I was sent a free copy of NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.
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What is NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters?
NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters is a unique autobattler out now on Steam.
Fill your backpack full of powerful monsters and face off against other determined trainers to be the best. In this game, true power comes from creative inventory management and some good RNG. Can you find the perfect combination to climb the ranks, or will you end your career as another nameless trainer? Grab your bag and find out.
Gameplay
NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters is Backpack Hero mixed with Pokemon Stadium. All battles in NeoDuel are against other players who are also making their climb on the leaderboard.
Players begin each run with a random assortment of monsters and items, and a limited amount of slots to arrange them in. Slots can be purchased in random shapes at random intervals. The game’s main challenge is inventory management.
Each creature and item interacts with each other in unique ways. Players must find ways to combine their resources effectively in a confined space that is not only efficient but must also maximize its synergy. Monsters and items sometimes combine to become more powerful, buff certain elements or creatures, or generate valuable resources during a battle. Players will find themselves constantly rearranging their bags and their contents to keep up with the race to the top. While the battle is conducted automatically, the work required to win consistently makes NeoDuel an engaging experience.
Does it work on the Steam Deck?
Yes, but the experience is a little clunky. It isn’t unplayable, but it can be a frustrating experience at times. When moving or arranging monsters in the backpack, the joystick feels too slow. It was useful when I had to rotate items, but most of the time I was dragging items over through the touch screen. The touchscreen controls are fine, but the aspect ratio makes it hard to select items that are bunched too close together. God help you if you have to rearrange the whole bag. NeoDuel is a fine Steam Deck game if you’re picking it up to play casually here and there, but I wouldn’t choose it over playing on PC.
Review
I loved NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters, and recommend it to anyone looking for a casual game. that is still plenty engaging. The game features unique mechanics, engaging gameplay, and a fun and cozy aesthetic. While I understand inventory management, may not sound like the most exciting gameplay loop, you will lose a couple of days obsessing over organizing this inventory.
I am sure there are guides out there with the optimal build paths, but I recommend you go into this game blind. My favorite part of this game was discovering different combinations and climbing higher each time.
The game can feel a bit repetitive at times. Combat is always the same, and players will start to gravitate towards the same kinds of combinations. I found the repetition soothing, and players can speed up the animation so they can focus on inventory management. You’ll definitely get $12 worth of fun from this game, but a couple of expansions with new monsters and strategies wouldn’t hurt.
If you’re looking for a fun casual game you can pull up any time, NeoDuel should be on your list. It has great art, fun gamplay, and interesting mechanics.
You can pick up NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters on Steam for $11.99.
