It was almost exactly one year ago that I walked into a meeting during the Game Developer’s Conference and first got introduced to Jump Ship, a four-player sci-fi PvE shooter that skillfully blends elements from Sea of Thieves, Left 4 Dead, and FTL into something truly unique. I recently had the opportunity to play the latest build with a few of the developers, and I am confident that if any indie game can make a significant impact in this year's already crowded release schedule, 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 unfamiliar with Jump Ship, it's a non-grindy space adventure designed for up to four players. Notably, the team at Keepsake Games has taken feedback seriously and is developing innovative ways for solo players to enjoy the game. They are introducing narratively driven AI assistants that help manage the ship, allowing players to experience Jump Ship as a single-player game. This feature is introduced in the Prologue, which serves dual purposes: as a tutorial that familiarizes players with mechanics such as shooting, flying in a space suit, and ship combat, and as a narrative builder that sets the stage for the adventure ahead.
Jump Ship - Closed Beta Screenshots
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Jump Ship now boasts a compelling story that enhances its core PvE gameplay. The plot revolves around a dangerous virus that has infected machines across the galaxy, tasking you and your fellow Atirans with reaching the galaxy's heart to stop it. You navigate through procedurally generated mission chains in each sector, with missions varying from 10 minutes to an hour in duration. The game's Jump Map helps you gauge the level of danger you're about to face, with color-coded choices indicating the risk and potential rewards.
Aiding you on your quest is Iris, a non-infected AI discovered in the Prologue who serves as a narrator during your missions. This adds a layer of structure to the already robust gameplay. Additionally, the Hangar acts as your base of operations, where you can spend in-game currency to purchase and customize outfits, explore the Galaxy Map, and even play soccer during your downtime.
The core four-player gameplay is where Jump Ship truly shines. Missions rarely go according to plan, and the dynamic nature of the gameplay is exhilarating. As you travel to your destination, your ship may be attacked, requiring one player to pilot while another operates the ship’s weapons. Meanwhile, the other two players might be outside, using magnetic boots to move along the ship's hull and engage enemy ships. If damage occurs, players must rush inside to extinguish fires, ensuring the ship remains operational—essential for keeping your "pineapple pizza-maker" running!
Jump ShipKeepsake Games Wishlist
Upon reaching your destination, all four players disembark and navigate the structure to secure the loot. You'll face relentless infected robots, making teamwork crucial. The grappling hook is a valuable tool, allowing quick movement through both ground and space environments. Once the loot is secured, one player must carry it back to the ship, while the others provide cover, ensuring the safe return of your precious cargo.
Both my demo last year and the recent one were brief, which demonstrates that Jump Ship can be thoroughly enjoyable in short sessions, making it accessible without requiring a significant time commitment. However, I have yet to explore the full scope of the mission structure and the variety offered by its procedurally generated content. Everything I've experienced so far suggests that Jump Ship has the potential to be a major hit. With all the right elements in place, I eagerly anticipate diving deeper into this promising game.
