeps feeling fresh and keeps surprisingIsaac is my favourite game from the last couple of years, and easily the best indie game of 2014. It it vastly superior to the original Flash game in pretty much every way. What really shines in this, and is notoriously lacking in AAA products these days, is the very well designed gameplay mechanics. The way the game is designed makes sure that it keeps feeling fresh and keeps surprising you even after many hours of gameplay. The vast item pool, random dungeons, challenges etc. make sure that there is almost infinite game play in this.

    A minor complaint is that the pixel graphics chosen for Rebirth is not a good fit. This is because many things in the game, e.g. tears, are dynamically scaled in size. This leads to inconsistent pixel resolution on various elements on screen, which causes a graphical mess. Going with pixel graphics is fine, in my opinion, but then they should have made sure that everything is in a consistent resolution.

    Bottom line: this is a clear 10/10 for me. Totally addictive.    … Expand
  13. kyle242gt
    Jan 9, 2015
    10
    A+. I love it and play at work on breaks. My 12yo loves it and started his own saves. My 9yo lurks constantly but my wife thinks it's too freaky. She's right.
    Well worth the $10 or so on Steam.
  14. Gowther
    Jan 3, 2015
    9
    After spending hours upon hours into this game I have come to the conclusion that it quite possibly is some of the most fun I have had on Steam. Easy to pick up, hard to master; add a huge amount of content and you have The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth.
  15. savionen
    Dec 30, 2014
    7
    Maybe it's because I didn't get into Binding of Isaac til about 6 months ago, but too much of the game is just a re-hash. It doesn't feel like it adds much to the original game. You'd probably get more enjoyment out of this game if you never played the original.
  16. Orderan
    Dec 29, 2014
    9
    "Rebirth" is perfectly fitting for this game title. After having bought and played with the first one roughly a hundred hours, I was afraid it would just be a "redone" cash-grabbing with slightly better garphics and a few new options and that's all. I found out it is the exact opposite.

    The gameplay in itself is richer, since there is a alot more of everything, from items to characters    "Rebirth" is perfectly fitting for this game title. After having bought and played with the first one roughly a hundred hours, I was afraid it would just be a "redone" cash-grabbing with slightly better garphics and a few new options and that's all. I found out it is the exact opposite.

    The gameplay in itself is richer, since there is a alot more of everything, from items to characters to room configuration. The items interactions with each other are more marked, giving some weird, fun and sometime unplayable results. As such, you feel even more the differences there can be between two runs.

    The coop mode could use some work though, as one player is still a subaltern to the other.

    Basically, even if you own the first, there is enough difference to justify a purchase.    … Expand
  17. gabriot
    Dec 26, 2014
    10
    It has been years since I was so pleasantly surprised by how good a game can be. I was a fan of wrath of the lamb, but this game just takes that and absolutely perfects upon it.

    Everything about this game is amazing. The soundtrack is incredible, the artwork music and gameplay are oozing with originality (something that the gaming industry lacks these days). My only qualm is that    It has been years since I was so pleasantly surprised by how good a game can be. I was a fan of wrath of the lamb, but this game just takes that and absolutely perfects upon it.

    Everything about this game is amazing. The soundtrack is incredible, the artwork music and gameplay are oozing with originality (something that the gaming industry lacks these days).

    My only qualm is that you can't get more than 2 rows of hearts anymore, I guess that is a balance decision but personally one I don't feel was necessary. Other than that, every single change makes perfect sense though.

    There is so much content that I don't think there is a single game in the history of gaming that can possibly top this in terms of the price you pay for the game compared to how much replay value you can get.

    And would you believe that there are no microtransactions in this day an age!? Woah, what a concept!

