SYNCED immerses players in an original sci-fi universe where nanomachines have reanimated the deceased and taken control of the world. Armed with an array of firearms, unique abilities, and their own nanomachine, teams of up to four players venture into the ruins of a once-leading tech giant to uncover secrets from the past. While the premise might suggest an extraction-style shooter, SYNCED leans more towards the Borderlands-style of gameplay, involving clearing levels and culminating in intense boss battles. Despite this initial misdirection, the game offers an engaging and enjoyable gameplay loop, featuring a diverse range of formidable bosses.
Incorporating roguelike elements into its classic shooter gameplay, SYNCED allows players to upgrade weapons and acquire combat-enhancing perks by defeating nano-infected adversaries and spending the currency they drop at kiosks. These perks serve as a notable highlight but also pose a challenge in terms of game balance. While powerful perks are inherently fun, they should be balanced with scarcity to maintain gameplay equilibrium. In SYNCED, players often accumulate enough currency to purchase four or five perks on average within a short span of gameplay, including shop refreshes. This abundance of perks, especially those granting explosive abilities and substantial damage boosts, can tip the scales heavily in the player’s favor, especially when combined with character abilities and summoned bots.
SYNCED introduces the intriguing concept of summoning bots to aid players in combat. While the game initially presents this as controlling enemies defeated in battle, in reality, players select a bot before a level and unlock its use by defeating a “Prime Nano,” a formidable foe between a minion and a mini-boss. Unleashing these bots during combat adds an exciting dimension to gameplay and provides an extra movement ability. The liberal cooldowns on bot usage make it enjoyable, and each character’s unique names for their bots add a nice touch to the experience.
Another strong point of SYNCED lies in its shooting mechanics, offering satisfying firearm handling with impactful sounds, responsive enemy reactions, and enjoyable aiming animations. Excellent gunplay, such as effortlessly dispatching Nanos with a single sniper shot or mowing down hordes of enemies with a machine gun, creates a rewarding experience. However, one area where the game could improve is in the reload times, which feel overly prolonged during combat situations. Implementing faster reloads, akin to games like Apex Legends, would enhance the overall gameplay.
Regarding microtransactions, SYNCED features numerous options, including a day-one battle pass and various character and bot skins, ranging from complete outfit changes to recolors. While personal opinions on microtransactions may vary, it’s worth noting that the game offers these options for those interested in customization. SYNCED offers both open, nonlinear maps and confined spaces, with the latter providing a more engaging experience. Levels set indoors make the Nano threats feel more menacing and reduce downtime between encounters. However, one drawback is the slow start to the game, with the initial forced tutorial and the first two levels feeling somewhat lackluster and easy. Fortunately, the game gains momentum by the third level, showcasing its strengths more prominently.
In conclusion, SYNCED is a game that places its gameplay experience front and center, offering enjoyable mechanics that are ripe for expansion and improvement. While the character roster may initially leave something to be desired, the potential for growth and the allure of a free gaming experience make SYNCED a title worth exploring. With a commitment to ongoing development, it’s a game that holds promise for even more exciting adventures in the ever-expanding world of gaming. Considering it’s available for free, SYNCED is unquestionably a game worth exploring firsthand.