Info about The Binding of Isaac: Repentance:

Official game description:
  
**PRAY FOR REPENTANCE AND BE REBORN**  
Experience the modern classic, The Binding of Isaac, like you've never seen it before. It's a game too big to be called a sequel: Repentance takes Isaac to new heights of roguelike dungeon adventure, as the brave boy descends into the basement for his greatest challenge yet! Isaac's new quest takes him to unknown places he's never been, filled with horrible new enemies and bosses, weapon combos you've never synergized before and items he's never seen... unholy terrors from his wildest dreams and worst nightmares!  
**BIGGER THAN A SEQUEL**  
The Binding of Isaac: Repentance is so huge, so new and so feature-packed that it makes previous updates look like prequels. There are more features, improvements and new secrets, too many secrets, than most games would include in an official sequel! It's an immense amount of new content to explore, even if you're at 1,000,000%!  
**THE "FINAL" UPDATE TO THE AWARD-WINNING CLASSIC**  
The Binding of Isaac: Repentance features hundreds of new features and quality-of-life improvements. It’s the ultimate edition of the genre-defining roguelike, now with OVER 500 HOURS of new gameplay!  
**KEY FEATURES:**  
\- 130+ new items (more than 700 items in total)  
\- A full alternate path with brand new chapters and a new final boss and ending  
\- 100+ new enemies  
\- 25+ new bosses  
\- 2 new playable characters  
\- 5 new challenges  
\- 100+ new achievements  
\- 5,000+ new room designs

Release date: Mar 31, 2021

Categories: Roguelike, Dungeon Crawler, Procedural Generation, Character Management, Item Synergies, High Difficulty, Goal-Oriented Gameplay Loop, Alternative Paths and Endings

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 15; verdict: Mixed but Positive; summary: The DLC for The Binding of Isaac: Repentance is generally well-received for its extensive content and value addition to the base game. However, there are mixed feelings about its pricing, with some users finding it acceptable while others feel it could be cheaper. Additionally, concerns about the difficulty level suggest that the DLC might not be suitable for all players, particularly beginners. Overall, the DLC is seen as a significant enhancement to the game, but potential buyers should consider the pricing and difficulty aspects.
- Proton/Linux: score 30; verdict: Works with Minor Tweaks; summary: The Repentance DLC for the game has dropped native Linux support, which has been a significant point of contention among users. While the game can run under Proton, it is not a perfect replacement for native support. Some users have reported positive experiences with Proton, but there are also mentions of longer startup times. Overall, the lack of native Linux support is the most severe issue, followed by the need to use Proton and its associated performance considerations.
- Steam Deck: score 50; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The primary issues highlighted by users revolve around the lack of native Linux support for the Repentance DLC, which was previously supported for the base game and other DLCs. Users have also noted that while the game can run under Proton, it comes with performance drawbacks such as longer startup times. Additionally, there is a sentiment that the product page should be more transparent about the lack of Linux and macOS support.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $15.00 - $30.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence suggests that users find the game and its DLCs to be of high value and worth the price. The repeated mentions of the game being 'worth the money' and 'absolutely worth the price' indicate a positive sentiment towards the pricing. Given that the DLCs are considered to significantly expand the content and are seen as valuable additions, it can be inferred that the community finds the base game and its expansions to be fairly priced within a higher range.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 200.0h
  - Story completion: 20.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence provided includes direct mentions of playtime and indirect references to extensive gameplay. The quote 'prepare for hundreds of hours of grinding' suggests a high total playtime for game completion. The mention of 'used 900 hours without MOD and console to finish all the achievements' indicates an extreme upper bound for completionist playtime. The quote 'I've played about 20h of this dlc - I've managed to get both new chapters finished on hardmode' suggests a typical story completion time. There is no direct evidence for typical session length or endgame hours, so those fields are marked as null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game is generally fun immediately, especially in co-op or solo play, despite an initial learning curve.
  - Stance: Fun immediately
  - Anchor: Overcoming the initial learning curve
  - Time to anchor: 1h 0m
  - Friction: Steep learning curve; Initial complexity
  - Unlock drivers: Playing with friends; Playing solo
  - Conditions: Solo play; Co-op play; Overcoming the learning curve
- Player Archetypes:
  - Casual Explorer (sale)
    - Motivation: Enjoyment of content and casual gameplay
    - Playstyle: Casual single-player, exploring content at their own pace
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: new player; casual gamer
    - Reference games: The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
  - Veteran Grinder (buy)
    - Motivation: Depth and replayability
    - Playstyle: Long sessions, grinding for completion, and exploring all content
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: hardcore fan; completionist
    - Reference games: The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth; The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+
  - Social Co-op Player (sale)
    - Motivation: Multiplayer experience and social interaction
    - Playstyle: Cooperative play with friends, both casual and dedicated sessions
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: co-op enthusiast; social gamer
    - Reference games: The Binding of Isaac: Repentance
  - Critical Connoisseur (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Game balance and design integrity
    - Playstyle: Analytical and critical, focusing on game mechanics and balance
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: game critic; balance analyst
    - Reference games: The Binding of Isaac: Repentance; League of Legends


