The Binding of Isaac
The Binding of Isaac (BOI)-developed in 2011 by a small independent team-is a procedurally-generated dungeon crawling roguelike experience with a sequel of the same name. In this game, you take the role of Isaac, a young boy who is compelled to flee into the basement of his home after his mother is inspired to sacrifice him to gain the favor of her deity. As can be expected from the description, BoIhas a grim-dark backing with religious concepts and references, as well as wonderful integration of said themes through its soundtrack and visual design. For review context, I do have more experience with this title than my Steam account may suggest, and have enjoyed even spectating this game with friends tremendously.
Here are just a few reasons to take a dive into the basement nude and afraid:
Story - As stated previously, you begin play as a very young child whose mother has driven him into hiding after she was influenced by her deity to sacrifice Isaac in His name. Hints about prior disturbing atrocities can be revealed through discovering the many in-game items, as well as in boss designs and naming convention. Alternative characters with varying statistics may also be unlocked through this roguelike experience, though the plot generally adheres to Isaac as he delves deeper and deeper into the infested, sin-riddled, putrid basement. The cutscenes between dungeon levels display the pained tale of Isaac to this point; for example, the abuse he endured from prior events involving his school life displays the pained nature of Isaac’s existance. As stated previously, the story integrates very well with both sound and visual direction, which aides immersion immensely.
Gameplay - BoI adopts the twin-stick method of play in which those with controllers utilize one stick to fire Isaac’s tears while the other stick provides maneuverability for you to proceed through the basement and dodge enemy attacks; for the keyboard, the standard W-A-S-D keys provide said maneuverability while aiming is accessed with either the mouse or the keyboard’s directional buttons. As with the staple of roguelikes, you must clear each room of nightmarish enemies until you discover a room with a powerful boss character. Defeating the boss allows access to the next floor, which must also be cleared while retaining lingering damage and items. Death relates to the end of the run, with all progress being for naught. Other characters may be unlocked by accomplishing special tasks in individual or combined game sessions. It is highly recommended you purchase the additional content, Wrath of the Lamb, to further heighten this title’s enjoyment by the inclusion of new enemies, items, rooms, story endings, and challenges.
Theme - I realize that this topic has been stated in prior sections of this writing, but the ambiance truly does deserve as much recognition as can be awarded. The fear and naked desperation shown from Isaac prior to each stage reminds the player that the plot demands refuge and escape in comparison to the focus of other twin-stick shooters that attend to action and grit. Environment and opponent designs compliment the religious motif tremendously, and Isaac quite literally utilizing his tears as damaging projectiles as a symbolism of fighting through his fears is extremely unique, from my experiences.
TL:DR - The Binding of Isaac is a wonderfully unique roguelike twin-stick shooter with a believable antagonist within an infernal environment; surrounded by symbols of his mother’s hellish religious practices. I highly recommend adopting Isaac’s journey to those that enjoy dark-possibly satirically so-themes, as well as roguelike titles. I also recommend the downloadable content which adds a multitude of features. Thanks for reading.
Do you feel this review helped in any way? Feel free to visit my Curator Page at Spearpoint Reviews.
Originally posted May 31, 2018.
Here are just a few reasons to take a dive into the basement nude and afraid:
Story - As stated previously, you begin play as a very young child whose mother has driven him into hiding after she was influenced by her deity to sacrifice Isaac in His name. Hints about prior disturbing atrocities can be revealed through discovering the many in-game items, as well as in boss designs and naming convention. Alternative characters with varying statistics may also be unlocked through this roguelike experience, though the plot generally adheres to Isaac as he delves deeper and deeper into the infested, sin-riddled, putrid basement. The cutscenes between dungeon levels display the pained tale of Isaac to this point; for example, the abuse he endured from prior events involving his school life displays the pained nature of Isaac’s existance. As stated previously, the story integrates very well with both sound and visual direction, which aides immersion immensely.
Gameplay - BoI adopts the twin-stick method of play in which those with controllers utilize one stick to fire Isaac’s tears while the other stick provides maneuverability for you to proceed through the basement and dodge enemy attacks; for the keyboard, the standard W-A-S-D keys provide said maneuverability while aiming is accessed with either the mouse or the keyboard’s directional buttons. As with the staple of roguelikes, you must clear each room of nightmarish enemies until you discover a room with a powerful boss character. Defeating the boss allows access to the next floor, which must also be cleared while retaining lingering damage and items. Death relates to the end of the run, with all progress being for naught. Other characters may be unlocked by accomplishing special tasks in individual or combined game sessions. It is highly recommended you purchase the additional content, Wrath of the Lamb, to further heighten this title’s enjoyment by the inclusion of new enemies, items, rooms, story endings, and challenges.
Theme - I realize that this topic has been stated in prior sections of this writing, but the ambiance truly does deserve as much recognition as can be awarded. The fear and naked desperation shown from Isaac prior to each stage reminds the player that the plot demands refuge and escape in comparison to the focus of other twin-stick shooters that attend to action and grit. Environment and opponent designs compliment the religious motif tremendously, and Isaac quite literally utilizing his tears as damaging projectiles as a symbolism of fighting through his fears is extremely unique, from my experiences.
TL:DR - The Binding of Isaac is a wonderfully unique roguelike twin-stick shooter with a believable antagonist within an infernal environment; surrounded by symbols of his mother’s hellish religious practices. I highly recommend adopting Isaac’s journey to those that enjoy dark-possibly satirically so-themes, as well as roguelike titles. I also recommend the downloadable content which adds a multitude of features. Thanks for reading.
Do you feel this review helped in any way? Feel free to visit my Curator Page at Spearpoint Reviews.
Originally posted May 31, 2018.
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