Backpack Hero
A grid-based inventory roguelike about organizing your bag.
Backpack Hero is a roguelike video game focused on inventory management, developed by Jaspel and co-published with IndieArk and Different Tales. Players organize items on a grid-based bag system reminiscent of the briefcase from *Resident Evil 4*. The game launched in November 2023 for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Nintendo Switch, with ports for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S arriving on June 11, 2024. It received generally positive reviews.
The project began as a game jam entry and was funded through Kickstarter, raising US$223,893 against a US$20,000 goal. Lead developer Jasper Cole cited *Slay the Spire*, *Into the Breach*, *XCOM*, and the original *Deus Ex* as inspirations. After the game's popularity grew, Cole left some of his jobs to work on it full-time. Early access launched on Steam in August 2022, and the full release followed in November 2023, also arriving on GOG.com and Nintendo Switch. Console ports for PlayStation and Xbox were released in June 2024. Post-launch updates have focused on bug fixes, balance adjustments, and occasional new content.
The first playable character is Purse, a rat, and the game features five total characters, each with distinct gameplay. Resources collected in dungeons can be spent in a town on the overworld to upgrade buildings and unlock new characters.
Critics on Metacritic gave the PC and Switch versions generally favorable scores. OpenCritic reported that 64% of critics recommended the game. Robert Purchese of Eurogamer called it "very charming" with "friendly pixelated characters," noting that the gameplay starts "a bit awkward" but offers deep tactical opportunities. Sorrel Kerr-Jung of Destructoid praised it as "one of the most inventive deckbuilders" she had played, calling the inventory system "the best ever" and comparing each pickup to a puzzle, though she found combat "bland and repetitive." Jared Nelson of TouchArcade said the concept was "anything but boring" and expressed interest in a mobile release. Jonathan Bolding of PC Gamer said he "quite enjoyed" the game, particularly how combos are built.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Jaspel
- Publisher
- Jaspel / IndieArk / Different Tales
- Engine
- Unity
- Platforms
- Windows · Linux · macOS · Nintendo Switch · PlayStation 4 · PlayStation 5 · Xbox One · Xbox Series X/S
- Released
- Windows, Linux, Mac, SwitchWW · November 14, 2023PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/SWW · June 11, 2024
- Genre
- Roguelite
- Modes
- Single-player
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Backpack Hero was initially created as a game jam game. After its popularity drastically increased, main developer Jasper Cole quit some of his jobs to work on it full-time. The game was funded on Kickstarter for US$223,893, far exceeding its US$20,000 goal. It entered Steam Early Access on August 15, 2022, and spent over a year in development before its full release in November 2023, which also brought releases on GOG.com and Nintendo Switch. Home console ports for PlayStation and Xbox followed on June 11, 2024.
The game features five playable characters, each with different gameplay. The first playable hero is Purse, a rat. Resources gathered in dungeons can be spent in a town on the overworld to upgrade buildings and unlock new characters. Since launch, the game has continued to receive updates focused on bug fixes and balance adjustments, with occasional content updates.
Cole stated that the game drew inspiration from Slay the Spire, Into the Breach, and XCOM, with additional inspiration from the original Deus Ex and its grid-based inventory.
Reader's Guide
Backpack Hero is notable for its unique focus on inventory management as the core gameplay mechanic, described as an 'inventory management roguelike.' The grid-based bag system, reminiscent of the briefcase in Resident Evil 4, turns each item pickup into a puzzle, making organization a tactical decision. Critics noted that the game's concept was 'anything but boring' and that it featured 'one of the most inventive deckbuilders' and 'the best inventory management system ever,' despite combat being described as 'bland and repetitive.' Each playable character drastically modifies the gameplay, reinventing the experience. The game received generally favorable reviews on Metacritic for both PC and Nintendo Switch versions, with OpenCritic reporting 64% critic recommendation. Reviewers praised its charm, tactical depth, and combo-building, while noting an initial awkwardness that gave way to strategic opportunity. The game's legacy lies in its successful fusion of inventory puzzle and roguelike progression, inspiring interest in making backpacks in video games 'visible again.'
Did You Know?
- Backpack Hero was initially created as a game jam game before its popularity led the developer to work on it full-time.
- The game's grid-based inventory system was inspired by the briefcase in Resident Evil 4 and the original Deus Ex.
- The Kickstarter campaign raised US$223,893, over ten times its US$20,000 goal.
- The first playable character is a rat named Purse.
More in Roguelikes of the 2020s, Part 1 1-24
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