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Substantial high-quality DLC content (weight 0.43): The DLC adds a significant amount of new content, including items, achievements, endings, and gameplay variety, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
- Highly praised gameplay experience (weight 0.42): Players consistently praise the game for its fantastic and engaging gameplay, describing it as fun, relaxing, and of high quality.
- High replayability (weight 0.32): The game offers near-infinite replayability with different runs, varied item combinations, and new challenges, making each playthrough unique.
- Balanced and challenging gameplay (weight 0.32): The game offers a balanced and challenging experience, with item rebalancing and mechanics that require skill and adaptation.
- Unique and challenging bosses (weight 0.23): The game features unique and challenging bosses that are well-balanced and add to the game's difficulty and enjoyment.
- Favorite and best game (weight 0.16): Many players consider this game to be one of the best they have ever played, highlighting its overall excellence.
- Excellent soundtrack (weight 0.14): The soundtrack is highly praised for its quality and contribution to the overall gaming experience.
- Top-tier roguelike game (weight 0.12): The game is considered one of the best roguelikes, offering a pinnacle experience in the genre with its unique mechanics and gameplay.
- Good value for money (weight 0.12): Players feel that the game is worth the price, offering substantial content and a high-quality experience.
- New characters with unique mechanics (weight 0.12): The introduction of new characters with unique and interesting mechanics enhances the gameplay experience.
- New endings and completion marks (weight 0.11): The addition of new endings and completion marks provides a sense of accomplishment and adds to the game's replayability.
- New levels and environments (weight 0.09): The game introduces new levels, environments, and special rooms with unique designs, enhancing exploration and gameplay variety.
- Encourages experimentation and learning (weight 0.09): The game encourages players to experiment, adapt, and learn, adding depth to the gameplay experience.

Common complaints:
- Unnecessary item rebalancing (weight 0.26): Some of the nerfs and buffs to existing items are seen as unnecessary and not well thought out, leading to player dissatisfaction.
- Frustrating enemy and boss design (weight 0.16): Players find some of the new enemies and bosses to be frustrating and poorly designed, leading to an unfair and less enjoyable experience.
- Lack of Linux and Mac support (weight 0.15): The game and its DLC lack support for Linux and MacOS, which has disappointed a portion of the player base.
- Poorly received new items (weight 0.12): New items introduced in the game are generally disliked, often considered worse than existing ones, and not well-received by the community.
- Increased difficulty (weight 0.11): The increased difficulty of the game has made it less enjoyable for some players, who find it too challenging.
- Frustration with gameplay mechanics (weight 0.11): Some gameplay mechanics are frustrating and difficult, leading to a less enjoyable experience.
- Difficulty with specific bosses (weight 0.11): Some bosses, such as Mother, are considered very hard, leading to repeated deaths and frustration.
- Negative impact on personal life (weight 0.1): The game has had a negative impact on some players' personal lives and health, which is a serious concern.
- Nerfed item pool (weight 0.09): The item pool has been nerfed, making good items rarer and the game less exciting for players.
- Changes to enemy behavior (weight 0.09): Changes to enemy speed and behavior have made the game less enjoyable and more frustrating, focusing more on memorization and precise movements.
- Multiplayer issues (weight 0.07): Multiplayer mode is either unplayable or laggy, causing frustration among players.
- Progression issues (weight 0.06): There are issues with game progression, including loss of progress, which can be frustrating for players.
- Game is too short (weight 0.06): Players find the gameplay line to be too short, leading to a less satisfying experience.
- Lack of item descriptions (weight 0.06): The game lacks an item description mode, making it difficult for players to understand the functionality of items, which is seen as not user-friendly.
- Shop is now obsolete (weight 0.06): The shop has become almost useless due to changes in the game, making it less rewarding for players.
- Health upgrade issues (weight 0.06): Health upgrades from rerolling items are no longer filled, and health decreases if you have fewer health items after rerolling, which is frustrating for players.

