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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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!
  12. ziovax
    May 23, 2017
    10
    Isaac is simply the best action/shooting dungeon crawler. This version earns all the DLC bonus and the portability. Many goals to achieve, every match played is different from the previous ones. A mix of skill, luck and constancy, perfectly calibrated for hundreds of hours of fun. A must have.
  13. NahtanojZetroc
    Jul 6, 2017
    10
    The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth is on my top 10 games of all time. There is so much game packed into this small cartridge. There are secrets, an abundance of items, bosses, and secret bosses galore. When I check my playtime, I've literally put 110 plus hours into this game and about 90 plus into Breath of the Wild. Isaac keeps pulling me back with the various potential power upThe Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth is on my top 10 games of all time. There is so much game packed into this small cartridge. There are secrets, an abundance of items, bosses, and secret bosses galore. When I check my playtime, I've literally put 110 plus hours into this game and about 90 plus into Breath of the Wild. Isaac keeps pulling me back with the various potential power up synergies, then you have the daily challenges and Greed Mode. The fact that we have this portable, plus all the official expansions, not even the PSVita was up to snuff to allow for the expansions. I cannot and will not stop playing this game. When all is said and done I'll probably have a total of 500 plus hours into Isaac. This game is totally worth the price of admission. To be honest I bought both the physical copy because of the packed in goodies and the digital copy because I constantly go back to this game and never wanted to switch out cartridges.… Expand
  14. Ryuail
    Feb 1, 2020
    10
    Roguelike perfection. This game was always good, and it just keeps getting better.
    And somehow the dark humor hasn't ever left.
  15. TheFlannelFox
    Nov 30, 2017
    10
    Get ready to lose your nine lives!

    You play as isaac or one of his many personas moving with your left joystick and shooting directional tear bullets with your right. There are different pickups such as keys, bombs yes you can blow up walls to secret rooms, and hearts for your health. The story begins with Isaac’s mother trying to kill him after she watches too much christian    Get ready to lose your nine lives!

    You play as isaac or one of his many personas moving with your left joystick and shooting directional tear bullets with your right. There are different pickups such as keys, bombs yes you can blow up walls to secret rooms, and hearts for your health. The story begins with Isaac’s mother trying to kill him after she watches too much christian broadcast, so in order to survive, isaac escapes through a trap door in the floor.

    The meat of isaac is that while working your way through the game, in each level you have two random pick ups that will change your abilities. You shoot tears from your eyes as your weapon, so for example one pick up can increase the damage of you tears while another could make them explode. When you finish each game you have at least 12 modifiers, making each run a unique experience. Each level culminates with a boss fight with a specially mega boss fight at the end of the game

    Binding looks like a top down zelda like but it has a ton of poop, large tooth monster babies, and organ like enemies. I love this look and feel but know that it can throw alot of people off. Hearing multiple game journalists mention how they have put off jumping into this game because of the graphics. GET PAST IT! If you truly embrace this game it will reward you handsomely with some of the best roguelike gameplay you've ever experienced. Binding will surprise you time and time and time again, after putting over 100 hours easy into this game, I am still on the edge of my seat.

    The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ is absolutely at home on the Nintendo Switch. Having played Rebirth on my PS Vita, my iPhone, and Afterbirth on my Xbox one, putting in the time on many different platforms. Isaac truly comes to life while playing the Switch in handheld form.

    The visuals are better than that of the PS Vita version because of larger screen size and more robust processor. Also the joycon joysticks make the perfect input devices for this game specifically. When playing Isaac on my XBox One, I usually controlled movement with the d-pad because the joysticks are so large that it hindered quickly changing movement, but the joysticks on the joycons are a bit shorter than your standard home console controller and a touch larger than the vita. Allowing you to be agile when dodging all of the nightmarish enemies you will have to avoid.

    Besides the normal mode, there is greed mode. Which totally switches up the games formula. Getting as much money that you can, to buy tons of upgrade items, in order to defeat the crazy hard boss at the end. When you do beat that boss you toss coins into a donation bank with the goal of getting to 999 coins. At first this seems impossible, but now having a little over 500 coins in my bank now, the end seems closer than ever! Another great feature in the plus edition of Binding is that they do updates of adding fan created items of the game monthly, keeping that excitement of getting a new ability alive and well.

