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 Poised for Success

Almost a year ago, at the Game Developers 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 impressed me. A recent hands-on session with the developers confirmed my initial enthusiasm. If any indie game can make a significant impact in this already crowded year of releases, Jump Ship is a strong contender. Its upcoming Early Access launch this summer showcases a refined and incredibly enjoyable experience.

For the uninitiated, Jump Ship is a space adventure designed for up to four players, but the developers at Keepsake Games are actively incorporating feedback to create an engaging 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 core mechanics like shooting, space suit maneuvers, piloting, and ship combat, and a compelling lore introduction.

Jump Ship - Closed Beta Screenshots

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The game features a compelling narrative centered around a galaxy-wide virus. Players, as Atirans, must journey to the galaxy's core to eliminate the threat. Missions unfold across procedurally generated sectors, offering diverse experiences ranging from short (10 minutes) to longer (an hour) gameplay sessions. The Jump Map's color-coded branches indicate mission difficulty, allowing players to choose their level of challenge. Higher risk naturally equates to greater rewards.

The Prologue introduces Iris, a non-infected AI that acts as a guide and narrator throughout the missions. This narrative structure complements the solid gameplay foundation. The Hangar serves as the central hub, allowing players to spend in-game currency on customization, view the Galaxy Map, and even participate in mini-games.

The core four-player gameplay is exceptionally fun. Missions rarely go as planned. Players must coordinate roles – piloting, weapon operation, hull repairs (using a fire extinguisher!), and loot retrieval – ensuring dynamic and collaborative gameplay. Teamwork is paramount, both during ship combat and on-foot missions against relentless infected robots. The grappling hook facilitates swift traversal.

Jump ShipKeepsake GamesQ3 2025 Wishlist

Both my previous and recent demos, while short, highlighted Jump Ship's engaging, bite-sized gameplay. While I haven't fully explored the larger mission structure and procedural generation, the potential for endless replayability is evident. Jump Ship possesses all the hallmarks of a future hit, and I eagerly anticipate further gameplay.