Backpack Battles
- April 1, 2024
- PlayWithFurcifer
- 42h median play time
"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.
Reviews
- Incredibly addictive gameplay loop with a unique inventory management system.
- Asynchronous PvP allows for a relaxed gaming experience without time pressure.
- Frequent updates and balance changes from the developers keep the game fresh and engaging.
- Game balance issues lead to a reliance on a few overpowered builds, making it repetitive at higher ranks.
- Lack of meaningful progression or rewards beyond cosmetics can diminish long-term engagement.
- The RNG aspect can be frustrating, as it heavily influences the availability of key items needed for specific builds.
- gameplay177 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its addictive mechanics and strategic depth, allowing players to experiment with various builds and item combinations in a unique inventory management system. While the core mechanics are engaging and easy to grasp, some players feel the game lacks a robust meta and can become monotonous over time, particularly due to unbalanced builds and insufficient content. Overall, the game offers a fun and casual experience, appealing to fans of tactical gameplay and roguelike elements, though it may benefit from additional content and clearer mechanics.
“The simple yet addictive gameplay mechanics make it easy to pick up; what sets it apart, however, is the flexibility it offers.”
“The game's engaging mechanics and creative approach offer a fresh experience for fans of card games and tactical gameplay.”
“Backpack battles has an incredibly addictive gameplay loop, filled with fun challenges and many craftable items to discover.”
“It just seems skin-deep in terms of design and gameplay loop.”
“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.”
“This game since some time has an irritating hidden mechanic, which can easily ruin fun for anyone intending to play a previously planned build, depending on a key item.”
- graphics63 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the cute and charming art style, while others criticize it for resembling outdated mobile games or lacking depth. Some users highlight the attention to detail in the visuals and well-designed UI, but there are frequent calls for improvements, particularly regarding character designs. Overall, while the graphics may not appeal to everyone, they are often seen as a secondary aspect to the game's addictive and engaging gameplay.
“A very fun little autobattler with a cute art style and lots of variety!”
“The character artwork is nice and cute, and the battles are nice and fast-paced.”
“With charming visuals and addictive gameplay, Backpack Battles is a must-try for anyone looking for a fun and casual gaming experience.”
“Warning: although the game is very cute, the visuals don't exactly make up for the lack of content or improvements.”
“Graphics look like they raided a mobile game from 2010.”
“Aside from that, the artwork is incredibly cringe and reminds me of a 14-year-old girl drawing their first attempts at anime characters.”
- replayability40 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
Overall, the game boasts high replayability due to its strategic depth, diverse player builds, and the randomness of item synergies, which keep each playthrough fresh and engaging. While many players find it addictive and enjoyable with a wealth of content, some express concerns about limited replayability in terms of class variety and long-term progression. Regular updates and a developing metagame further enhance its replay value, making it a compelling choice for fans of the genre.
“Being able to manage RNG while getting your engine going leads to endless replayability.”
“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.”
“The developers (congrats!) have created an addictive, highly replayable, and engaging game.”
“Its ok, has a bit of replayability until you've seen it all.”
“Limited replayability, not enough classes.”
“I've seen basically every setup at this point, and that feels far too short a time for a game angling for a competitive ranked element which requires replayability.”
- grinding19 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- -11 % neutral mentions
- 95 % negative mentions
Reviews on the aspect of "grinding" present a mixed perspective. While some players appreciate the game's ability to provide enjoyable, chill experiences without excessive grind, others find the grinding aspect tedious and repetitive, especially at higher levels. Many users express a desire for more rewarding achievements and incentives to make the grinding feel less monotonous and more engaging.
“Thought-provoking but not tedious.”
“The grind feels rewarding and keeps me engaged.”
“I love how the grinding mechanics encourage exploration and strategy.”
“After a while, the game gets tedious and repetitive.”
“Super RNG dependent and grindy.”
“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.”
- music19 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 26 % neutral mentions
- 16 % 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 appreciate the well-crafted soundtrack, some express a desire for more variety, as the looping melodies can become repetitive over time. Overall, the music is considered a strong point of the game, contributing positively to its 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.”
“The art style is perfect, the UI is responsive, and the music is just perfect.”
“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.”
- humor16 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its quirky mechanics and absurdities, such as chaotic backpack management and amusing item interactions that lead to unexpected situations. Players find the comedic elements, like the eccentric shopkeeper and over-the-top weapon names, to be a delightful addition, enhancing the overall experience. The game successfully blends humor with gameplay, creating a lighthearted atmosphere that keeps players entertained.
“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.”
- optimization12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game excels in optimization, offering players numerous strategies and opportunities for clever inventory and loadout management. Users appreciate its competitive nature and the depth of optimization available, with no significant performance issues reported, even on platforms like the Steam Deck. Overall, it provides a seamless experience that enhances both gameplay and strategy.
“I love the different strategies and small optimizations you can make.”
“An amazing inventory management, item optimization game.”
“This game is competitive optimization, and I love it.”
“There's so much room for cleverness, creativity, and optimization.”
“Meaning the item combinations and item placements within the bags are what drives your offensive and defensive performance.”
- story6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate a significant absence of a dedicated story mode in the game, with players expressing a desire for a career or story mode that would enhance gameplay by allowing them to tackle bosses and opponents repeatedly. While the game is praised for its mechanics, the lack of a narrative or progression system is noted as a 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.”
“This isn't my first foray into auto battlers; I have some experience with Storybook Brawl and the original Dota Autochess.”
“No story mode.”
“Great game, but lacking story and some form of good progress.”
“Story: n/a.”
- monetization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game heavily relies on advertisements, prompting some users to consider alternative options on platforms like Steam before spending money to remove ads. While the game itself is well-received, the presence of ads has led to mixed feelings among players regarding its value.
“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.”
“Great game, great advertisement.”
“I've seen games with ads before.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users find the emotional aspect of the game engaging, as it captivates them quickly despite initial reservations about its visual appeal. The immersive experience creates a strong connection, drawing players in and keeping them invested.
- stability2 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 enjoyable!”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate a dissatisfaction with the character development, particularly criticizing the anime-inspired designs that some players find unappealing or "fishy." This suggests a disconnect between character aesthetics and player expectations, impacting overall engagement with the characters.
“My primary objection is the overly simplistic character development, which leaves characters feeling one-dimensional.”
“The character arcs are predictable and lack depth, making it hard to connect with them.”
“I found the character progression to be uninspired, with little to no meaningful choices affecting their development.”