User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1122 Ratings

User score distribution:

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
  1. Dec 13, 2011
    7
    An amazing game with a drop of humor. It reminds me a lot of Dungeon of Dredmor except this game is simpler and a lot shorter. I was not impressed that the items and cards you collect have no explanation on what they do exactly. I mean at least tell me what they do once I've gone thru a game using one(there are too much to memorize), but no- you are left deciding whether to risk using themAn amazing game with a drop of humor. It reminds me a lot of Dungeon of Dredmor except this game is simpler and a lot shorter. I was not impressed that the items and cards you collect have no explanation on what they do exactly. I mean at least tell me what they do once I've gone thru a game using one(there are too much to memorize), but no- you are left deciding whether to risk using them because a lot of them lead to close death or disappointment. The price is worth it though. Expand
  2. Dec 11, 2011
    10
    This is an excellent game. It's nothing much, but for what it is, it is top notch. A lot of the negative reviewers are A) Hate it because it was developped in part by Edmund McMillan (a creator of Super Meat Boy) or B) don't quite seem to understand that Edmund wasn't TRYING to make a blockbuster game, just a fun, little time waster. Seriously, I've stacked many hours on this game, notThis is an excellent game. It's nothing much, but for what it is, it is top notch. A lot of the negative reviewers are A) Hate it because it was developped in part by Edmund McMillan (a creator of Super Meat Boy) or B) don't quite seem to understand that Edmund wasn't TRYING to make a blockbuster game, just a fun, little time waster. Seriously, I've stacked many hours on this game, not because it was some epic, ultra-game, but because it was fun. Take it at face value, people. It's a 5 dollar game made to chew up just a little bit of your time when you're bored, not meant to consume your entire day. Anyways, as for the game itself, it's a roguelike, top-down dungeon crawler that follows Isaac, a young boy escaping his religious mother in a basement full of monsters. You must then try and survive and, ultimately, destroy your mother. The game generates a new set of dungeons and assigns new unlockables each time you play, so your experience will always differ. It is also worth noting that the soundtrack is top-notch, and the soundtrack version should be purchased, especially when it's only 89 cents. Expand
  3. Dec 1, 2011
    2
    I bought this game after masses of positive critics. To be honest, I was quite disappointed. The story is kinda cute, but this game does not motivate me to play longer than two or three hours.
  4. Dec 1, 2011
    7
    Realtime lightweight roguelike? How's that work then?

    Rogue, for those not blessed with the beard of brian, is a turnbased RPG of such profound depth that it's basically impossible to finish. Each game is procedurally generated, and each turn has so many possible actions that they take an entire keyboard of hotkeys to interact. So how does that translate to the twitch-gaming we've come
    Realtime lightweight roguelike? How's that work then?

    Rogue, for those not blessed with the beard of brian, is a turnbased RPG of such profound depth that it's basically impossible to finish. Each game is procedurally generated, and each turn has so many possible actions that they take an entire keyboard of hotkeys to interact. So how does that translate to the twitch-gaming we've come to expect from the creator of Super Meatboy?

    The answer is that it doesn't. While Binding of Isaac does share familial resemblance to Rogue, it isn't in the depth of options available. At any point, it's still Smash TV-esque run and shoot. Where it is like Rogue is that you will collect many things, and you will die. A lot. And it won't always be your fault, but you'll still start one more game just to see what kind of hellish abomination of death and destruction you'll become this time, before once again you meet a bigger one. It's a game to be played, not a game to be won.

