Today, on August 16, the game “Backpack Heroes” has entered Early Access on Steam. In this rogue-like strategy game with RPG elements, everything revolves around inventory management. The game costs €12.59 – there is also a free demo available for download. The developers take inspiration from the legendary inventory of Resident Evil 4. For fans of games like Destiny 2 or Diablo 3, a dream comes true: during level-ups, the inventory can be expanded.
What kind of game is it?
- As a single hero with an animal visage, you navigate through a dungeon in “Backpack Heroes,” killing monsters, opening treasure chests, and encountering merchants. So far, so familiar.
- Where other games focus on equipping your character with new items, leveling skills, and becoming ever more powerful, Backpack Heroes revolves entirely around inventory and equipment management. Items are not worn but remain clearly visible in the centrally placed inventory:
- The player starts with 9 inventory slots arranged in a 3×3 grid. However, after their first battle, they can already expand their inventory by 4 slots – a dream for any fan of Destiny 2 or Diablo 3, where inventory space was always limited.
Anyone who has seen the trailer immediately understands what Backpack Heroes is about, the new game on Steam:
How does combat work? Combat is executed by clicking on the sword in the inventory rather than directly attacking the opponent, and this way, you engage the enemy. They have visible health points and armor values, and when these drop to zero, they enter NPC Nirvana, where they belong.
During and after each battle, strategic decisions must be made about how to utilize inventory space perfectly:
- Should I keep the poison potion that blocks an inventory slot and save it for later battles, or use the poison now to make the fight easier and have one more slot to perhaps take the burning axe that drops as loot?
- Do I have room for coins if I want to visit a merchant in the next room? And if not, what do I throw out of the inventory?
- What kind of enemies might I encounter next, and how can I prepare for them?
- Am I overdoing it by hoarding the 5th healing item, or am I completely justified, and everything else would be irresponsible and reckless?
Download for free demo on Steam available – Game also costs “only” €12.59
What is the cost of the game and what is special about it? Backpack Heroes currently costs €12.59 on Steam – it is reduced by 10%.
No one has to buy a pig in a poke. A free demo is available where you can already try the game to see if you like the concept.
The game may have just been released today on Steam, but it has been in development and played for quite some time. It is still formally in Early Access.
92% positive reviews rave about Backpack Heroes on Steam
What do the reviews say? The reviews are 92% positive. Budget titles with such a narrow focus often receive high user ratings. Backpack Heroes, however, seems to motivate especially in the long run.
- One user writes: “104 hours played before Early Access… Says it all. It’s addictive, it’s great. I love it!”
- Another user says: “Slay the Spire, but instead of cards, there’s inventory management. Also… Furries!”
- “Great game – excellent rogue-like. I spent many hours on the demo and Early Access is just a better version.”
At high levels, the game looks a bit like magic:
Are there any negative opinions as well? The few negative reviews complain about bugs in the game and that there is a lack of the feeling of truly having accomplished something.
Overall, the reactions are very positive with 92%. It probably doesn’t hurt to start downloading the demo if you don’t immediately run screaming at “game about inventory management.”
In the future, the game is expected to receive controller support and an overworld with a meta-progression. The most dedicated fans seem to be already looking forward to this meta-progression.
The legendary inventory system of Resident Evil 4 inspired a game that also hit big on Steam just last May:
Steam game for €1.27 gets 93% positive reviews from traumatized MMORPG and MMO gamers
