It was almost exactly one year ago at the Game Developer’s Conference that I first encountered Jump Ship, a captivating four-player sci-fi PvE shooter that cleverly integrates elements from Sea of Thieves, Left 4 Dead, and FTL. Having recently had the opportunity to experience the latest build alongside the developers, I am more convinced than ever that Jump Ship has the potential to be a breakout indie hit in what promises to be a packed year of game releases. As it approaches its Early Access launch this Summer, the game has evolved into a more polished and enjoyable experience.
If you're not yet familiar with Jump Ship, it's designed as a non-grindy space adventure for up to four players. Notably, the team at Keepsake Games is actively responding to player feedback and is developing innovative ways for solo players to enjoy the game. For those who prefer a single-player experience, narratively crafted AI assistants will help manage the ship, offering a taste of this in the Prologue. This initial section not only serves as a tutorial, introducing players to key mechanics such as shooting, space suit flying, ship piloting, and combat, but also enriches the game's lore.
Jump Ship - Closed Beta Screenshots
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Jump Ship now boasts a compelling story integrated with its core PvE gameplay. The narrative revolves around a galaxy-wide machine virus that you, as an Atiran, must eradicate at its source. You'll navigate through procedurally generated mission chains in each sector, with missions varying in length from 10 minutes to an hour. The Jump Map, color-coded to indicate mission difficulty, helps you gauge the level of danger—and potential rewards—before you commit.
Enhancing the gameplay experience is Iris, an uninfected AI you meet in the Prologue, who serves as a narrator throughout your missions. This addition provides a structured narrative to the game's robust mechanics. Additionally, the Hangar acts as a base of operations where you can spend in-game currency on customization, explore the Galaxy Map, and even enjoy some downtime with a game of soccer.
The core four-player gameplay is where Jump Ship truly shines. Missions often go awry, requiring quick adaptation. One player might pilot the ship and use the pilot's chair weapons, while another operates the ship’s 360-degree-pivoting cannon. Outside, the other two might be mag-booted to the hull, shooting at enemy ships. Should the ship be damaged, players must rush inside, grab a fire extinguisher, and navigate through vents to douse the flames—essential to keep your ship in working order!
Jump ShipKeepsake Games Wishlist
Upon reaching your destination, all four players disembark to retrieve the coveted loot from within hostile structures. Fending off relentless infected robots demands seamless teamwork. A grappling hook facilitates swift movement both on the ground and in space, and once the loot is secured, one player must transport it back to the ship while others provide cover.
Both my demo from last year and the more recent one confirm that Jump Ship is enjoyable even in short bursts, making it accessible without requiring excessive time investment. However, the full extent of the game's mission variety and procedural generation remains to be seen. Despite this, everything I've experienced so far suggests that Jump Ship has the makings of a potential hit. With all the right elements in place, I eagerly anticipate diving deeper into this promising game.