    It's not without flaws, the controls do feel like they should be tighter, and to be honest you generally feel like your weapons are just pissing up the wall - occasionally literally. It's not a game that will dominate your life, but it is probably a game that you'll still be coming back to in six months' time.
    Expand
  5. Nov 30, 2011
    8
    Horrifically morbid, depressing, sad, shocking, funny and hellishly enjoyable. This game is damn hard to get anywhere successfully showing it's rogue-like and Zelda elements. Incredibly budget, but it is a cheap indie game after all. Certainly worth picking up and giving ago, even if it is just to see how dark the game is.
  6. Nov 30, 2011
    8
    When I saw the trailer, I wasn't sure what to think of this game. On the one hand, the music captured my interest within 3 seconds, on the other hand, the actual game play footage looked to minimal. I've played games like Super Meat Boy and I really liked those, but in TBOI even the main character looked half finished.
    Still I bought it and I'm glad I did.
    TBOI is a satirical take on
    When I saw the trailer, I wasn't sure what to think of this game. On the one hand, the music captured my interest within 3 seconds, on the other hand, the actual game play footage looked to minimal. I've played games like Super Meat Boy and I really liked those, but in TBOI even the main character looked half finished.
    Still I bought it and I'm glad I did.

    TBOI is a satirical take on the biblical story with the same name. one day, Isaacâ
    Expand
  7. Nov 28, 2011
    8
    Utterly hard.. but how much fun! This is a kind of game in which you will die a lot. Mastering it will take some time, but it's also pretty enjoyable. Overall randomness makes it all very tempting... to try another time and see what you'll come up with. Random levels, random powerups, random bosses.. You can't beat this game unless you will be ready for EVERY outcome. There's no saves, noUtterly hard.. but how much fun! This is a kind of game in which you will die a lot. Mastering it will take some time, but it's also pretty enjoyable. Overall randomness makes it all very tempting... to try another time and see what you'll come up with. Random levels, random powerups, random bosses.. You can't beat this game unless you will be ready for EVERY outcome. There's no saves, no checkpoints. No easy ways. This is why it keeps you in front of your screen - it's really challenging;) .. And after you beat all 6 levels, there's at least two bonus ones. Not mention the unlockable characters. Only one complain - it's a flash game and flash games have their issues. Oh, well. Go play it. Expand
  8. Nov 27, 2011
    9
    This is a great game, I found the story to be quite amusing and (unlike some others) I realised that it was almost completely satirical and that most of it shouldn't be taken too seriously.
    For a game made by just two people this is really great.
  9. Nov 25, 2011
    1
    The goal is not obvious or interesting enough to keep you wanting to play. The controls are not very fun to use, and I find at first it can be confusing with the walk controls being A, S, W and D and the arrows keys being used to fire (sort of like rubbing your belly and patting your head.) I am also not a fan of the music or grotesque art style which felt very immature and did my eyes in.The goal is not obvious or interesting enough to keep you wanting to play. The controls are not very fun to use, and I find at first it can be confusing with the walk controls being A, S, W and D and the arrows keys being used to fire (sort of like rubbing your belly and patting your head.) I am also not a fan of the music or grotesque art style which felt very immature and did my eyes in. Was recommended it by a friend, but the only perks selling this game seem to be the difficulty and randomly generated rooms, which in my opinion are also below par. Expand
  10. Nov 22, 2011
    4