    This game rules, plain and simple, I generally hate most games these days but this one shines forth strongly amidst a sea of mediocre games that came out in the last few years as a truly bright spot and incredibly well done game.    … Expand
  18. Lambo442
    Dec 22, 2014
    10
    I got to the first real boss fight at the end of the first stage and I got stomped on and killed by a very fat leg. Obviously I wasn't as geared up as I thought and I'm going to have to revaluate my strategy. A very addictive game with some very imaginative, twisted and disturbing art work and a soundtrack that gets under your skin. Just watch the teaser trailer on YouTube and you'll get aI got to the first real boss fight at the end of the first stage and I got stomped on and killed by a very fat leg. Obviously I wasn't as geared up as I thought and I'm going to have to revaluate my strategy. A very addictive game with some very imaginative, twisted and disturbing art work and a soundtrack that gets under your skin. Just watch the teaser trailer on YouTube and you'll get a flavour of it. I'm really happy these great little original games are still being made. Retro all the way… Expand
  19. DivineAxiom
    Dec 19, 2014
    9
    It's amazing how many improvements have been made to the game since the original. While the game is not perfect, it's definitely one of my personal favorites. Easily one of the best remakes made in a LONG time.
  20. ToFewViews
    Dec 17, 2014
    8
    This is a highly addictive and challenging game, with some of the creepiest and weird characters I've seen in a video game. It's game-play is very difficult/Fast paced at times and keeps you thinking. It has a map layout similar to the original Legend of Zelda but slightly more dungeon like, many will find this layout very familiar and easy to navigate. The art in this game is what reallyThis is a highly addictive and challenging game, with some of the creepiest and weird characters I've seen in a video game. It's game-play is very difficult/Fast paced at times and keeps you thinking. It has a map layout similar to the original Legend of Zelda but slightly more dungeon like, many will find this layout very familiar and easy to navigate. The art in this game is what really gets most people's attention and it's beautiful, Very Creepy/Out there but it works well when the whole game comes together.
    If you a fan of addictive/fast paced top down shooters , Indie games or even just the art I would recommend you give this game a try for yourself.    … Expand
  21. VicodinTaco
    Dec 16, 2014
    4
    The ambiance and setting for the story in this game is GREAT. No argument there. HOWEVER, I should have done a little more research on this game before I purchased it. I read in one review "The Binding of Isaac is a randomly generated action RPG shooter with heavy Rogue-like elements."

    I thought that sounded great but upon playing the game it feels like a relic. VERY basic controls    The ambiance and setting for the story in this game is GREAT. No argument there. HOWEVER, I should have done a little more research on this game before I purchased it. I read in one review "The Binding of Isaac is a randomly generated action RPG shooter with heavy Rogue-like elements."

    I thought that sounded great but upon playing the game it feels like a relic. VERY basic controls and not a whole lot of RPG. I've been gaming for about 30 years and I think I just desire a more complex game experience. Like I said, nothing against the superb mood and setting but I should have done more research into how this game plays. It's definitely a first-gen play style. LOOK into it before you buy on the HYPE.    … Expand
  22. HopelessGamer
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    Simple, addictive, rage inducing

    I bloody love it.
    Randomly generated levels
    Interesting creature designs

    80 hours in and still haven't unlocked everything
  23. hlaalu
    Dec 11, 2014
    10
    It's like the original, but better: more content and a faster and prettier game engine. It's got dark humor that millennials and the Internet generation will grok. If you like dark humor, shmup, roguelike, bullet hell, lowbrow humor, and difficult progression, this game might be right for you.
  24. nerwus
    Dec 10, 2014
    9
    Didn't like it at the beginning , 50 hours in and love it now . Amount of content is just massive . Really great game , you won't regret your purchase
  25. Pooki
    Dec 6, 2014
    8
    This is a amazing game. i thought it just looked stupid, but when i played it was just great. I was in a skype call with my friends and we played the same seeds for hours. Probably the most replay value game i have ever played. All the upgrades and testing have been so much fun. I recommend you to get this game because you will be on it for hours. Best money ever spent! Just if it hadThis is a amazing game. i thought it just looked stupid, but when i played it was just great. I was in a skype call with my friends and we played the same seeds for hours. Probably the most replay value game i have ever played. All the upgrades and testing have been so much fun. I recommend you to get this game because you will be on it for hours. Best money ever spent! Just if it had online multiplayer, i would give it 10 because i think its a big feature not to have.… Expand
  26. deskrit
    Nov 29, 2014
    0
    The game no longer has mouse aiming. In fact, the mouse is completely unused, even the menus are fully keyboard or gamepad driven. If you, like many, have hundreds of hours in BOI Vanilla with the mouse + KB then this is a purchase you should most certainly skip. Its an absolute deal breaker, and I wish I had realized before giving the developer money for this game.
  27. Konstanton
    Nov 25, 2014
    10
    Holy f*ck! 10 McMillens out of 10. Hardcore action-rouge-like everyone should play, even if he played original. It is challenging, it is entertaining and good-looking. Worth buying.
  28. Dr_Fetus
    Nov 24, 2014
    10
    It's back. It's bigger, and to continue my cheesy alliteration, it is indeed better.

