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 Stellar Sci-Fi Shooter Ready for Launch

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 breakout hit in a crowded year of releases. 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 actively incorporating feedback to ensure a compelling solo experience. Solo players will benefit from narratively driven AI companions to assist in managing the ship. The Prologue serves as both a tutorial—introducing shooting, space suit maneuvering, ship piloting, and combat—and a compelling lore introduction.

Jump Ship - Closed Beta Screenshots

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The core PvE gameplay is now enhanced by a compelling narrative. A galaxy-wide viral infection threatens all machines, and players, as Atirans, must journey to the galaxy's core to stop it. Missions are procedurally generated, varying in length from 10 minutes to an hour. The Jump Map uses color-coding to indicate mission difficulty and rewards.

Iris, a non-infected AI encountered in the Prologue, acts as a guide and narrator. The Hangar serves as the 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 fun. Missions present dynamic challenges. Players must coordinate tasks: piloting, weapon operation, hull repairs (using a fire extinguisher!), and loot retrieval under enemy fire. Teamwork is crucial for success. The grappling hook facilitates rapid traversal.

Jump ShipKeepsake GamesQ3 2025 Wishlist

My demos, both past and present, were brief but highly enjoyable. While the short bursts of gameplay are a plus, more extended play is needed to fully assess the long-term replayability of the procedurally generated missions. However, the potential is undeniable. Jump Ship possesses all the elements of a potential hit.