    I loved Super Meat Boy but I hate this. The shooting is so generic. Super Meat Boy felt like a properly brilliant game despite essentially being a Flash game and I felt like it was worth my money. This feels so unoriginal in its gameplay that it doesn't deserve a price, it should just be an online free flash game. Not to mention the fact that it is just twisted and just weird.....I don'tI loved Super Meat Boy but I hate this. The shooting is so generic. Super Meat Boy felt like a properly brilliant game despite essentially being a Flash game and I felt like it was worth my money. This feels so unoriginal in its gameplay that it doesn't deserve a price, it should just be an online free flash game. Not to mention the fact that it is just twisted and just weird.....I don't mind the violence but just....the weirdness.. Expand
  11. Nov 21, 2011
    10
    i will start by just saying this game is great. it will definitely be on my top ten list of the year. however when i first got this game i agreed with kazan. i was unclear on basically everything, though i slowly began to understand, but for those of you that enjoy dungeon crawlers this game just works. you start without power ups and slowly find better equipment. this is also ani will start by just saying this game is great. it will definitely be on my top ten list of the year. however when i first got this game i agreed with kazan. i was unclear on basically everything, though i slowly began to understand, but for those of you that enjoy dungeon crawlers this game just works. you start without power ups and slowly find better equipment. this is also an incredibly hard game. it's presentation does not lie, with a difficulty this high it must be a friend of satans. Expand
  12. Nov 21, 2011
    9
    This game is amazing! And for only $5! It starts out hard and a little slow but once you figure out what your doing and really get into it you will have a blast! Theres a bunch of different items and power ups, the bosses are original and have a lot of variety and the graphics aren't perfect but they do the job and they have there own little shine to them. Something that I find interestingThis game is amazing! And for only $5! It starts out hard and a little slow but once you figure out what your doing and really get into it you will have a blast! Theres a bunch of different items and power ups, the bosses are original and have a lot of variety and the graphics aren't perfect but they do the job and they have there own little shine to them. Something that I find interesting about this game is the extreme amount of satanic themes and references. I also love how they took a lot of influence from classic Zelda. Definitely worth the $5. I reccomend this to anyone. Expand
  13. Nov 21, 2011
    10
    I'm totally fond off this game. She's dangerously addictive ! Yes, it's very hard. Yes you will die and losse... often.
    But it's fun, it's rich, it's various. The music is amazing, the graphisms are lovely horrible.
    The game play is fantastic. You learn at each party something on the game, a new item, a new tips, a new mob and his I.A.
    Its a real pleasure... and I'm impatient to play it again.
  14. Nov 18, 2011
    10
    I've logged about 22 hours in Binding of Isaac in a little over a week, and I can safely say that not only is this game incredibly fun it's also very addicting. The replay value is endless, and even after having completed it a few times the randomized nature of every game makes it so that it's not boring in the slightest to play through again (plus, new rewards unlocked for each subsequentI've logged about 22 hours in Binding of Isaac in a little over a week, and I can safely say that not only is this game incredibly fun it's also very addicting. The replay value is endless, and even after having completed it a few times the randomized nature of every game makes it so that it's not boring in the slightest to play through again (plus, new rewards unlocked for each subsequent completion). Highly recommended to anyone interested in this type of game. Expand
  15. Nov 14, 2011
    10
    Fun, but really, really grim. Also somewhat difficult when you first start.