    The Binding of Isaac Afterbirth Plus is an absolute masterpiece. From story, to gameplay, graphics, and the only rogue-like that will truly surprise you with a different playthrough every time. This game is a must have for any Nintendo Switch owner.

    Be sure to watch my video review on YouTube channel TheFlannelFox    … Expand
  16. thathomestuck
    Mar 9, 2018
    10
    binding of isaac blew my mind wen it came out in 2014 you can tell it was worked on hard and took time to make
    this just shows you how much dedication is in the indie market cause it is so good its like the legend of zelda dungeon simulator and i like that because of the fact it is just fun and it is well worth the 40$ it costs
  17. CreamyGoodne55
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    The best version of The Binding of Issac and this is coming from someone who has played nearly every version of the game on PC and Xbox.

    The Switch just makes it so easy to pick up and put down and the game seems to play a lot better in handheld mode than sat watching it on a screen. Not found anything wrong with the performance of the game or anything game breaking. If you want to    The best version of The Binding of Issac and this is coming from someone who has played nearly every version of the game on PC and Xbox.

    The Switch just makes it so easy to pick up and put down and the game seems to play a lot better in handheld mode than sat watching it on a screen. Not found anything wrong with the performance of the game or anything game breaking.

    If you want to play this game and have a switch go and buy this version now.    … Expand
  18. Ristycakes
    Aug 3, 2018
    10
    Price Rating $40/$40

    Pros +Best rouge like game out there. it's a genre definer +Easier to start than some rouge likes. Perfect entry point for the genre +So many items! Their synergies are always a unique experience that never gets old +Almost endless even after you beat what feels like the final boss. Another few runs you find another one Cons -Style wont be for everyone. it    Price Rating $40/$40

    Pros
    +Best rouge like game out there. it's a genre definer
    +Easier to start than some rouge likes. Perfect entry point for the genre
    +So many items! Their synergies are always a unique experience that never gets old
    +Almost endless even after you beat what feels like the final boss. Another few runs you find another one

    Cons
    -Style wont be for everyone. it can be hard to explain to someone if they see your screen without context.
    -Some elements are, shall we say, early 2000s internet humor. which makes sense. since the original game was made around then when it was posted on Newgrounds
    -Lots of cryptic elements to the game. You're going to need a guide to explain what half the items do, how to find some bosses, what stats do, among a few other small things    … Expand
  19. VahNabooty
    Jul 29, 2018
    10
    Out of all the rougelite games that have been coming out for the past 5 or so years, none of them has stood out as Binding of Isaac does.
  20. debasero
    Jan 14, 2019
    10
    After my first hour I found TBOI overrated I almost quit it. After few days I though I master the game and I was happy I was going to complete it soon. After weeks I found that what I knew about the game was just the surface. Now, after hundreds of hours on different versions I have to say that I know enough to say I will not get tired of playing.
    Switch version is certainly the    After my first hour I found TBOI overrated I almost quit it. After few days I though I master the game and I was happy I was going to complete it soon. After weeks I found that what I knew about the game was just the surface. Now, after hundreds of hours on different versions I have to say that I know enough to say I will not get tired of playing.
    Switch version is certainly the definitive one. So, consider that you have to put something on your own to enjoy the game, but once you get into it the game gives back a lot.

    As others said switch port is fantastic.    … Expand
  21. donmopa
    Aug 11, 2020
    10
    My first play feels this was a very weird game. However, it became a very addictive game. Very short runs, but all of them are unique experiences. A lot of items & stuff to discover make a worthy game for tons of hours,
  22. TChaff
    Jul 22, 2019
    10
    Between all my files and devices I have well over 100 hours on this game. There is so much to do and I m not gonna stop till I 100%
  23. YTG_GAMING
    Sep 18, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Probably like anyone who has ever been sucked into the golden toy chest that is The Binding of Isaac will probably like me have a major love/hate relationship with the game. I love the game through and through, I enjoy the variety and unpredictable nature of every run, I love the item and tear synergies that seemingly have endless combinations and effects, I love the challenge and difficulty that varies in each run, I love remembering what each item of 600+ does and how they react with one another and trying to figure whether an item is a game changer or a game ender. I just love it. What I hate about it though is that I just can’t stop coming back to it!

