Exactly one year ago, at the Game Developers Conference, I was introduced to Jump Ship, a captivating four-player sci-fi PvE shooter that uniquely blends elements from Sea of Thieves, Left 4 Dead, and FTL. Recently, I had the privilege of experiencing the latest build alongside some of the developers, and I'm convinced that if any indie game is poised to make a significant impact this year, Jump Ship is a strong contender. As it approaches its Early Access launch this Summer, the game is more polished and engaging than ever.
For those new to Jump Ship, it's a non-grindy space adventure designed for up to four players. However, it's not just for multiplayer enthusiasts; Keepsake Games is responding to player feedback by integrating a solo play option. This feature allows players to experience the game with narratively designed AI assistants who help manage the ship. The Prologue serves as both a tutorial, introducing you to mechanics like shooting, space suit flying, ship operation, and combat, and a lore-builder, setting the stage for your journey.
Jump Ship - Closed Beta Screenshots
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A compelling narrative now enriches the core PvE gameplay of Jump Ship. The game's plot revolves around a sinister virus that has infected machines across the galaxy. As an Atiran, your mission is to trace the virus to its source at the galaxy's heart and stop it. Your journey will take you through procedurally generated mission chains in each sector, varying in duration from 10 minutes to an hour. The Jump Map provides color-coded indicators of mission difficulty, ensuring you're aware of the risks—and rewards—before you embark.
Aiding your mission is Iris, a non-infected AI introduced in the Prologue, who serves as a narrator and adds structure to the gameplay. The Hangar, your base of operations, allows you to spend in-game currency on outfit customization, explore the Galaxy Map, and even enjoy some downtime soccer.
The core four-player gameplay is where Jump Ship truly shines. Missions are dynamic and unpredictable. As you navigate to your destination, your ship may come under attack, prompting one player to take the helm and use the pilot's chair weapons, while another mans the ship's cannon. Meanwhile, others might be outside, magnetically attached to the hull, fending off enemy ships. If damage occurs, players must scramble to extinguish fires, ensuring the ship remains operational—even if it's just to keep the onboard pizza-maker running!
Jump ShipKeepsake Games Wishlist
Upon reaching your destination, you'll disembark to retrieve the coveted loot, facing relentless waves of hostile, virus-infected robots. Teamwork is crucial as you navigate the terrain, utilizing grappling hooks to swiftly move between locations. Once the loot is secured, one player must transport it back to the ship, while the others provide cover.
Both my initial demo last year and my recent session demonstrated that Jump Ship delivers enjoyable gameplay in short bursts, making it accessible without demanding too much time. However, I'm yet to explore the full breadth of the mission structure and procedural generation to gauge its replayability fully. Nonetheless, everything I've experienced so far suggests that Jump Ship has the potential to be a major hit. It combines all the right elements to become something truly special, and I eagerly anticipate playing more.