Gameplay feedback:
- Expanded game content (weight 0.28): The game has been expanded with new characters, items, bosses, and floor variants. These additions require more strategic planning and adaptation due to changes in enemy behavior and item pools.
- High difficulty level (weight 0.27): The game is noted for its high difficulty, which may not be suitable for all players. It requires more skill and strategy to progress, and includes a hard mode with increased difficulty.
- Unique gameplay mechanics (weight 0.25): The game features unique and deep gameplay mechanics, including character-specific and boss mechanics that add complexity and variety.
- Item synergies and balancing (weight 0.19): The game introduces new item synergies and balancing changes, which affect gameplay and require players to adapt their strategies.
- Unique enemy and boss design (weight 0.11): The game includes unique enemies and bosses with interesting mechanics, adding to the challenge and variety of the gameplay.
- Roguelike elements (weight 0.09): The game incorporates roguelike elements and dungeon crawling, which enhances its replayability and challenge.
- Procedural generation (weight 0.09): The game features procedural generation of rooms and dungeons, adding to its replayability and variety.
- Character management (weight 0.09): The game includes character management and unlocking mechanics, allowing players to access and utilize different characters with unique abilities.
- High learning curve (weight 0.09): The game has a high learning curve due to non-intuitive mechanics and may require external guides to fully understand certain features.
- Extensive game content (weight 0.07): The game has a lot of content, making it worth the price and providing players with numerous options and challenges.
- Variety of items and actions (weight 0.06): The game provides a variety of items and actions, enhancing the gameplay experience and offering more options for players.
- Goal-oriented gameplay loop (weight 0.06): The game features a goal-oriented gameplay loop, providing players with clear objectives and a structured gaming experience.
- Alternative paths and endings (weight 0.06): The game offers alternative paths and endings, increasing the variety and replayability of the gameplay experience.
- Multiplayer functionality (weight 0.06): The game includes multiplayer functionality, although there may be some issues associated with it.

Performance notes:
- Frequent game crashes (weight 0.21): The game experiences frequent crashes, particularly in multiplayer and online modes, and sometimes fails to open altogether. This issue is exacerbated when using DLC.
- Performance issues (weight 0.1): Players report various performance issues including framerate drops, constant lag, and minor freezes. These problems affect the overall gameplay experience.
- Compatibility with Proton (weight 0.09): The game runs well on Proton, indicating good compatibility with Linux systems. However, there are some issues with startup times when using Proton.
- Low system requirements (weight 0.09): The game has very low system requirements and can run on almost any hardware, including low-end PCs.
- Online mode needs optimization (weight 0.07): The online mode of the game requires optimization to improve performance and reduce lag.
- Long loading times (weight 0.04): Players have noted that the game has excessively long loading times, which can be frustrating and disrupt the gaming experience.
- Minor co-op delay (weight 0.04): There is a slight, barely noticeable delay in co-op mode, which does not significantly impact the gameplay but is worth noting.
- Request for Linux port (weight 0.03): Some players have requested a native Linux port for the game, indicating a demand for better support on Linux systems.
- Screen tearing on AMD (weight 0.03): The game still experiences screen tearing issues on AMD processors, which can be detrimental to the visual experience.
- Windows 11 support issues (weight 0.03): There are reported issues with the game's support for Windows 11, which may affect a subset of players.

Recommendations:
- Game highly recommended (weight 0.23): Many players recommend the game despite its challenges and negative reviews. It is often suggested for both new and experienced players.
- DLCs are worth buying (weight 0.18): Players suggest buying all DLCs for the best experience. The game is highly recommended with all DLCs installed.
- Ideal for fans of Isaac (weight 0.16): The game is highly recommended for fans of Isaac and the series in general. It is considered worth it for its content and replay value.
- Not for beginners (weight 0.09): The game is not recommended for new or casual players. It is suggested that beginners should avoid it.
- Recommended for roguelike fans (weight 0.07): The game is highly recommended for fans of roguelike games and those who enjoy min-maxing.
- Worth the price (weight 0.07): Players find the game worth buying and believe it offers good value for the price.
- Definitive version of Isaac (weight 0.06): Repentance is considered the definitive version of Isaac and the best expansion.
- Needs Mac and Linux support (weight 0.06): There is a demand for MacOS and Linux support for the game.
- Worth it for experienced players (weight 0.04): The game is considered worth it for experienced players.
- Buy during sale (weight 0.03): Hardcore fans are advised to buy the game when it is on sale for new content.
- Needs major update (weight 0.03): The game needs one major update to fix broken content.
- Enjoy the exploration (weight 0.03): Players advise taking time to enjoy the exploration in the game.
- Enable Proton for all games (weight 0.03): Players suggest enabling Proton for all games in the Steam Play tab.

