Why is this game so popular?

[Sparrow]

I'm not saying this in a sarcastic "omg it sux" kind of way either. I just want to know.

It seems like every time there's some kind of rogue-like-ish game to come out now, people are comparing it to this game (some game descriptions from devs on steam even directly mention this game). Not only that but people spend thousands of hours playing it and there are some seriously in depth guides and game info out there as well.

So what do you think it is that makes this game so appealing and worthy of 1000's of hours worth of play time?

[help]

It is generally exiting due to randomly generated dungeons and random items.

[Misery]

The gameplay itself is very addictive. It's also difficult enough that people always keep coming back.

The people with 1000s of hours are probably those who play the game on streams or youtube. It goes beyond just a simple game, because there is a lot of content, and a lot of strategies to be learned. Not only that, but there's some popular mods that enable stuff like seeded or custom runs—this is popular for making self-challenges and increases the replayability even further.

For me, this is a game that I could easily play daily just to get my fix and see how many Mom kills I can get before my first death. I'm on my 3rd save and still enjoying it nearly a year after purchasing it. No other game has been this addictive to me—at least on steam.

[Queen Maya]

I don't get it either... I just see it as a good way to kill time. I never even made it past the basement :[

[차태관]

It`s really funny

[нф ыукупф]

It's SO COOL

[Nikke]

It's rather addicting. And when you get really good items, it becomes a lot of fun.

[Nero]

It becomes a lot of fun as its a game that gets better as you play it more, unlock items and try out things such as Cheat Engine and Breaking runs.

[Circenn]

I find the game to be a waste. I thought I could get into it, but the random items just loses it for me.

[Rubik748]

Originalmente postado por 白雀:

I'm not saying this in a sarcastic "omg it sux" kind of way either. I just want to know.

It seems like every time there's some kind of rogue-like-ish game to come out now, people are comparing it to this game (some game descriptions from devs on steam even directly mention this game). Not only that but people spend thousands of hours playing it and there are some seriously in depth guides and game info out there as well.

So what do you think it is that makes this game so appealing and worthy of 1000's of hours worth of play time?

1. It wouldn't be sarcasm if you did say that.
2. What games. Who. Where or what sources?
3. The truth is. People only play this game to try and get all the achievements. But the game is so cruel with its random items, rooms, enemies, bosses, unfair one offs, that people spent, spend, more time dying than succeeding. And with Wrath of the Lamb, I've had enough trying to do at least one Satan kill and get any further.

Its not worth it.

[Misery]

Not worth what? The game is only 5 dollars, so even if you end up not enjoying it there are much worse ways to waste money.

And as for your last comment—no. The people who play this game for hundreds of hours are much more likely to NOT be dying all the time. They play it because they enjoy it. It's not as difficult as people make it out to be. Even Edmund McMillen's game before this (Super Meat Boy) is more difficult than this—at least when you're attempting the Dark World.

[Sparrow]

Originalmente postado por Rubuck blocky hooves:

Originalmente postado por 白雀:

I'm not saying this in a sarcastic "omg it sux" kind of way either. I just want to know.

It seems like every time there's some kind of rogue-like-ish game to come out now, people are comparing it to this game (some game descriptions from devs on steam even directly mention this game). Not only that but people spend thousands of hours playing it and there are some seriously in depth guides and game info out there as well.

So what do you think it is that makes this game so appealing and worthy of 1000's of hours worth of play time?

1. It wouldn't be sarcasm if you did say that.
2. What games. Who. Where or what sources?
3. The truth is. People only play this game to try and get all the achievements. But the game is so cruel with its random items, rooms, enemies, bosses, unfair one offs, that people spent, spend, more time dying than succeeding. And with Wrath of the Lamb, I've had enough trying to do at least one Satan kill and get any further.

Its not worth it.

You can do a quick google search for " 'insert roguelike game X' " with "the binding of Isaac" slapped on the end of it and you'll find several reviews of roguelike games that get compared to this one. If you search in other roguelike game's discussion sections for "Binding of Isaac" or "BoI" you'll also find plenty of people comparing there as well. Really there's only one game that I can think of that directly references it in its description. It's a mobile port and it states that it has heavy roguelike elements similar to BoI. Also, just go to a store page for a rogue like, ctrl+f, "Isaac" and usually one review or more pops up that makes a reference to this game. So that's who, where, and what sources for ya. :D

I think it's quite a fun game though so I would have to disagree with your sentiment that it isn't worth it. I've spent more on a one time movie that I've enjoyed less. :P

[Rubik748]

Originalmente postado por Otterpoppins:

Not worth what? The game is only 5 dollars, so even if you end up not enjoying it there are much worse ways to waste money.

And as for your last comment—no. The people who play this game for hundreds of hours are much more likely to NOT be dying all the time. They play it because they enjoy it. It's not as difficult as people make it out to be. Even Edmund McMillen's game before this (Super Meat Boy) is more difficult than this—at least when you're attempting the Dark World.

Well I don't know any other game that cost £1 - 4.00 that pissed me off more than this one.

Everyone that played this game for any amount of time did, do, die more than succeeding. And there is no way they enjoyed that. But once they start unlocking achievements, they suddenly change their tune.

Super Meat Boy is fair compared to Isaac. Its always the same pattern to memorize, never changes. And dying is only because of getting used to controlling the characters and levels.

Did I forget to mention before that this includes Wrath of the Lamb?

[Jess with a G]

I think its the dark themes, art style and difficulty. I love games that can kick my ass and make it feel like it was MY fault, sure you will die a lot but when you do figure things out you feel like you really persevered. BOI and Dark Souls are two prime games for masochists .
Plus I think BOI kinda helped jump started the whole rebirth of "rougelikes"

[Misery]

Originalmente postado por Rubuck blocky hooves:

Originalmente postado por Otterpoppins:

Not worth what? The game is only 5 dollars, so even if you end up not enjoying it there are much worse ways to waste money.

And as for your last comment—no. The people who play this game for hundreds of hours are much more likely to NOT be dying all the time. They play it because they enjoy it. It's not as difficult as people make it out to be. Even Edmund McMillen's game before this (Super Meat Boy) is more difficult than this—at least when you're attempting the Dark World.

Well I don't know any other game that cost £1 - 4.00 that pissed me off more than this one.

Everyone that played this game for any amount of time did, do, die more than succeeding. And there is no way they enjoyed that. But once they start unlocking achievements, they suddenly change their tune.

Super Meat Boy is fair compared to Isaac. Its always the same pattern to memorize, never changes. And dying is only because of getting used to controlling the characters and levels.

Did I forget to mention before that this includes Wrath of the Lamb?

It may not be your type of game, but no, not everybody who plays this game fails more than they do succeed at this game—even if they're new at the game... even if they start with Wrath of the Lamb (which I did start with).

The achievements in Super Meat Boy are waaaaay harder than Isaac's achievements. The only reason some people might find it easier is because it's not permadeath. If it was, it would undoubtedly be the most difficult and frustrating game Edmund has made.

[Ader]

its just a great game to enjoy...
you never know what will happen next...