    So if you don’t know what The Binding of Isaac is. Here’s the basic version - It is a procedurally-generated roguelite game that features Isaac on the run from his psychotic mother who wants to kill him because ‘God’ demands a sacrifice. So he escapes into the basement and he has to fight for survival. Poor little Isaac.

    To elaborate even more what The Binding of Isaac is, I will explain it as I did to my wife, which quite frankly left her in shock. While chilling in bed in the late evening before bed, Wife is sat browsing through her various social medias on her phone and she turns to me and says, ‘you love that game don’t you, can you tell me more about it?’ Being quite ecstatic that my wife is finally taking some interest in one of my games, I promptly reply and talk her through what I’m doing on the screen. ‘Well basically you play as Isaac, he’s a naked five year old boy with a shaved head who is always crying and his mum wants to kill him in worship of God, and he escapes into the basement and has to fight through randomly generated levels with randomly generated items, weapons and pills to pop fighting against various different enemies and bosses’ as I demonstrate by killing giant turds with my blood tears. ‘Oh that’s horrific!’ a completely expected reply. ‘Oh that’s nothing, you can even kill Isaac’s foetus at a later point in the game, as well as Mega Satan, his Mom, a fistula and angels'. The conversation got a little deeper and I explained that there is a huge possibility that Isaac is likely severely schizophrenic with multiple personality disorder induced by his terrible upbringing, so yeah there is that as well. Wife was in more shock, maternal instincts likely kicking in thinking she could never let anything happen like that to our little girl. I could see in her eyes she felt like I do for Isaac, sympathy and wanting to give him a big hug.

    On the surface, Isaac seems like a truly shallow smutty game with lack of story, emotion or any real connection to the player but when it sucks you in and you’ve put so many hours into it. You develop a strong bond with Isaac and his multiple personalities and you realise that there is so much reading to do between the lines. You pick up small pieces of lore through Item descriptions, you can figure out the twisted demise of guppy, you can witness the severe bullying that Isaac has endured at school as well as at home, and then there is all the religious content that relates to different stages of Isaacs life and how it has contributed to how his mother and Isaac are at the point of the game.

    I will say no more, this is a 10/10 game and probably my most played game ever. I just love it. At 600 hours playtime, I have no intention of stopping playing anytime soon.    … Expand
  24. PawlyElDemonio
    Apr 15, 2020
    10
    Probably the most insane game I've bought... AND LOVE IT! I didn't understand the game at first: disgusting monsters kill me in seconds, strange and useless items, unfair levels... DAMMIT! I thought it was my fault, but after trying more patiently I was able to dominate the rules of the game. I don't have an extensive experience with indie games, but Edmund McMillen's style has become oneProbably the most insane game I've bought... AND LOVE IT! I didn't understand the game at first: disgusting monsters kill me in seconds, strange and useless items, unfair levels... DAMMIT! I thought it was my fault, but after trying more patiently I was able to dominate the rules of the game. I don't have an extensive experience with indie games, but Edmund McMillen's style has become one of my favorites. I love the 2D blasphemy that he has created, we'll never see another game like this. The different endings and all defeatable bosses are great. PRACTICALLY AN INFINITE TITLE! Has anyone completed all the items collection? I think I will never make it... MOM KILLED ME AGAIN!… Expand
  25. Hhogcritic
    Jun 15, 2020
    10
    This game is awesome. Edmund McMillan made perfect DLC. I love how this game feels. There's a lot of modifications, and other interesting stuff... Random generation, a lot of monsters, unique story idea, bosses, different endings. I played it a lot, and i still having fun by playing it.
  26. himarxuky
    Jul 6, 2020
    10
    uno de mis juegos favoritos, aunque termina siendo muy fácil, pero con la cantidad de mods que tiene, puedes aumentar la dificultad e incluso modificar la jugabilidad, así que es muy rejugable.
  27. 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
  28. ms110
    Jul 21, 2020
    10
    you will be always have curiosity to play the game again and again. best game i have played on nintendo switch lite.
  29. DrkAsDeath
    Aug 10, 2020
    10
    OH EGG FATHER PLEASE LEAD ME TO MORE AMAZING GAMES. btw Check out .Northern Lion. His dome will lead you to greatness.
  30. Level_Headed
    Nov 28, 2020
    10
    My favorite game of all time. I have spent over 1000 hours on this game. This is the best game I have ever played.
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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.
    Read full review
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