    So it's a roguelike in that the dungeons are randomly generated, and typically if you die you have to start over. The game's somewhat short, so not being able to save isn't a big deal. Now while the game is short, it has a lot of replay value. The more things you do, the more items you unlock so they have a
    Fun, but really, really grim. Also somewhat difficult when you first start.

    So it's a roguelike in that the dungeons are randomly generated, and typically if you die you have to start over. The game's somewhat short, so not being able to save isn't a big deal.

    Now while the game is short, it has a lot of replay value. The more things you do, the more items you unlock so they have a chance of spawning in future playthroughs. Also more monsters, and new characters to play. There's also another two floors that appear after you "win" once, and then another even harder floor after that.

    All in all, I don't really have any complaints. I just wish there was more content, since I think I've unlocked most of it. But Steam says I've played for 20 hours, so I think I got my $5 worth.
    Expand
  16. Nov 11, 2011
    8
    At 5 dollars, The Binding of Issac is one of those little gems that pays for itself within a few minutes. The initial play through in my opinion is too short. From start to finish it's only about 20 - 25 min in length. Of course that's when you manage to not die over and over and over. After you manage to beat the game the first time, is when Isaac really begins to shine. There are two newAt 5 dollars, The Binding of Issac is one of those little gems that pays for itself within a few minutes. The initial play through in my opinion is too short. From start to finish it's only about 20 - 25 min in length. Of course that's when you manage to not die over and over and over. After you manage to beat the game the first time, is when Isaac really begins to shine. There are two new levels added that really make the game even more difficult by having you take double the damage of the other levels. Not to mention that there are new bosses, including the four horsemen of the apocalypse. There are several items to start out, but as you beat the game again and again, new items and characters will unlock, providing even more fun. One of the detracting features, as mentioned before, is the difficulty. I personally like a challenging game, but when it takes you two or more hours to beat the game for the first time,considering how small it is, and after dying more times than I can count, it really makes it frustrating, and difficult to buckle down and start from scratch time after time. However, after you do manage to beat it, the feeling of overwhelming accomplishment is more than enough to convince me to keep playing. Another detracting feature is the redundancy of the soundtrack. While the music they have is great, and really sets the tone for the game, they could really benefit from producing more tracks. Expand
  17. Nov 10, 2011
    8
    A really well made game, except it suffers from the technical issue that probably is due to the flash.
    It also put a lot of stress onto the eyes, which doesn't happen to me except DJ max for 2 hours straight.
  18. Nov 10, 2011
    9
    This game is fun, lots of items that you can get/unlock lots of monsters. It has quite much content. It is damn hard at the start and you will die a lot, but keep trying!
  19. Nov 9, 2011
    9
    The best deal (prize) i ever made ...i bouth it on steam for 5 euro and already played around 75 hours ! It´s charming and humourous,although the main reason to play this game on a nd on is testing the dozens of different randomly given items amd to chieve every damn achievemt in this game...it´s great...the story is thrown at you in a few sentences,the graphicsThe best deal (prize) i ever made ...i bouth it on steam for 5 euro and already played around 75 hours ! It´s charming and humourous,although the main reason to play this game on a nd on is testing the dozens of different randomly given items amd to chieve every damn achievemt in this game...it´s great...the story is thrown at you in a few sentences,the graphics are nothing phenomenal nor anything like that as you can see in screenshots,and the sound is nothing more than ok...but somehow the gameplay,even if its as simple as pressing for keys for walking,4 keys for shooting in different angles adn space for the use of items it always gets me back playing this game... Expand
  20. Nov 9, 2011
    10
    The Binding of Isaac is nothing short of perfect. Having played Super Meat Boy and loving it i then saw The Binding of Isaac was by one of the same makers so i gave it a chance, at such a low price it was worth the gamble. At first i didn't think it would be that good especially with only having 4 chapters to complete (now 5 after the halloween update) which i thought i would haveThe Binding of Isaac is nothing short of perfect. Having played Super Meat Boy and loving it i then saw The Binding of Isaac was by one of the same makers so i gave it a chance, at such a low price it was worth the gamble. At first i didn't think it would be that good especially with only having 4 chapters to complete (now 5 after the halloween update) which i thought i would have completed by the end of the day, how wrong i was, each chapter is split into 2 levels and can be easy or very hard depending of how your rooms have randomly generated, because of random generation this game allows for an unending amount of replayability with the same amount of fun if not more each time you play. So many different enemy each being able to show in multiple colours with a different effect for each one, over 100 items to collect that you wont collect in just a few playthroughs, each item when used with other items can lead to amazing or not so good combinations. Bosses that will get you on the edge of your seat not to mention the addition of alternate bosses, mini bosses, the four horseman and Satan. If you don't like this game then i would say it's the genre you don't like, but if you love this genre of game then prepare for days and days (not hours) of endless and rewards gaming. Expand
  21. Nov 9, 2011
    8
    The Binding of Isaac is a great game with a lot of replay value for its price.
    Before picking this up you need to know that it's a hard game with permanent death, which means if you die you die, no respawning. This is not a problem most of the time since the levels are randomly generated, however sometimes you feel like it's a bit too random and it can get frustrating if you only get weak
    The Binding of Isaac is a great game with a lot of replay value for its price.
    Before picking this up you need to know that it's a hard game with permanent death, which means if you die you die, no respawning. This is not a problem most of the time since the levels are randomly generated, however sometimes you feel like it's a bit too random and it can get frustrating if you only get weak items or can't reach items.

    This makes The Binding of Isaac a very unbalanced game, one playthrough you might have got all the powerful items and are plowing through the levels without taking any damage and the next time you'll barely hurt the bosses with your tears (projectiles).

