The Legend of Bum-bo

McMillen's 2019 roguelike deck-builder and prequel to The Binding of Isaac.

The Legend of Bum-bo is a 2019 roguelike deck-building game by designer Edmund McMillen and programmer James Interactive, and a prequel to The Binding of Isaac. It launched on Steam for Windows in November 2019.

Later versions reached Android in December 2020 and Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in June 2022.

Quick Facts

Developer

Edmund McMillen; James Interactive

Publisher

Edmund McMillen
The Label (Android)
Nicalis

Engine

Unity

Platforms

Windows
Android
Nintendo Switch
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X/S

Released

Microsoft Windows
November 12, 2019
Android
December 7, 2020
Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
June 29, 2022

Genre

Roguelike deck-building, puzzle

Modes

Single-player

Composer

Ridiculon

Facts from the source article.

Background

The game mixes several genres. Players control Bum-bo or another unlockable character, each with different starting stats such as health, speed and luck.

There are 4 levels, each with rooms full of enemies and a boss at the end. To fight, the player matches tiles on a board, much like Bejeweled or Candy Crush Saga, to cast spells, raise defence and attack, with a limited number of turns before the enemies move and strike.

Tiles, rooms and enemy layouts are randomly generated, so no two runs are the same, and clearing a room offers a choice of items.

What players say: Player verdict on The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth — Rotten Tweets