The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth +

 Switch
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 324 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 271 out of 324
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 324
  3. Negative: 31 out of 324
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  1. holnugget
    Mar 17, 2017
    10
    This is the ULTIMATE version of The Binding of Isaac and has all the DLC and expansions. The pre-order version or first 2,000+ copies have an instruction booklet, stickers, and a reversible box sleeve/artwork. The game is amazing fun and with all the random dungeons, will provide hundreds of hours of gameplay. Having this on a cartridge (which is how I purchased) helps save space on theThis is the ULTIMATE version of The Binding of Isaac and has all the DLC and expansions. The pre-order version or first 2,000+ copies have an instruction booklet, stickers, and a reversible box sleeve/artwork. The game is amazing fun and with all the random dungeons, will provide hundreds of hours of gameplay. Having this on a cartridge (which is how I purchased) helps save space on the internal memory. The expansions are simply more of the original and add quantity to the experience. As an indie game it feels big budget. With Best Buy's GCU discount, I got it for $31+tax. Well worth it for a boxed version with cartridge and limited edition instruction manual. Reminds me of gaming in the early 90s.… Expand
  2. wigzisonfire
    Apr 27, 2017
    10
    I had put 400+ hours into BOI: Rebirth on Steam, so I was skeptical if it would be worth me paying the full price for this on Switch. Still, I purchased it anyway 'cos the game is that damn good! HOW WRONG I WAS! I have already sunk 200+ hours into the Switch version, the portable version of BOI on Switch is hands down the best way for this game to be played and enjoyed!

    Was it worth    I had put 400+ hours into BOI: Rebirth on Steam, so I was skeptical if it would be worth me paying the full price for this on Switch. Still, I purchased it anyway 'cos the game is that damn good! HOW WRONG I WAS! I have already sunk 200+ hours into the Switch version, the portable version of BOI on Switch is hands down the best way for this game to be played and enjoyed!

    Was it worth the money (again) YES. Just to have such a great game at my fingertips, at all times.

    Now i can take a poo, whilst popping open more poop in search for coins. Happy days.    … Expand
  3. spaciepoo
    Mar 17, 2017
    10
    One of the best dungeon crawlers ever. If you're a fan of Spelunky, The Legend Of Zelda (NES), or other games that pay homage to the genre, you'll love this one. The amount of replayability is amazing and I cannot recommend it enough.
  4. Stlouzilla
    Jun 21, 2017
    7
    How much you like Binding of Isaac is going to depend on two things: how its edgy and aggressive aesthetic sits with you and how much you enjoy roguelikes. The game is a great fit for the Switch, as the short nature of the story (win or lose) is perfect for micro-sessions on the go and the roguelike elements inherently make it endlessly replayable.
  5. BadOpinion
    Mar 23, 2017
    10
    Being someone who hasn't played Isaac since the Wrath of the Lamb expansion let me just say that The Binding of Isaac on Switch is amazing! There is so much content in this game no human can experience it all.
  6. addyb
    Mar 17, 2017
    9
    Fantastic rogue like game finds its way onto the switch in its definitive edition. Extremely addictive and a raft of content which will last an age. Plays great in handheld and tv mode. It's a must buy.
  7. amstans
    Mar 18, 2017
    9
    Because it has roguelike elements it can be brutally hard at times. The more I play the better I get. I love the items, even though I have no idea what most of them do. I like that this game is portable because runs don't take up too much time... the only drawback is if you scream in public from an intense encounter with some fast moving erratic thing you may get some severe looks. MostBecause it has roguelike elements it can be brutally hard at times. The more I play the better I get. I love the items, even though I have no idea what most of them do. I like that this game is portable because runs don't take up too much time... the only drawback is if you scream in public from an intense encounter with some fast moving erratic thing you may get some severe looks. Most enemies I wouldn't say are hard because once you figure out how to kill them they aren't so bad, so there is a huge learning curve. The learning isn't hard though and if anything some of the bad guys are annoying. I will get replay value out of this game. Although it is rated M I've seen much worse on television. There is a daily run posted online and you can compete to see how you stack up against other players around the world.… Expand
  8. Matzy
    Jun 30, 2017
    10
    The Binding of Isaac is a game that has escaped my attention over the years. I knew of its existence, I knew it had a significant following and was popular - but something about it never grabbed my attention and, despite having already picked up the game for my PS4 some time ago through PSN plus, I have never given it the time it deserved ... for that, I whole heartedly apologise!

