This is not really a review of this card in particular, so much as a review of the state of Link in general. Because it's tough out here in standard. Gone are the days of triple Rabbit Hole, and we are in a distinctly linkless era.
Our options for link at the moment are:
- Three Consoles. Reflection, Forger and Security Nexus. The former two are not very strong (especially in Criminal, who have Paragon to work with), and Nexus wants other Links to work with anyway.
All of these also means giving up your Console slot, which isn't very attractive if all you wanted was some Link.
Two connections. The Archivist and Cybertrooper Talut, both of which are both unique and faction-bound. Bad in multiples and costing influence, these guys are not the strong Link we're looking for.
Power Tap: Is great, but on the MWL. That means giving up your unicorn, which is a steep cost for some Link.
Borrowed Satellite and Sports Hopper. One is faction-bound, and both are woefully inefficient if you want Link...
Our best option seems to be Sports Hopper, and that's not a great place to be in. Link as a mechanic is the counterplay to strong Traces, such as CtM and Surveyor. If your deck had a problem with these tactics, your answer would have been to slot some Link and give yourself a fighting chance.
Which is a strange thing. Cards like No One Home, Citadel Sanctuary and everything Sunny Lebeau ever did clearly shows an interest in traces as a mechanic from both sides of the game. Yet Runners have very few options to find some good sources for Link, even as Traces are becoming meaner, stronger and more punishing.
I for one am looking forward to when we can have Link be a bigger deal again, and really exploring what can be done with the mechanic.