It was almost exactly one year ago at the Game Developer's Conference when I was first introduced to Jump Ship, a captivating four-player sci-fi PvE shooter that masterfully combines elements from Sea of Thieves, Left 4 Dead, and FTL. Having recently played the latest build alongside some of the developers, I am convinced that if any indie game is poised to make a big splash in this year's crowded market, it's Jump Ship. As it gears up for an Early Access launch this summer, the game is more polished and enjoyable than ever.
If you're not yet familiar with Jump Ship, imagine a non-grindy space adventure for up to four players. Notably, the team at Keepsake Games is actively responding to player feedback, developing innovative ways for solo players to enjoy the game. This includes the introduction of narratively constructed AI assistants that help manage the ship, allowing players to experience Jump Ship as a single-player game if they prefer. The Prologue not only serves as a tutorial, introducing key mechanics like shooting, flying in a space suit, and ship combat, but also enriches the game's lore.
Jump Ship - Closed Beta Screenshots
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Jump Ship now boasts a compelling narrative that enriches its core PvE gameplay. The story revolves around a malicious virus that has infected machines across the galaxy, and it's up to you and your fellow Atirans to reach the heart of the galaxy to stop it. You'll navigate through procedurally generated mission chains in each sector, with missions varying from 10 minutes to an hour. The Jump Map's color-coded system helps you gauge the risk and potential rewards of each branching choice, adding strategic depth to your journey.
Aiding you in your mission is Iris, a non-infected AI you encounter in the Prologue, who serves as a narrative guide throughout your adventures. This adds a structured element to the robust gameplay foundation of Jump Ship. Additionally, the Hangar acts as a hub where you can spend in-game currency to customize outfits, explore the Galaxy Map, and even enjoy leisure activities like soccer.
The core four-player gameplay is incredibly engaging. Missions rarely go as planned, often requiring one player to pilot the ship and manage its basic weapons while another operates the ship's powerful, 360-degree-pivoting cannon. Meanwhile, the other two players might be outside, using magnetic boots to traverse the ship's hull and take shots at enemy vessels. If the ship gets damaged, players must rush inside, grab fire extinguishers, navigate through vents, and douse the flames to keep everything operational—even the whimsical pineapple pizza-maker!
Jump ShipKeepsake Games Wishlist
Upon reaching your destination, all four players disembark and navigate on foot to secure the coveted loot. You'll face relentless, hostile robots, necessitating tight teamwork at every turn. Your grappling hook accelerates movement, crucial for both ground and space environments. Once the loot is secured, one player must return it to the ship, while the others provide cover and protection.
Both my initial demo last year and the recent session were brief, yet they demonstrated that Jump Ship excels in short bursts, making it easy to enjoy without demanding excessive time. However, I'm yet to fully explore the game's broader mission structure and the variety offered by its procedural generation, which are key to its promise of endless replayability. Nevertheless, everything I've experienced thus far points to Jump Ship having all the potential to become a major hit. With its engaging mechanics and innovative features, I eagerly anticipate diving back into more adventures.