    When    The Binding of Isaac is a game that has escaped my attention over the years. I knew of its existence, I knew it had a significant following and was popular - but something about it never grabbed my attention and, despite having already picked up the game for my PS4 some time ago through PSN plus, I have never given it the time it deserved ... for that, I whole heartedly apologise!

    When I realised this game was coming to Switch I decided to give it the chance it deserved, and purchased the game through the Nintendo Store the moment it became available.

    Nearly 200 hours of playtime later, I am completely and utterly hooked.

    The concept is simple ... Anyone who has played games as long as I have can immediately see the apparent influences on this top-down dungeon crawler ... ... you will have played games with similar mechanics at some time in your life ...

    Initially, this game does not require any further explanation beyond the doodles you see on the floor of the first room you enter ... "move", "shoot", "bomb" ... dont let that fool you, though. Every hour spent in this game you will encounter something surprising.

    Several hours in you will begin to see the real beauty behind this game. The way the various items you collect can improve or ruin your run ... how the various items can interact with each other to give each run a unique feel. The hidden secrets, such as multiple endings, unlocks, secret levels, bosses, and the like.

    As I am slowly reaching the point that I feel I have seen all I want to see, I left with the realisation that this is not a game that is ever going to leave me. I know that, from time to time, I will pick up Binding of Isaac and lose a few hours to see what the game has in mind for me at that given time.

    This is a true classic ... and I am just ashamed it has taken me this long to realise it despite having access this game for longer than I care to admit.    … Expand
  9. Bryzzo
    Jun 2, 2017
    10
    This game is pretty terrific. You have to be alert & ready for anything. Random enemies in every room make for tense gameplay. The controls are tight and the replay value is astronomically high. Experimenting with all the myriad item & weapon combinations is a blast. Check it out.
  10. karowhat
    Jan 24, 2018
    10
    I didn't quite get this game at first. I honestly almost brought it back to the store. Then it clicked, and after checking the other day, I've played TBOI 5 for longer than I played Breath of the Wild. The replayabilty it top of the line. It's not quite enter the dungeon hard, but it'll challenge you for sure. The fact that it comes with all the added content for free is a huge bonus.I didn't quite get this game at first. I honestly almost brought it back to the store. Then it clicked, and after checking the other day, I've played TBOI 5 for longer than I played Breath of the Wild. The replayabilty it top of the line. It's not quite enter the dungeon hard, but it'll challenge you for sure. The fact that it comes with all the added content for free is a huge bonus. This is also one of the best portable single player games on the system. Buy this game for sure, if you like a challenge. I've also yet to encounter a glitch of any kind.… Expand
  11. ResQ2
    Mar 29, 2017
    10
    As good as it is on the PC, or even better - isaac is meant to be played portable! It looks great on the "small" screen of the switch, and it seems well enough polished technically, too - a must-have, if you own a switch and don't have a problem with VERY randomized games.
  12. Nomikron
    Apr 3, 2017
    10
    For me is one of the best games ever made, and if that was not enough, portable?¿ 10/10
    The replay value of this game is incredible, the difficulty is high but not crazy like other rogelikes.
    What can I say, thanks Edmund.
  13. Reyerty
    Sep 11, 2017
    9
    The most addictive dungeon crawler formula you can play. The game is different each time you play it, with an insane amount of dungeons and enemies. The Switch version is the best way to play it anywhere you want. The prize is too expensive, so you may want to wait until is more afordable.
  14. Gontrand00
    Mar 2, 2021
    7
    This game has a lot of potential, replayability, content and challenge.

