Backpack Battles
- April 1, 2024
- PlayWithFurcifer
- 42h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Backpack Battles" is a game where you build and customize your backpack with various items, which you can then use to fight other players. The items you choose and how you organize them in your backpack can greatly affect your combat abilities. With different classes, items, and modes to choose from, you can customize your strategy to your liking and battle other players in a relaxed, timer-free environment.
PC
Steam Deck
Web Browser
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- gameplay342 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Backpack Battles" is widely praised for its innovative mechanics, combining strategic card-based combat with engaging inventory management and deck-building elements. Players appreciate the addictive nature of the gameplay loop, which allows for deep strategic planning and experimentation with various builds, despite some concerns about balance and the clarity of certain mechanics. While the art style may not appeal to everyone, the core gameplay experience is described as fun, intuitive, and capable of providing endless replayability.
“The game's engaging mechanics and creative approach offer a fresh experience for fans of card games and tactical gameplay.”
“The mechanics of backpack battles are simple to learn, but offer a complex array of strategies to branch into.”
“Backpack battles has an incredibly addictive gameplay loop, filled with fun challenges and many craftable items to discover.”
“The state of the game 'meta' leaves something to be desired, with just a handful of builds dominating everything above mid-tier gameplay.”
“A lot of gameplay mechanics are also not explained and the dev has said that he has no plans explaining them because he does not want people to 'optimize' the game mechanics.”
“There is no reactive gameplay, no enemy to choose and so there is no real preparation for a fight, because you do not know what to prepare for and this is why I refunded it - a game breaker for me.”
- graphics121 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the cute art style and well-designed UI, while others criticize the character designs as reminiscent of outdated mobile games or "flash-game" aesthetics. Despite the varied opinions on visuals, many agree that the gameplay is engaging and addictive, often overshadowing the graphical shortcomings. Overall, while the art style may not appeal to everyone, it is generally seen as charming and fitting for the game's casual nature.
“A very fun little autobattler with a cute art style and lots of variety!”
“With charming visuals and addictive gameplay, backpack battles is a must-try for anyone looking for a fun and casual gaming experience.”
“The character artwork is nice and cute, and the battles are nice and fast-paced.”
“Graphics look like they raided a mobile game from 2010.”
“Silly graphics, and that is being kind.”
“Needs a graphics and item overhaul for prolonged playability.”
- replayability77 mentions
- 51 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The game boasts high replayability due to its strategic depth, diverse item synergies, and multiple classes, which create unique experiences in each playthrough. While many players find it addictive and engaging with endless replay value, some express concerns about limited long-term content and class variety. Overall, the combination of regular updates and a developing metagame contributes to its strong replayability.
“Endlessly replayable and great fun.”
“Each run is different and different gear shows up in the store and there are multiple classes with their own unique gear so there is really high replayability.”
“It has infinite replayability, a developing metagame, cool builds, competitive gameplay... and it's all asynchronous so you can play at your own pace.”
“Its ok, has a bit of replayability until you've seen it all.”
“Limited replayability, not enough classes.”
“I'm happy I got good playtime out of this game, but I'm sad it doesn't have the replayability as other games in this category.”
- music38 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 34 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its relaxing and catchy qualities, effectively complementing the medieval setting and enhancing the overall experience. While many players enjoy the soundtrack, there are calls for more variety, as some find the looping melodies repetitive. Overall, the music is considered a strong point, contributing positively to the game's atmosphere and enjoyment.
“The game has relaxing background music, synonymous with the medieval setting.”
“The music is really well done and fits the whole premise of the game so exceptionally well.”
“Also, the music is super catchy and the art is adorable.”
“I hear the main menu music in my sleep.”
“Art style, music, and voice acting reminds me of old flash games.”
“All in all, the only thing I could really hope for is more of the same, more character classes, more stuff to unlock with points, more music variety.”
- grinding37 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 95 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while some enjoy the depth and strategy involved in experimenting with builds and ranking up, many feel that it becomes tedious and repetitive over time. The lack of meaningful rewards and achievements during grinding sessions contributes to the perception of it being overly grindy, especially at higher levels. Overall, while the game can be addictive and entertaining, it may require improvements to make the grinding experience more rewarding.
“Thought-provoking but not tedious.”
“After a while, the game gets tedious and repetitive.”
“Seems very grindy at higher levels.”
“Aside from that, it's addictive, but there needs to be more rewarding than what it is; the rewards are too sparse, boring, and far too grindy.”
- humor32 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players enjoying its quirky mechanics, such as the chaotic backpack management and amusing item interactions that lead to unexpected moments of hilarity. The game is filled with funny character designs, like the red unicorn shopkeeper, and clever item names, such as the "eggcalibur," which contribute to its lighthearted tone. Overall, the humor enhances the gameplay experience, making it both entertaining and engaging, despite some frustrations with balance and item organization.
“Upon launch, it became the most hilariously unbalanced game in memory.”
“I had flashbacks to Tangled and burst out laughing when you could upgrade/evolve said frying pan into the mighty 'eggcalibur'.”
“It's like bringing a sword to a pillow fight—utterly, hilariously mismatched.”
- optimization23 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game excels in optimization, offering players numerous strategies and opportunities for clever inventory and item management, which enhances both offensive and defensive capabilities. It runs smoothly on various platforms, including the Steam Deck, with no significant performance issues reported, although connection quality may affect gameplay. Overall, it is highly recommended for those who enjoy competitive optimization and strategic gameplay.
“I love the different strategies and small optimizations you can make.”
“There's so much room for cleverness, creativity, and optimization.”
“An amazing inventory management, item optimization game.”
“Of course performance varies based on your connection.”
“Meaning the item combinations and item placements within the bags are what drives your offensive and defensive performance.”
“Not much for auto battlers but I love RE4 attaché case optimization and tried the game for the memes.”
- story10 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that the game lacks a substantial story or narrative elements, with players expressing a desire for a dedicated story or career mode to enhance progression and engagement. While the gameplay is praised, the absence of a storyline is seen as a significant drawback.
“A 'career' or 'story' mode would be great, which would allow you to just keep trying to overcome bosses or opponents, until you figure out the mechanics or create a build.”
“Great game, but lacking story and some form of good progress.”
“No story mode.”
“Story: n/a.”
- monetization7 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game heavily relies on advertisements, which some players find intrusive. Many users express a desire to pay to remove ads but are considering alternative options on platforms like Steam for a similar price. Overall, while the game is well-received, the ad-based monetization strategy has drawn mixed reactions.
“I decided that before I give them money to make the ads go away, I would check to see if there was something similar on Steam for a comparable amount of money.”
“Ads.”
“I've seen games with ads before.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by users feeling an immediate connection and engagement after just a short interaction, indicating that it effectively captivates players despite any initial visual discomfort.
- stability4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game demonstrates excellent stability, running smoothly on the Steam Deck and alongside other PC games without performance degradation or alt-tab issues. Players report a bug-free experience, enhancing overall enjoyment.
“Runs great on Steam Deck as well as alongside other games on PC without worsening performance or causing alt-tab issues.”
“Plays great, amazing items, bug free and pretty girls!”
- character development2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate a significant concern regarding the character development, particularly criticizing the anime-inspired character designs, which some players find unappealing or "fishy." This design choice seems to detract from the overall character depth and relatability expected in the game.
