"Backpack Hero" Review – A Clever Puzzle in a Roguelike's Clothing
Backpack Hero is the inventory management roguelike! Collect rare items, organize your bag, and vanquish your foes!
I'm a casual gamer who mostly plays to wind down after parenting, fitness and work are out of the way. Recently, I've been enjoying "Backpack Hero" on my Steam Deck.
"Backpack Hero" takes a unique approach to roguelike gaming by transforming the mundane task of inventory management into the core of its gameplay. Players assume the role of Purse, a brave mouse adventuring through dungeons with a magical expanding backpack. Unlike traditional roguelikes where leveling up enhances skills or damage, in "Backpack Hero", it's all about strategically expanding your backpack for more loot.
The game borrows elements from "Resident Evil 4" and "Slay the Spire", focusing less on action and more on creating synergies within your inventory. The placement of items in your backpack directly affects your combat effectiveness. A helmet placed in the top row offers better armor, and weapons get a boost when adjacent to certain items like a Sapphire. This system encourages creativity and improvisation, as the introduction of a new item can lead to entirely new strategies.
Despite its innovative inventory management and quest system that teaches core strategies, "Backpack Hero" isn't without flaws. The town management and meta-progression systems, though solid in concept, become somewhat repetitive and grind-heavy. The need to constantly rebuild your inventory from scratch in each dungeon run and the slow start in unlocking items might deter some players. The story, while not the game's focus, provides enough interest to keep players engaged but doesn't offer the narrative depth of games like "Hades".
Overall, "Backpack Hero" excels in its unique take on inventory management, making it an addictive and enjoyable puzzle. However, its meta-progression and some UI issues may hinder the full appreciation of its depth. This game is a successful experiment in focusing on a specific mechanic, offering a refreshing experience in the roguelike genre.
Backpack Hero
Backpack Hero is the inventory management roguelike! Collect rare items, organize your bag, and vanquish your foes!