    But the RNG really can make everything seems unfun and unfair. I don't mind the challenge, but it really suck to feel that you die just because the game threw something insanely hard at you several times in a row. RNG is supposed to make the game fun, not feeling unfair. This could have clearly been balanced more    This game has a lot of potential, replayability, content and challenge.

    But the RNG really can make everything seems unfun and unfair. I don't mind the challenge, but it really suck to feel that you die just because the game threw something insanely hard at you several times in a row. RNG is supposed to make the game fun, not feeling unfair. This could have clearly been balanced more than this because at some point it's just lottery. And you don't want to spend 40 minutes on a run to actually die in a inevitable way because of the RNG. This just discourage people.

    So since a game is supposed to be fun, I'll give 7 because it could be much more fun. A lot of time I'm like ''hey I wanna play TBOI'' et then 10 minutes later I might be just disgusted by the unfairness of the game.

    In brief, McMillan can make brillant games but he clearly lacks the dimension of the learning curve.    … Expand
  15. darthfodder
    Mar 24, 2017
    10
    This game is fantastic. The port is pretty much flawless, and having it on the go is amazing. If you like the original Zelda and/or roguelikes, do yourself a favor and pick this up.
  16. Iltpvg2
    Aug 28, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Literally anything will kill you, but on the bright side you get no good items during the game, no good passive stats and everything will and can reem you until you want to go into a vicious rampage to destroy anything and everything. Would never recommend to anyone.… Expand
  17. starkmo
    Feb 15, 2018
    3
    I don't like : the graphism, the history, the charcters
    gameplay is fine, game is very difficult
    in fact not for me
  18. RedrexXx
    Apr 11, 2017
    1
    This game is not for me, I was really disappointed. The graphic are not appealing and the mechanics are really frustrating. You die, that's it, re start. There is nothing to motivates me to re start, no goal and so many things left unexplained. I hated it. Sold it right aways thank God I didn't buy the digital.
  19. John_Mullins
    Apr 3, 2017
    0
    40 dollars for a crappy port of a 7 year old PC Indie game that was 10 bucks... are they really serious at this point?! Yer an INDIE developer. 40 dollars is just a rip, and you **** KNOW it.

    How bout no?
  20. kevmitch
    Jan 10, 2019
    0
    After several hours of playing, I wanted to stab my eyes out. The fact that the layout changes after you die makes it feel pointless and futile. Too much like real life. Add to that the fact that this is basically an Adobe Flash game that costs $50 and I just don't get why people rave about it. I made the mistake of buying the digital edition from the Nintendo Store, so there's no way toAfter several hours of playing, I wanted to stab my eyes out. The fact that the layout changes after you die makes it feel pointless and futile. Too much like real life. Add to that the fact that this is basically an Adobe Flash game that costs $50 and I just don't get why people rave about it. I made the mistake of buying the digital edition from the Nintendo Store, so there's no way to return or sell it. Now it is forever stuck on my home screen reminding me of my poor life choices.… Expand
  21. RufusUO
    Jun 15, 2017
    1
    I purchased my Switch in April after lining up outside a Best Buy to get my hands on a limited resupply and was excited to finally play the new Zelda game. In the store, the salesperson upsold me on Bomberman and Binding of Isaac because I figured I wanted something else to play after Zelda. Once I booted up Isaac, I was intrigued by the intro story. I enjoy rogue-likes and thought theI purchased my Switch in April after lining up outside a Best Buy to get my hands on a limited resupply and was excited to finally play the new Zelda game. In the store, the salesperson upsold me on Bomberman and Binding of Isaac because I figured I wanted something else to play after Zelda. Once I booted up Isaac, I was intrigued by the intro story. I enjoy rogue-likes and thought the theme on Isaac would be interesting.

