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 game has the potential to be a major hit in a crowded year of releases. With an Early Access launch slated for this Summer, it's more polished and enjoyable than ever.

Jump Ship offers a non-grindy space adventure for up to four players. However, Keepsake Games is actively incorporating feedback to create a compelling solo experience. Solo players will be aided by narratively driven AI companions to manage the ship. The Prologue serves as both a tutorial (covering shooting, space suit maneuvering, ship piloting, and combat) and a compelling introduction to the game's lore.

Jump Ship - Closed Beta Screenshots

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The core PvE gameplay is enhanced by a well-developed narrative. A malicious virus threatens the galaxy, and players, as Atirans, must journey to the galaxy's core to stop it. Missions unfold across procedurally generated sectors, varying in length from 10 minutes to an hour. The Jump Map uses color-coding to indicate mission difficulty and potential rewards.

Iris, a non-infected AI encountered in the Prologue, serves as a narrator and guide. The Hangar acts as a central hub, allowing players to spend in-game currency on customization, view the Galaxy Map, and even play soccer.

The four-player gameplay is exceptionally engaging. Missions involve dynamic challenges, requiring players to coordinate piloting, weapon operation, hull repairs (using fire extinguishers!), and loot retrieval under enemy fire. Teamwork is paramount for success. The grappling hook significantly improves traversal speed.

Jump ShipKeepsake GamesQ3 2025 Wishlist

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