The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ Reviews
The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ is a tough as nails roguelike experience packed full with a ridiculous amount of content. Ideal for quick 10 or 20-minute run attempts here and there, the game feels right at home on the Switch whether you play handheld or docked and while its gross-out style and frustratingly random difficulty might put some off, those that persevere will find a rewarding albeit dark experience.
A mixture of bad design choices, minimal testing, persistent and worrying issues, and a disappointing conclusion and lack of content is what has put an end to The Binding of Issac - What was a swan song to the Rougelike genre has now instead fizzled out, not with a glorious finale, but instead with a disappointing, flat note. I would rate The Binding of Issac Afterbirth + a 6 / 10. If it's on sale, then by all means pick this up, but for the asking price of £10 for new adopters, it certainly isn't worth the price, and is something I'd see Maxis or EA employing. Not Nicalis. Here's hoping that Mod Tools can save us.
The game itself is still very cool and can pull you for an obscene amount of hours. Supplement came scarce on content first and foremost designed for additional income in favor of the developers, I hope that this latest resurrection of a poor Isaac, though taking into account the availability of tools for modding, it is likely that this is the final.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Simply put, The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ is the best possible version of the game. In my time, I unlocked 26% of the 339 achievements, and I can easily see myself playing off and on for a long while to come. Afterbirth+ has managed to perfectly distill that insane Binding experience into a well-designed, challenging roguelike. With tons of new features and new incentives to keep playing, I think the game is well worth the bundle price of $35.97 (which gets you Rebirth, Afterbirth and Afterbirth+). It more than satisfied my lofty expectations, and allowed me to see the game with fresh eyes again. While I can’t see another DLC in The Binding of Isaac’s future, I think Afterbirth+ will help it go out on a very high note. At least until they release it for the Nintendo Switch, and force me to get that sexy physical edition…
One of the very first games available for the system, as I was already a huge fan from the PC space it was a Day 1 purchase for me and I absolutely have no regrets...
*Hoard Mode is the name of any game mode that pits you against wave after wave of enemies. Resident Evil calls it Mercenaries.
The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ is the most updated console version and features two-player co-op. With both Joy-Con, there is a lot of game here to play with someone friendly. With over 10 endings and a seemingly endless amount of unlockable content/features, expect to get far beyond 100 hours logged in. For its price, The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ pretty much has it all and more thanks to the Switch hardware. For some it may become a grind, and others may never be able to get past Edmund McMillen's wonderful sense of humour. Those who get beyond those quibbles will have one of the most addictive and creative indie games in their pockets and on their TV.
Afterbirth+ completes the package and in that respect, purchasing it will give you the definitive Isaac experience. But I can’t help but feel that it’s overpriced. A safe tack on to a game that’s finally rounded off, yet somewhat exhausted.
I think as long as I can physically play games, I’ll be playing the Binding of Isaac, a timeless classic with layers of meaning and importance. Congratulations McMillen, Himsl and the entire Nicalis team, you’ve made a masterpiece.
Afterbirth+ doesn't break much new ground, but the inclusion of mod support potentially provides Isaac's community with years of content to torture themselves with.
The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ is a perfect fit for the Switch, and barring some framerate problems in local multiplayer, is arguably the best way to play this modern classic.
Nintendo has definitely changed its stance in the last few decades, this game feels like a blend of old-school mechanics and new-age thinking; it's an homage to the challenge and style of old games, while simultaneously presenting itself stylistically as being something more contemporary. If you're looking for a game that will be different each time you play it, look no further.
Too weird and repellent for a mainstream audience, too brilliant for any serious gamer to ignore, The Binding of Isaac has found a surprisingly natural home on Switch. It's ideal for short bursts and longer sessions of handheld play, and the sort of title that only gets richer and more interesting the more hours and effort you put in. Edward McMillen's cult classic isn't for everyone, but if it's for you there's no better way to play it.
The Binding of Isaac is a game I've honestly never played before. It seems like a game I'd enjoy, with it's dark humor and violence, but I never checked it out for whatever reason. So when The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ was announced for the Switch, I really didn't pay too much attention to it. However, when Nicalis announced the game would have a physical release that actually included a manual, I decided to pay some more attention to the game. After debating, I finally picked up The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+. So, am I happy with my decision?
The Binding of Isaac with Afterbirth + is even more extensive and varied - a prime example for the Roguelike genre.
Review in German | Read full review
Pick through the shit and you’ll find the nuggets of gold, but if I hadn’t sucked every last drop out of Afterbirth, I’d rather be playing that than Afterbirth †. As it is, I’m just about won over by the promise of new things, many of which are solid additions, but there’s a lot of dreariness to tolerate.
The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ is my favourite version of the game having played it across literally everything it has released on.
The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ is a perfect match for the new Nintendo Switch. Is easy to grasp and its pace suits perfectly the Switch portability. With hundreds of weapones, enemies, mysteries and rooms to explore... you got plenty to sink teeth into.
Review in Italian | Read full review
An excellent game that now offers its best version on Nintendo Switch, with more content and gameplay that feels like as designed for being portable.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
As for me, I know I’ll be returning to this for a long time to come. I still occasionally boot up the original Flash game and I’ve put more hours into Rebirth between the PC version and the PS4 version than I’m proud to admit. The finale of the whole saga may not be so cut and dry, but Isaac has never had an easy life. The poor kid is still crying, six years after his introduction to the world.