    If you're brave enough to jump into a hard game with permanent death and can see beyond the balancing issues The Binding of Isaac is a great game, you won't find a game with more play value for the $/â
    Expand
  22. Nov 8, 2011
    7
    Sleek and simple, yet deep and complex at the same time. A wonderful blend of both roguelike and the 2D Zelda games of old. Its not something you'll spend countless hours at a time with, rather you'll say "Oh, I've got half an hour on hand, I'll try my hand at this game again"

    My only complaints are that the FPS often drops when there are multiple projectiles on the screen at once, and
    Sleek and simple, yet deep and complex at the same time. A wonderful blend of both roguelike and the 2D Zelda games of old. Its not something you'll spend countless hours at a time with, rather you'll say "Oh, I've got half an hour on hand, I'll try my hand at this game again"

    My only complaints are that the FPS often drops when there are multiple projectiles on the screen at once, and that (for me at least) it is an easy game once you take 5 minutes to figure out the basics. After dying twice, I was able to beat the game on my third try. Nevertheless, I still play it just to see the different combinations of items.
    Expand
  23. Nov 8, 2011
    7
    During my adventures with The Binding of Isaac, I had fun. It is a very hard game (a huge plus for me) and was very enjoyable. I will admit, I'm sick of seeing flash games you can find on Newgrounds being sold as stand alone pc games though.
  24. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    Binding of Issac is the perfect game for me, it has that little dash of it's own humor that every game needs to stand on it's own, and I find the story a fun idea to wrestle with. What starts out as a simple top-down "shooter" becomes a quest to unlock and secret your way through various dungeons on a quest for completion. I would recommend this game even if it cost 15$ because it is just so fun.
  25. Nov 8, 2011
    10
    It's pathetic that not many people seem understanding this game very well...well not that I am accusing their intellegent faculty, but The Binding of Issac does have a relatively steep learning curve and understanding curve, a few may be too arrogant to be preched. My experience from nearly 100 times attemps with a K/D ratio of 0.4 tells me the game that the game itself is far more deepIt's pathetic that not many people seem understanding this game very well...well not that I am accusing their intellegent faculty, but The Binding of Issac does have a relatively steep learning curve and understanding curve, a few may be too arrogant to be preched. My experience from nearly 100 times attemps with a K/D ratio of 0.4 tells me the game that the game itself is far more deep and sophisticated than my expectation would be-- Edmund's art and sense of humour did convince me to continuously look into those about the cultural, biblical, anecdotal, satanical references. Its a shame that those who cannot play but also read(observe) beyond the lines are criticizing this game here.
    The Binding of Issac does have some programming issues, bugs are reported constantly yet they are fixed allegedly on the day after. They are the only downfall of this game I believe, but I admire the developer's spirit of correcting them, unlike Techland and any other irresponsible producers.
    People talked about the inventory management and its mimicry towards Zelda and smashTV etc, I have played every single titles they talked about yet I am feeling the oringinality here, simply because of the depth of the story (which some of them dont get at all), references, and neatly designed "1-life-playthrough" concept; sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you dont, just like Dungeons of Dredmor and authentic "rogue-like" games, yet whoever says the combat and drops is just about mashing keyboards, you are insulting the time and enjoyment I input in this game.
    Expand
  26. Nov 8, 2011
    3
    Compared to other 'flash' games like Castle Crashers you see how boring this game really is. Unless you really love **** blood and dungeons, give this crap a miss
  27. Nov 5, 2011
    10
    I love this game. It's awesome with a few beers and a partner to turnsies with and to spot collectibles for you on the Isaac wiki (http://bindingofisaac.wikia.com/wiki/The_Binding_of_Isaac_Wiki). Love the music, the loop is not annoying at all. The art design is so flippin cute and evil. Don't take the story to seriously, this isn't a $100 game you've been waiting 5 years to play. It's allI love this game. It's awesome with a few beers and a partner to turnsies with and to spot collectibles for you on the Isaac wiki (http://bindingofisaac.wikia.com/wiki/The_Binding_of_Isaac_Wiki). Love the music, the loop is not annoying at all. The art design is so flippin cute and evil. Don't take the story to seriously, this isn't a $100 game you've been waiting 5 years to play. It's all about gameplay and style with the binding of isacc. Anyone giving lower than 8 doesn't understand it's purpose. Expand
