10 Video Games You Didn't Know Were Based On Books

10. The Binding Of Isaac

Based on: The Bible

The Binding Of Isaac takes both its name and inspiration from one of the most infamous passages within the Bible, from early in the Old Testament. In it, God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, only for a messenger to interrupt him at the last moment; Abraham then carries out the ritual with a passing ram.

In the game, Isaac’s mother is the central focus, with the message being sent to her rather than Abraham. Playing as Isaac, you flee from your mother into the basement, which naturally is filled with monsters. Down there, you must battle against them before finally defeating your mother at the end of the game.

Edmund McMillen, the game’s developer, was raised in a religious household, with some of his family Catholic, and another lot born-again Christians. This helped him to see both the good and the bad sides of religion, and these complex ideas made their way into the game.

It’s quite an achievement to base a video game off the Bible without becoming dull, preachy, or just edgy blasphemy with no hidden subtext. The Binding Of Isaac manages to serve up a real in-depth experience.