Skip to main content

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (Video Game Review)

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is a remake of indie developer Edmund McMillen's 2011 hit The Binding of Isaac. The game puts a twisted religious spin on the twin-stick shooter genre with hundreds of different items to unlock and nearly as many references to some of the video games industries greatest titles ever. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth takes a great indie game and makes it a little more intriguing with revamped graphics, tons of new items and secrets and an overall improved presentation that makes the game more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. Fans of the original will no doubt pick up the game as soon as possible, but the remake is good enough to draw in a whole new crowd that have yet to experience the series.

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth tells the story of a young boy named Isaac that travels through the basement of his home and into the depths of hell all in an attempt to escape the clutches of his homicidal mother. Isaac's mother loses her sanity and attempts to murder her only child after the voice of God commands her. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth has one of the gaming industries most bizarre storylines, but multiple endings and unlockable levels will have players guessing what ultimately happens to Isaac long after completing the game for the first time.

Isaac is left with nothing to fight off the horrors that lurk below except his tears, but there are plenty of items to find throughout the game that grant new powers to the player. The items range from statistical boosters to activate and passive abilities. Each new item changes the look of Isaac, and the character never looks the same by the end of a run. The game is a rogue-like, so each death is permanent and forces the player to restart the next game with no new items for their character. The randomness of items, enemies and level layouts keeps the game interesting even after players have seen everything the game has to offer.

There are over 150 new items included in The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth. The new items add a lot of depth to the game and gives players that have already enjoyed the original game plenty of exciting new content to discover in the new title. Additionally, the game packs several new characters, new bosses and a new level. Much of the new content was pulled from the original game due to restrictions in the Flash engine the game was built in, but each item in the game can combine with others for unique effects now to make for plenty of new effects players will want to try for themselves.

One really cool new feature for The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is local co-op. A second player can now join in on any run in the game. The second player takes a heart from the first player and spawns as a flying baby that can fly and shoot tears at enemies. Like nearly everything else in the game, the spawned babies are random ,and the babies come with unique effects from shooting unique tears to randomly dropping troll bombs that can accidentally kill enemies or either player. Multiplayer is a lot of fun and is just one more reason for players to try out the new game.

For players that prefer to play the game alone, new game modes have been added to The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth. When starting up a new run, players can choose from one of two difficulty settings: Normal and Hard. Normal mode does not change the game in any way, but Hard mode tends to offer many more champion version enemies to fight and far less consumable drops than players will have come accustomed to. There are different unlocks for each mode, and longtime fans will enjoy Hard mode as a way to get an even greater challenge from a game they thought they had already mastered. Seeded runs have also been added to the game to allow players to share seeds and experience the same over and over again or even play the same run at the same time for some true head-to-head matches.

The new presentation for The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is fantastic. The game's new graphics engine not only includes improved artwork, but dynamic lighting makes the dark depths players explore even more exciting, while the smooth and locked framerate makes playing the game a much more enjoyable experience than the sluggish, original game. A new soundtrack also adds a chilling effect to an already creepy game full of crying babies and deformed monsters looking to kill Isaac throughout each level. Full controller support is available on each system for the game as well, and the title actually plays well on controller with twin-stick controls that is just as effective as keyboard controls.

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth has been one of the most anticipated releases for 2014 for longtime fans of the McMillen series, and the game does not disappoint. The bizarre, religious themed title is still something that not every gamer will be able to stomach, but there is a really fun game hidden beneath the naked baby shooting tears at poop monsters and demons. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is one of the best indie games ever, and the game is our favorite roguelike we have ever played. Look for The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth on PlayStation Network and Steam today.

Game Features:
  • Local Multiplayer 1-2
  • Over 450 Items
  • Redesigned Graphics and New Soundtrack
  • Two Difficulty Settings and Seeded Runs
  • Steam Trading Card Support
  • Trophy/Achievement Support

Game Information:
Developer & Publisher: Nicalis
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, PC (reviewed), Mac & Linux
Release Date: November 4, 2014

Score: 9.1 out of 10

Popular posts from this blog

Three Best Places to Eat in Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville, Alabama has a vibrant culinary scene with a variety of dining options to choose from. Here are some of the best places to eat in Huntsville: Cotton Row : This high-end restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience that is perfect for a special occasion. The menu features a blend of Southern and French cuisine, with dishes like Gulf shrimp and grits and seared duck breast.  Toybox Bistro : Toybox Bistro is a unique dining experience that will delight both kids and adults. The menu features nostalgic favorites like grilled cheese and tomato soup, as well as more grown-up options like blackened salmon.  Melt: Melt is a gourmet grilled cheese restaurant that offers a fun and casual dining experience. The menu features a variety of creative grilled cheese sandwiches, as well as delicious sides like truffle fries. These are just a few of the many great places to eat in Huntsville, Alabama. There's something for everyone here, whether you're in the mood for fine

Biscuit Belly Brings Comfort Food to Huntsville, Alabama

Power Brands Hospitality Group ("PBHG") in partnership with Biscuit Belly, a Kentucky-based "craft casual" brunch spot that offers warm hospitably and chef-driven gourmet biscuit sandwiches, is happy to announce the first Biscuit Belly restaurant opening in the Rocket City!   If you're looking for a place that serves up delicious southern comfort food with a modern twist, then look no further than Biscuit Belly in Huntsville, Alabama. Biscuit Belly is a new hotspot for breakfast, brunch or lunch with a focus on scratch-made biscuits and the many delicious creations that can be crafted with them. With locations across several states in the US, this newest Biscuit Belly location offers a cozy atmosphere and a comforting menu that's perfect for anytime hunger hits. The menu offers a wide range of dishes, all featuring Biscuit Belly's delicious, buttery biscuits. From classics like the Basic Biscuit, which comes with a buttermilk biscuit, cheddar, over e

Get Inked in Huntsvegas: The Ultimate Tattoo Experience

  The Huntsvegas Tattoo Expo is an annual event that takes place in Huntsville, Alabama. This event is a celebration of all things tattoo, bringing together tattoo artists, enthusiasts, and curious onlookers from all over the country. With its colorful displays and unforgettable artistry, the Huntsvegas Tattoo Expo is one of the most exciting tattoo expos in the Southeast. At the Huntsvegas Tattoo Expo, tattoo artists from around the world come together to showcase their art and compete in various categories, including the best tattoo of the day, the best large black and grey tattoo, and the best small color tattoo. Visitors to the expo can watch the artists at work, get up close and personal with the latest tattooing equipment, and even get tattooed themselves! While the Huntsvegas Tattoo Expo is primarily focused on tattoo art, there is much more to explore at this exciting event. Visitors can browse a wide variety of vendors selling everything from tattooing supplies to unique c