  28. Nov 5, 2011
    8
    The Binding of Isaac is a fun little Indie game, I had my doubts about this game at first because of the bland story line and the short length of the game but when I played it it was hard to stop. The game was Rogue-Like concept this makes the game much more challenging and addictive. The art of this game is quite simple yet also depressing, its not every day you would play a game with aThe Binding of Isaac is a fun little Indie game, I had my doubts about this game at first because of the bland story line and the short length of the game but when I played it it was hard to stop. The game was Rogue-Like concept this makes the game much more challenging and addictive. The art of this game is quite simple yet also depressing, its not every day you would play a game with a absurd amount of blood, tears and turds but this just portrays how unique and fun it is. The Binding of Isaac randomly spawns the structure of the dungeons, monsters, items, bosses and power-ups for each game play so each play through would bring new challenges. I could rant on about how good this game is, I highly recommend this to newbies or veterans who just want to reminisce. Expand
  29. Nov 3, 2011
    2
    A flash game ,but nothing of it reminds me on super meat boy, which has an extraordinary control !
    the music and sounds are not very likeable. The idea is a strange story with strange figures.
    You can see hanged figures on rooms where to buy or upgrade. I don´t find it culty or very original. the controls is extremely rubbish espec. when more than 2 enemys are to fight... in
    A flash game ,but nothing of it reminds me on super meat boy, which has an extraordinary control !
    the music and sounds are not very likeable. The idea is a strange story with strange figures.
    You can see hanged figures on rooms where to buy or upgrade. I don´t find it culty or very original.
    the controls is extremely rubbish espec. when more than 2 enemys are to fight... in the forum people mean it´s, because of flash programming...Sorry, but I don´t understand the hype of Isaak dying on & on
    Expand
  30. Nov 2, 2011
    5
    This game, in a nutshell, involves controlling a character through a set of interlocked, randomly generated rooms, each of which is full of enemies and blocks in the style of an old school Zelda dungeon (aside from the fact that every room is the exact same size and shape). As you explore these interlocked rooms, you control your character with WASD and fire with the arrows. You can pickThis game, in a nutshell, involves controlling a character through a set of interlocked, randomly generated rooms, each of which is full of enemies and blocks in the style of an old school Zelda dungeon (aside from the fact that every room is the exact same size and shape). As you explore these interlocked rooms, you control your character with WASD and fire with the arrows. You can pick up various drops: coins, health, power up items, and equipment upgrades. As you progress, you encounter new enemies, bosses, and random mini-bosses. But that's about the extent of it. There's really not a lot going on here. There is no reason to call this a bad game. It is good at what it does, but it is an extremely minimal game. Some would praise the twisted story and artwork, whereas I am constantly torn between what I see as a hint of a twisted vision (i.e., art) and just a bunch of poop and gore in an experience that is barely a game. I am not surprised to find that the binding of isaac has good scores here, since like I said it's definitely not bad. But I am surprised that the vast majority of people consider this an 8 to 10 range game. It's a good game, but I don't think it is worth even $5. I can play more interesting games than this for free in my browser, and I wouldn't even lose much in quality. In short, this game certainly has style, but as a game, it is more of a Newgrounds sort of a game than a commercial game. Definitely try the demo before buying. Expand
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 30
  2. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Mar 19, 2012
    83
    The Binding of Isaac looks like an old school game like the original Zeldas, but with a dark scenario and dark humor. It has the typical difficulty of a McMillen game, which is not found anywhere else these days. This game will motivate you to try and try again in such a simple way – just brilliant. If you like the style and the old school gameplay of The Binding of Isaac, you'll have a lot of fun with it.
  2. Mar 10, 2012
    90
    One may play for an hour or two, but they're constantly tempted to go back in and uncover the scads of remaining secrets. It's a style of game that really intrigues me, and one I want to see more of
  3. Feb 28, 2012
    87
    Zelda meets Robotron: Isaac celebrates old school topdown action in randomly generated dungeons.