    After about 20 minutes of play and 1.5 runs, I had no desire to play further. I have this $40 game sitting on my shelf, collecting dust, because the gameplay just wasn't captivating. I dislike that there is no guidance on what various items do and wish there were more story than the short intro. It would be nice if the story was driven by successfully completing runs instead of simply unlocking new 'stuff'. I say 'stuff' because there's no ostensible context for the unlockables -- then again, I may be missing something after only a tiny amount of play.

    The most excruciating part about Isaac is the button-mashing. Admittedly, this probably wouldn't bother me as much on a PC (Steam) but it gets very annoying and tiring on the Switch controls. Halfway into my second run, I said "screw this" and just let the baddies kill me because I got tired of mashing the same buttons repeatedly. I then promptly turned the game off and put it away.

    I will be reselling the game at price because I just have no interest to play it again. The version I purchased came with a booklet and stickers, which I understand people are interested in. I know there is a fanbase for this game but it just wasn't for me.    … Expand
  22. KayVen17
    Oct 6, 2017
    7
    Deutsche Review - Kritik

    Der folgende Test ist in 5 Kategorien zusammengefasst. Diese 5 Kartegorien ergeben die Gesamtpunktzahl von 0 - 100 Punkten. Um einen passenden Userscore zu geben wird auf oder abgerundet. Bei 84 Punkten ergibt das einen User Score von 8. Bei 86 einen von Userscore von 9. Falls eine 85 kommt entscheide ich ob ich es eher positiv oder negativ nehme. Regeln    Deutsche Review - Kritik

    Der folgende Test ist in 5 Kategorien zusammengefasst. Diese 5 Kartegorien ergeben die Gesamtpunktzahl von 0 - 100 Punkten. Um einen passenden Userscore zu geben wird auf oder abgerundet. Bei 84 Punkten ergibt das einen User Score von 8. Bei 86 einen von Userscore von 9. Falls eine 85 kommt entscheide ich ob ich es eher positiv oder negativ nehme. Regeln verstanden?
    Dann sind hier meine Punkte.

