It was nearly a year ago at the Game Developer’s Conference that I first encountered Jump Ship, an intriguing four-player sci-fi PvE shooter that seamlessly blends elements from Sea of Thieves, Left 4 Dead, and FTL into an experience I found truly exceptional. Recently, I had the opportunity to dive into the latest build alongside some of the developers, and I'm convinced that if any indie game is poised to make a significant impact in this already crowded year of game releases, it's Jump Ship. As it gears up for an Early Access launch this Summer, the game has become even more refined and enjoyable.
If you're not yet acquainted with Jump Ship, it's a non-grindy space adventure designed for up to four players. Notably, the team at Keepsake Games is keen on accommodating solo players as well, responding to community feedback by developing AI assistants that enrich the single-player experience. This feature is introduced in the Prologue, which not only serves as a tutorial covering essential gameplay mechanics like shooting, spacewalking, ship operations, and combat, but also weaves in the game's lore.
Jump Ship - Closed Beta Screenshots
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Jump Ship now boasts a compelling narrative that complements its core PvE gameplay. The plot revolves around a malevolent virus infecting machines across the galaxy, tasking you and your fellow Atirans with reaching its source at the galaxy's heart to stop it. You'll navigate through procedurally generated mission chains in each sector, varying from quick 10-minute missions to more extensive ones lasting an hour. The Jump Map uses color-coding to signal the level of danger in each mission, balancing risk and reward.
Aiding you in your quest is Iris, a non-infected AI introduced in the Prologue, who narrates your missions, adding structure to the game's robust gameplay. The Hangar serves as your base of operations, where you can spend in-game currency on outfits, explore the Galaxy Map, and even enjoy some downtime with a game of soccer.
The heart of Jump Ship lies in its exhilarating four-player cooperative gameplay. Missions can be unpredictable; en route to your destination, your ship might be attacked, necessitating quick roles: one player pilots and manages the ship's basic weapons, another operates the ship's cannon, and the remaining two might be outside, mag-booted to the hull, engaging enemy ships. If the ship sustains damage, players must scramble inside, grab a fire extinguisher, and navigate through vents to douse the flames, ensuring the ship remains operational.
Jump ShipKeepsake Games Wishlist
Once you reach your destination, the team disembarks and ventures inside to retrieve the coveted loot. Faced with relentless waves of hostile, virus-infected robots, teamwork becomes crucial. The grappling hook enhances mobility, allowing quick movement across both terrestrial and space environments. After securing the loot, one player must transport it back to the ship, while others provide cover, ensuring a safe return.
Both my initial demo last year and the recent one were brief, demonstrating that Jump Ship is perfect for short bursts of play without demanding a huge time commitment. However, I've yet to fully explore the game's larger mission structure and the variety offered by its procedurally generated content to confirm its promise of endless replayability. Nevertheless, everything I've experienced thus far points to Jump Ship's potential as a major hit. With all the right elements in place, I eagerly anticipate diving deeper into this promising title.