Other player notes:
No miscpoints

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.26): Players are frustrated primarily due to technical issues such as game crashes, bugs, and save file problems. Additionally, changes in gameplay mechanics, item balancing, and the increased difficulty have contributed to this frustration. Compatibility issues with certain operating systems and the lack of support for macOS and Linux have also been significant sources of frustration.
- Excitement (weight 0.13): Players are excited about the new content and mechanics introduced in the DLC, which include new characters, enemies, bosses, and items. The diverse and engaging gameplay experience, along with the continuous discovery of new elements, contributes to this excitement. The substantial amount of new content and the unique gameplay mechanics also add to the overall enthusiasm.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.09): Players feel satisfied with the significant amount of new content added by the DLC and the overall game diversity. The therapeutic gameplay experience and the ability to complete the game and its achievements contribute to this satisfaction. Positive changes and balancing in the DLC have also been well-received.
- Disappointment (weight 0.08): Players are disappointed due to the negative impact of the DLC on the game, including balance changes and mechanics changes that have made the game less enjoyable. The lack of support for macOS and Linux, as well as progress loss and save import issues, have also contributed to this disappointment. Some players feel that the changes in the DLC have ignored the preferences and enjoyment of the community.
- Joy (weight 0.06): Players experience joy from the engaging and fun gameplay, as well as the beautiful graphics and sublime music. The emotional impact and life-changing experience provided by the game, along with the enjoyment of the game's content and mechanics, contribute to this joy. Completing all achievements and the overall positive experience with the game also bring joy to players.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.05): Players feel nostalgic due to long-term enjoyment of the game, reflecting on years of playing the game since childhood. The extensive time and effort put into the game, as well as playing the game on multiple platforms over time, contribute to this nostalgia. Childhood memories and long-term engagement with the game also evoke a sense of nostalgia.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.05): Players enjoy the game due to its engaging gameplay and variety of content, including new content and challenging gameplay. The learning curve and progression system, along with the positive ratings in various categories, contribute to this enjoyment. The overall positive experience with the DLC and the game items also add to the enjoyment.
- Love (weight 0.03): Players love the game due to its overall gameplay loop and design, as well as the deep connection and appreciation for the game's story, characters, and world. The favorite game status and the enjoyment of the DLC content contribute to this love. The emotional attachment and the statement 'I will always play TBOI' also reflect this love.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.03): Players are enthusiastic about the game's content and gameplay, as well as the new content and improvements introduced in the DLCs. The high praise for the game and its DLCs, along with the recommendation of DLCs, contribute to this enthusiasm. The game running well and being highly recommended also add to the enthusiasm.
- Addiction (weight 0.02): Players feel addicted to the game due to its highly engaging gameplay, which holds them hostage. The desire to stop playing but continuing to enjoy the game contributes to this addiction. The overall gameplay experience is so captivating that it becomes addictive.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Players appreciate the positive changes and additions in the DLC, as well as the balanced gameplay. The positive changes and improvements in the DLC contribute to this appreciation. The overall enhancements and new content introduced in the DLC are well-received and appreciated.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): Players are amused by the dark and unique gameplay elements, as well as the new content and gameplay elements. The enjoyment of specific game mechanics and the overall fun experience despite the frustration contribute to this amusement. The unique and engaging aspects of the game bring amusement to players.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Players are angry due to issues with the game's Chinese translation and technical issues. The frustration with gameplay mechanics and the high cost of DLC contribute to this anger. The negative experience with the game and the high blood pressure from gameplay also evoke anger.
- Sadness (weight 0.02): Players feel sadness due to the emotional impact of the story and endings, as well as the inability to play with friends. The loss of the carefree fun that the game used to have and the emotional impact of the DLC's ending contribute to this sadness. The personal connection to the game and the inability to share the experience with friends evoke sadness.
- Excited (weight 0.02): Players are excited about the challenging gameplay that keeps them on their toes, as well as the addition of new items, QoL updates, and online co-op. The overall awesomeness of the game and the new content contribute to this excitement. The engaging and thrilling aspects of the game evoke excitement.
- Frustrated (weight 0.02): Players are frustrated due to significantly reduced fun and added bullshit, as well as the inability to import old save files to the DLC. The limitation to accessing only Afterbirth Plus+ and the normal version, along with the inability to play the game due to OS issues, contribute to this frustration. The technical limitations and restrictions evoke frustration.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Players admire the game's details and features, as well as the appreciation for the story and modding community. The overall admiration for the game's depth and complexity contributes to this admiration. The detailed and intricate aspects of the game evoke admiration.
- Nostalgic (weight 0.01): Players feel nostalgic due to playing the game since childhood and the long-term connection to the game. The memories and experiences associated with the game over the years contribute to this nostalgia. The personal history and emotional attachment to the game evoke nostalgia.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Players feel gratitude due to the game's impact on their life and the emotional impact and personal connection to the game. The overall positive influence and meaningful experiences provided by the game contribute to this gratitude. The personal significance and emotional resonance of the game evoke gratitude.
- Pride (weight 0.01): Players feel pride due to completing all completion marks on the hardest character and achieving all accomplishments without mods. The overall sense of achievement and mastery of the game's challenges contribute to this pride. The personal accomplishments and milestones in the game evoke pride.}