    Mein persönlicher Score = 68/100
    Mein User Score = 7    … Expand
  23. EmCza
    Jul 2, 2020
    10
    This game is one of my favourites on NS. Before I played this one on NS I thought that is bad game and I think so to this day when I play it on PC or iOS, but the Switch version is just perfect, excellently suited to this console
  24. Nintendist
    Jun 30, 2022
    0
    this game has terrible visual, the gameplay is not good. i really dislike it
  25. J51490
    Jun 20, 2017
    9
    I was skeptical to buy this game because I didn't think I would enjoy it. But I ended up purchasing the physical version because I wanted to try it and I knew I would be able to return it if I didn't like it. I'm happy to say I will not be returning it as it is a lot of fun. I've already spent quite a few hours playing and I've got to say I'm hooked. While the art style and visuals of theI was skeptical to buy this game because I didn't think I would enjoy it. But I ended up purchasing the physical version because I wanted to try it and I knew I would be able to return it if I didn't like it. I'm happy to say I will not be returning it as it is a lot of fun. I've already spent quite a few hours playing and I've got to say I'm hooked. While the art style and visuals of the game may not be for everyone, if you enjoy dungeon crawler/rogue-like games, do yourself a favor and pick this up. Well worth the 40 bucks in my opinion as the replay-ability is insane… Expand
  26. JJTX
    Mar 24, 2019
    8
    This is by no means an easy game, and its themes will be offensive to some. There is a lot of gore and literal toilet humor, and a thinly-veiled criticism of Christian dogma. If you can get past all that -- and you might even be drawn by it -- you'll find a challenging, engaging Roguelike with elements of The Legend of Zelda mixed in.
  27. Wizelf402
    May 29, 2017
    9
    I love the Binding of Isaac. A lot. It's a very fun game and making it portable is a great idea, because it's perfect for taking around. I know that Rebirth came out for 3DS, but that wasn't very good. This is a very good port for one of my personal favorite games of all time. The only real downside is the few bugs that it has.
  28. TheFishTickler
    Apr 2, 2017
    9
    i Loved the base game on PC, and loved all the expansions that came along, this game was my most played game on steam. it was a game that would always be better potable. unfortunately i didn't own a PS-Vita or a New 3DS. this game is amazing on switch. especially with the use of having two players easily. 9/10 because it isn't available physically in the UK nor even on the UK Eshop (i knowi Loved the base game on PC, and loved all the expansions that came along, this game was my most played game on steam. it was a game that would always be better potable. unfortunately i didn't own a PS-Vita or a New 3DS. this game is amazing on switch. especially with the use of having two players easily. 9/10 because it isn't available physically in the UK nor even on the UK Eshop (i know the easy exploit of changing my Nintendo Account to a US version) so to get a physical copy i had to pay $39,95 for the actual game $21.99 for postage, then an extra £15.55 ($19.51) customs charge. costing £65.55 ($85.23). Still Worth It. Just annoying having to wait almost 2 weeks for it to arrive… Expand
  29. GeekGirlPhilly
    Apr 20, 2017
    9
    Having not been familiar with the Isaac games and seeing still images of it in reviews, at first I thought this game looked like crap. I watched a short clip of the game on the eShop and still wasn't convinced. Then I wanted a two player game for my Switch and saw this as a potential title (there was little to choose from at this time and I already had Bomberman), so I took a chance. Oh myHaving not been familiar with the Isaac games and seeing still images of it in reviews, at first I thought this game looked like crap. I watched a short clip of the game on the eShop and still wasn't convinced. Then I wanted a two player game for my Switch and saw this as a potential title (there was little to choose from at this time and I already had Bomberman), so I took a chance. Oh my god, this is fun to play. The graphics are deceiving. They are really good. It's basically cheap pencil drawings come to life. The gameplay is very nice, not excellent. Isaac moves as if he's on rails and the bullets (or spitwads?) don't seem very accurate (I think there's a dropoff the farther the bullet goes, same with the enemy bullets). I was initially wondering about the "RPG" designation since it seemed like more of an arcade title than an RPG, but after several days of play, I can see that the designation is quite accurate. You are exploring a dungeon, fighting baddies, and collecting things, opening doors and chests, etc. There's a ton of replay value because every time you start a new game, you're basically exploring a new dungeon. I found myself coming back to the game again and again. The password (seed) feature is a nice touch to replay the dungeons you like.… Expand
  30. sonicpulsar
    Sep 16, 2017
    10
    Absolutely amazing rogue-like, that gets even better on the Nintendo Switch! It has a vast array of dungeons, enemies and other items. It's a must for the hybrid console!
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Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best Switch Game of 2017
25
#25 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2017
24
#24 Most Shared Switch Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Vooks
    Jan 26, 2018
    80
    The Binding of Isaac is a game where you’ll get out what you put in. There’s so much to uncover that fleshes out the simple mechanics into a deep and rich experience, but you have to work for it. If you’re someone who hates looking up wikis or guides to assist with playing games, then it’s definitely not for you. The portability of the Switch version makes it more enjoyable than those on other platforms, but the unfortunate Australian pricing of it complicates recommending it because it’s just too much.
    Read full review
  2. Meristation
    Oct 11, 2017
    78
    The points that makes the game special are the endless ways to reinvent it and the many forms to take a walk on your own path of chaos. This Nintendo Switch Version is a good way to upgrade "the Binding of Isaac Experience" which brought us Edmund Mcmillen 6 years ago. Perfect for those who never played it or who just simply want to have fun anywhere.
    Read full review
  3. Pocket Gamer UK
    Oct 5, 2017
    90
    The Binding of Isaac Afterbirth+ on Switch isn't just a brilliant port - it's arguably the best way to enjoy a modern roguelike classic.
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