Lynked: Banner of the Spark is a new game developed by Max Spielberg, son of legendary director Steven Spielberg, and his indie studio FuzzyBot. While Spielberg’s previous work in the gaming industry was centered around shooters like Medal of Honor and Battlefield, this new project offers a more vibrant and laid-back experience with exciting action elements. The game, Lynked: Banner of the Spark, is now available in early access on Steam.
Lynked: Banner of the Spark is a cooperative action game where players engage in battles against robots in a post-apocalyptic world. Despite the grim setting, the game features a colorful environment filled with adorable robots. Combined with solid roguelite and town-building mechanics, Lynked provides a refreshing alternative to other early access action games like Hades 2 and Towerborne.
Bite-sized Hades
The game kicks off with a prison break, introducing players to a friendly Unibot named Buddy and setting them on a quest to restore the Banner of the Spark, a group of helpful Unibots who played a vital role in rebuilding the world post-apocalypse. In Lynked, players engage in isometric action gameplay where missions involve battling evil robots known as Combots.
Lynked equips players with various weapons to combat the robots, including unique options like the Resonator, a guitar-like weapon that offers different abilities. The game also features a “Wyre” arm that allows players to manipulate enemies and objects in the environment, adding depth to combat mechanics.
Combat in Lynked delivers an exhilarating experience akin to popular isometric action games like Hades. While it may become repetitive over time, the game introduces systems to address this issue, such as the ability to customize weapons and powers before each mission and incorporating roguelite elements for unique runs.
As players progress through missions, they rescue other bots that enhance the gameplay experience. For example, a weaponsmith offers upgrades at the end of each area within a mission, adding variability to subsequent playthroughs and reducing monotony.
Between action-focused missions, players can engage in town-building activities within their hub area. While not as intricate as games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, this feature provides a welcome break from intense combat sequences.
Lynked caters to players who enjoy cooperative beat ’em up games, serving as a compelling option for those who seek thrilling combat experiences. With its roguelite structure and engaging town hub mechanics, FuzzyBot has crafted a title that offers both unique gameplay and social interactions.
If you’re interested in exploring the world of Lynked: Banner of the Spark, the game is currently accessible through Steam’s early access program.