"Jump Ship Preview: Sea of Thieves and Left 4 Dead Blend, Now More Polished and Fun"

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 ingeniously combines elements from Sea of Thieves, Left 4 Dead, and FTL. Recently, I had the privilege of playing the latest build alongside some of the developers, and I can confidently say that if any indie game is poised to make a significant impact in this year's crowded lineup of releases, Jump Ship is my top pick. As it gears up for an Early Access launch this Summer, the game is more refined and engaging than ever before.

For those unfamiliar with Jump Ship, it's a non-grindy space adventure designed for up to four players. However, the team at Keepsake Games is actively responding to player feedback, aiming to create a compelling experience for solo players as well. By incorporating narratively-driven AI assistants, solo players can enjoy the game as if it were single-player. The Prologue offers a dual purpose: it serves as an engaging tutorial that introduces players to essential gameplay mechanics such as shooting, space suit navigation, ship management, and combat, while also building the game's lore.

Jump Ship - Closed Beta Screenshots

12 Images

Jump Ship now enriches its core PvE gameplay with a much-appreciated narrative. The plot revolves around a malicious virus that has infected machines across the galaxy, and it's up to you and your fellow Atirans to locate its source at the galaxy's core and halt its spread. You'll navigate through procedurally generated mission chains in each sector, with missions ranging from 10 minutes to an hour. Each mission on the Jump Map is color-coded, giving you a clear indication of the level of danger—and reward—you're choosing to engage with.

Enhancing your journey is Iris, a non-infected AI you meet in the Prologue, who serves as a narrator throughout your missions. This adds a welcome layer of structure to the robust gameplay foundation. The Hangar acts as your base of operations, where you can spend in-game currency on outfits, 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 rarely go according to plan; your ship might be attacked en route, requiring one player to pilot and use the pilot's chair weapons while another mans the ship's main cannon. Meanwhile, two players could be mag-booted to the hull, firing at passing enemies. If your ship takes damage, someone needs to rush inside, grab a fire extinguisher, and navigate through vents to put out fires—ensuring that your essential systems, like the pineapple pizza-maker, remain operational!

Jump ShipKeepsake GamesQ3 2025 Wishlist

Upon reaching your destination, all four players disembark to secure the loot, facing relentless waves of infected robots. Teamwork is crucial as you navigate through the structure, using your grappling hook to quickly move around. Once you've secured the loot, one player must transport it back to the ship while the others provide cover.

Both my initial demo last year and the recent one were brief, highlighting Jump Ship's ability to deliver fun in short bursts—perfect for those who can't dedicate endless hours to gaming. However, I've yet to explore the full scope of the mission structure and the variety offered by its procedurally generated content to confirm its promise of endless replayability. Yet, everything I've experienced so far points to Jump Ship being a potential blockbuster. With all the right elements in place, I'm eagerly anticipating diving back in for more.