    Graphically, there is some improvement, mainly in the lighting. Some meaning that the style is different and in my opinion is an improvement over the 2011 original. The story is the same, but more items and monsters (including bosses) ensures that this game is not just a re-skinned copy of the original    It's back. It's bigger, and to continue my cheesy alliteration, it is indeed better.

    Graphically, there is some improvement, mainly in the lighting. Some meaning that the style is different and in my opinion is an improvement over the 2011 original. The story is the same, but more items and monsters (including bosses) ensures that this game is not just a re-skinned copy of the original (cue CoD jokes). Replayability is even better and more enticing. You cannot just play one round (unless you're grouchy and fail miserably. Come back tomorrow!)

    Buying this game may however make you stupid. Yes, you will play it too much and lose focus on your school work. You have been warned!    … Expand
  29. Smartmilk32
    Nov 21, 2014
    9
    Binding of isaac rebirth is a rogue-like(death erase you character so if you dont like losing all progress isen't the perfect game for you)doungeon crawling game with simple comands you just shot projectiles and find treasures who make your look different and upgrading your projectiles,give you companions(babies),or other *cool stuffs to five them to your cat Guppy when you die.The wordBinding of isaac rebirth is a rogue-like(death erase you character so if you dont like losing all progress isen't the perfect game for you)doungeon crawling game with simple comands you just shot projectiles and find treasures who make your look different and upgrading your projectiles,give you companions(babies),or other *cool stuffs to five them to your cat Guppy when you die.The word is generated be thousands of seeds making a new games alway different from the previous ones making replayability huge.They must be kidding making a 15$ dollars game with so much contest,the only *fatal flaw* is the graphic they could do better but still is a upgrade for the original version.If you dont belive me try the free demo this game is awesome but they could do better… Expand
  30. ultimadwarf
    Nov 19, 2014
    9
    Great! Absolutely great! This this is exactly the same as the original but with added features. New additions include the capability of up to 3 save files at once, being able to close the game and click continue the next time you play rather than having to finish the run on the spot, aswell as bigger rooms, more items, more enemies, re-mastered pixelated versions of the games art andGreat! Absolutely great! This this is exactly the same as the original but with added features. New additions include the capability of up to 3 save files at once, being able to close the game and click continue the next time you play rather than having to finish the run on the spot, aswell as bigger rooms, more items, more enemies, re-mastered pixelated versions of the games art and design plus a new engine. The new engine allows for some pretty cool effects but the biggest upside to the new engine is the fact the game doesn't lag much now and runs at 60fps rather feeling like it's locked at 30 like the original. The original feels extremely slow and sluggish compared to Rebirth.

    The only major problem I have is the music. It isn't the original. It's new music which is nice but the new music, while some of it does sound cool and reminds me of Terraria, it doesn't feel like it goes with the game.

    Pros
    -New Graphics
    -New Content
    -New Mechanics
    -Multiple Saves
    -New Engine allowing for silky smooth 60 FPS, no more sluggishness

    Cons
    -Good but out of place music    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best PC Game of 2014
39
#39 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014
55
#55 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Games.cz
    Mar 10, 2015
    80
    The excellent rogue-like horror came back to life with a new engine and lots of changes. Thanks to that, the game is a little more accessible, but still you will not get anything for free. Gameplay is great, Isaac’s torture still hurts and a joy of any tiny success will please you greatly. The Binding of Isaac is recommended by eight out of ten child psychiatrists.
    Read full review
  2. Riot Pixels
    Feb 26, 2015
    85
    Of all the remakes that were released in 2014, The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is truly a born again game. What once was just a sketch, turned into a beautiful painting.
    Read full review
  3. CD-Action
    Feb 7, 2015
    60
    It introduces a lot of new content but other than that is worth than the original game in almost every aspect. [01/2015, p.73]
See all critic reviews »