The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (and Afterbirth, Afterbirth+, Repentance) is the closest to a true roguelike experience you can find out there. Hundreds of enemies, bosses, items (+ item interactions) and room layouts make it so you will never EVER have the same run or build twice in your lifetime, and that is exactly what I think a roguelike should strive to be. You are forced to not only become more vigilant in your attacks and dodging patterns, but also remember what items do, how they interact, how bosses and enemies behave and how to find secrets. As you move through the basement, you gradually unlock stronger items that change the way you play and WANT to play to maximise your chances of a good run. And that's just it: if you're great at the game, your chances become much bigger even if you have a terrible start to a run. You're rewarded for getting better and remembering details, which is something I love in videogames.
Not only that, the story and atmosphere coupled with incredible metal OST are unlike anything I have seen in my life. It's gruesome, sad and depressing, but also shows some moments of cuteness, lightheartedness and humour that shows how much the developers care for this masterpiece. It makes it even more impressive and immersive to know that the main developer, Edmund McMillen, experienced some, if not most of this grim story himself, translating it to millions of players in a way that leaves room for their own interpretation and connection to their own experiences. Truly amazing.
The only criticism I have for this game is that it can become quite frustrating to earn some of the completion marks/achievements. Some of the Tainted characters introduced in Repentance, as well as some challenges are designed around being INCREDIBLY difficult, but offer little to reward for playing them (e.g., Tainted Lost, Tainted Lazarus, Ultra Hard mode), giving you useless trinkets for completing difficult achievements. Don't get me wrong, I like being challenged in videogames, but it can feel very unrewarding to have to reset runs just to get an item or trinket that will never come into play afterwards.
Is The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth my favourite roguelike? That I am not sure of...Based on my playtime one could definitely say so, but I can't say I ALWAYS had a great time playing Tainted Characters or challenges. Nevertheless, this game is a masterpiece that I would recommend to anyone, as you can decide for yourself how difficult you want the experience to be.
Not only that, the story and atmosphere coupled with incredible metal OST are unlike anything I have seen in my life. It's gruesome, sad and depressing, but also shows some moments of cuteness, lightheartedness and humour that shows how much the developers care for this masterpiece. It makes it even more impressive and immersive to know that the main developer, Edmund McMillen, experienced some, if not most of this grim story himself, translating it to millions of players in a way that leaves room for their own interpretation and connection to their own experiences. Truly amazing.
The only criticism I have for this game is that it can become quite frustrating to earn some of the completion marks/achievements. Some of the Tainted characters introduced in Repentance, as well as some challenges are designed around being INCREDIBLY difficult, but offer little to reward for playing them (e.g., Tainted Lost, Tainted Lazarus, Ultra Hard mode), giving you useless trinkets for completing difficult achievements. Don't get me wrong, I like being challenged in videogames, but it can feel very unrewarding to have to reset runs just to get an item or trinket that will never come into play afterwards.
Is The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth my favourite roguelike? That I am not sure of...Based on my playtime one could definitely say so, but I can't say I ALWAYS had a great time playing Tainted Characters or challenges. Nevertheless, this game is a masterpiece that I would recommend to anyone, as you can decide for yourself how difficult you want the experience to be.