It was almost exactly one year ago that I had the pleasure of being introduced to Jump Ship at the Game Developer’s Conference. This four-player sci-fi PvE shooter seamlessly blends elements from Sea of Thieves, Left 4 Dead, and FTL into a uniquely captivating experience. Recently, I had the opportunity to play the latest build with some of the developers, and I can confidently say that if any indie game is poised to make a big splash in this already packed year of game releases, Jump Ship is my top contender. As it gears up for an Early Access launch this Summer, the game is more polished and engaging than ever before.
For those unfamiliar with Jump Ship, it's a non-grindy space adventure designed for up to four players. It's worth noting that the team at Keepsake Games is actively responding to feedback, crafting an experience that accommodates solo players as well. If you prefer playing alone, you'll be supported by narratively crafted AI assistants to help manage the ship. The Prologue offers a taste of this, serving both as a tutorial to introduce core gameplay mechanics—like shooting, flying in a space suit, and managing ship combat—and as a foundation for the game's lore.
Jump Ship - Closed Beta Screenshots
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Jump Ship now boasts a compelling story that enriches its core PvE gameplay. The narrative revolves around a malevolent virus that has corrupted machines across the galaxy. As an Atiran, your mission is to reach the galaxy's heart and stop the virus. You'll navigate through procedurally generated mission chains in each sector, with missions varying from quick 10-minute escapades to hour-long challenges. The Jump Map helps you gauge the level of danger and potential rewards with its color-coded system, making your strategic choices crucial.
Enhancing the experience is Iris, a non-infected AI you meet in the Prologue, who serves as a helpful narrator throughout your missions. This addition provides structure and depth to the already solid gameplay. The Hangar acts as your base of operations, where you can spend in-game currency to customize your outfits, explore the Galaxy Map, and even enjoy a game of soccer during downtime.
The core four-player gameplay is where Jump Ship truly shines. Missions rarely go as planned, adding a thrilling unpredictability to the experience. While en route to your destination, your ship might be attacked, requiring one player to pilot and use the pilot's chair weapons, while another operates the ship's primary weapon station with its 360-degree-pivoting cannon. Meanwhile, the other two players could be mag-booted to the ship's hull, engaging enemy ships from the outside. If the ship sustains damage, one or more players must rush inside, grab a fire extinguisher, and crawl through vents to douse the flames, ensuring the ship remains operational.
Jump ShipKeepsake Games Wishlist
Upon reaching your destination, all four players disembark and navigate the structure to retrieve the coveted loot. Facing relentless waves of infected robots, teamwork is essential for success. Your grappling hook becomes invaluable, allowing swift movement across both terrestrial and space environments. Once the loot is secured, one player must transport it back to the ship, while the others provide cover and protection.
Both my initial demo last year and the recent one were brief, yet they showcased Jump Ship's ability to deliver fun in short bursts, making it accessible without demanding a significant time investment. However, I haven't yet experienced the full scope of the mission structure and the variety offered by its procedurally generated content to fully assess its replayability. Nevertheless, everything I've seen so far points to Jump Ship having the potential to be a major hit. With all the right elements in place, I eagerly anticipate diving deeper into this promising game.
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