Backpack Hero is a roguelike video game created by Jaspel and published by Jaspel, IndieArk, and Different Tales. It was released in November 2023 for Windows, macOS, and Linux through Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store, as well as for Nintendo Switch. Versions for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S were released on June 11, 2024. The game is described as an "inventory management roguelike," where players must organize their bag using a grid system similar to the briefcase in Resident Evil 4. Backpack Hero received mostly positive reviews upon its release.
The game was first supported through Kickstarter and became available for early access starting on August 15, 2022.
Gameplay
Backpack Hero's first playable character is Purse, a rat. The game includes five different characters, each with unique gameplay styles. Players can collect resources in dungeons and use them in a town located on the overworld to upgrade buildings and unlock new characters.
Development
The game was supported through Kickstarter, raising US$223,893, which was much higher than the original goal of US$20,000. The main developer, Jasper Cole, mentioned that the game was inspired by other games such as Slay the Spire, Into the Breach, and XCOM. He also noted that the original Deus Ex and its system for managing items on a grid influenced the game's design. The game began as a project created during a game jam event. However, because the game became very popular, Jasper gave up some of his jobs to work on it full-time.
The game was released for Windows, macOS, and Linux through Steam Early Access in August 2022. It took more than a year to develop before being fully released in November 2023. At that time, the game was also made available on GOG.com and adapted for the Nintendo Switch. Later, in June of the following year, versions for PlayStation and Xbox home consoles were released.
Since its launch, the game has received regular updates. These updates mostly focus on fixing problems and adjusting game elements to improve fairness. Occasionally, new content is added as well.
Reception
The PC and Nintendo Switch versions of Backpack Hero received mostly good reviews from critics, according to Metacritic. Another review site, OpenCritic, reported that 64% of critics recommended the game.
Robert Purchese of Eurogamer said he was "impressed" by Backpack Hero, calling it "very charming" with "friendly pixelated characters." He noted that the gameplay felt "a bit awkward" at first but became more challenging and strategic as players learned more. He also expressed a hope that future games would include visible backpacks.
Sorrel Kerr-Jung of Destructoid praised the game, calling it "one of the most creative deck-building games" she had played. She said the actual combat was "bland and repetitive" but praised the inventory management system, which made collecting items feel like solving puzzles. She added that each playable character changed the gameplay significantly, making the game "richer and more engaging than many complete games" even before its city-building feature was added.
Jared Nelson of TouchArcade said the game’s concept was "anything but boring" and wished it would be released on mobile devices in the future. Jonathan Bolding of PC Gamer said he "quite enjoyed" the game, especially how combinations of moves were created.