Jump Ship Preview: It's Sea of Thieves Meets Left 4 Dead, and it's Even More Polished and Fun Than Last Year

Jump Ship: A Thrilling Sci-Fi PvE Shooter Poised for Success

Almost a year ago, at the Game Developer's Conference, I first encountered Jump Ship, a captivating four-player sci-fi PvE shooter. Blending elements of Sea of Thieves, Left 4 Dead, and FTL, it immediately stood out. A recent hands-on session with the developers confirmed my initial impression: this indie title has the potential to be a major hit in a crowded gaming year. With an Early Access launch slated for this summer, it's more polished and engaging than ever.

Jump Ship offers a non-grindy space adventure for up to four players. Importantly, Keepsake Games is developing robust solo play options, incorporating AI assistants to manage the ship for a compelling single-player experience. The Prologue serves as both a tutorial (covering shooting, space suit maneuvers, piloting, and ship combat) and a lore introduction.

Jump Ship - Closed Beta Screenshots

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The game features a compelling narrative centered around a galaxy-wide viral infection. Players, as Atirans, must reach the galaxy's core to eliminate the threat. Missions unfold across procedurally generated sectors, varying in duration from 10 minutes to an hour. The Jump Map uses color-coding to indicate mission difficulty and associated rewards.

The non-infected AI, Iris, discovered in the Prologue, acts as a mission narrator, providing structure to the gameplay. The Hangar serves as a central hub for currency exchange, outfit customization, galaxy map viewing, and even recreational activities like soccer.

The core four-player gameplay is exceptionally fun. Missions involve dynamic challenges; ship attacks require coordinated efforts, with players piloting, manning weapons, and performing hull repairs. Teamwork is paramount, especially during on-foot segments within structures, where players must retrieve loot while fending off robotic enemies. The grappling hook enhances mobility.

Jump ShipKeepsake GamesQ3 2025 Wishlist

While my demos were brief, they showcased Jump Ship's addictive short-burst gameplay. The long-term replayability of the procedurally generated missions remains to be fully assessed, but the game's potential is undeniable. Jump Ship possesses all the elements of a potential blockbuster, and I eagerly anticipate further playtime.