Oddsparks is a blend of Automation and Real Time Strategy for both the die-hard fans of the Automation genre and the Automation-curious. Explore a strange fantasy world, uncover the mysteries of the past, automate your workshops, and go on adventures with your odd & adorable Sparks!
The game requires players to design and optimize automated production lines and logistics networks. Unlike traditional automation games that use conveyor belts, this game tasks players with carefully planning the placement and movement of their "Spark" helpers to efficiently carry materials. Players can use a variety of path add-ons and tools to give instructions to their Sparks, overcoming obstacles like distance and elevation. Reviewers praise the accessibility of the automation mechanics, noting that the game provides a good entry point for newcomers while still offering enough depth and complexity to satisfy experienced fans of the genre. Players start with manual resource gathering and crafting, gradually unlocking the ability to automate these processes and create intricate production lines.
Efficiently transporting and processing resources is a core part of the gameplay. Players must gather a variety of raw materials and specialized components to construct buildings and advance their technological progress. Reviewers highlight the challenge of balancing resource flows, tuning the ratios of Sparks and production facilities to achieve optimal throughput. The lack of traditional conveyor belts forces players to devise creative solutions to move resources across their factories.
The game's world is procedurally generated, with players venturing into diverse biomes filled with resources, ruins, and unusual enemies. Uncovering these secrets and expanding their village unlocks new buildings, customization options, and Spark types to incorporate into their factories. The progression is driven by a quest system that smoothly introduces new mechanics and guides the player's development.
Oddsparks supports cooperative multiplayer for up to 4 players. Reviewers highlight this as a strong feature, noting that the game's automation and logistics lend themselves well to collaborative play. Players can work together to construct and manage their shared production networks, while also venturing out to gather resources and uncover the world's mysteries. The multiplayer integration is praised for its seamless host-and-join system, making it easy for friends to jump in and out of each other's games.