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 Sci-Fi PvE 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 playthrough with the developers confirmed my initial impression: this indie title has the potential to be a major hit in a crowded gaming year. As it gears up for Early Access this summer, it's even more polished and enjoyable.

Jump Ship is a space adventure for up to four players, but the developers at Keepsake Games emphasize a strong solo player experience. For solo gamers, narratively driven AI assistants will help manage the ship, offering a compelling single-player narrative. The Prologue serves as both a tutorial (covering shooting, space suit maneuvers, ship piloting, and combat) and a lore introduction.

Jump Ship - Closed Beta Screenshots

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The core gameplay revolves around a compelling PvE story. A galaxy-wide virus threatens machines, and players, as Atirans, must reach the galaxy's core to stop it. Missions are procedurally generated, offering varied playtime (from 10 minutes to an hour). The Jump Map uses color-coding to indicate mission difficulty and rewards.

The AI companion, Iris, discovered in the Prologue, provides narrative guidance. The Hangar serves as the player's base, allowing for outfit customization, galaxy map viewing, and even mini-games.

The four-player cooperative gameplay is exceptionally fun. Missions involve dynamic challenges: piloting, weapon operation, hull repairs (using a fire extinguisher!), and teamwork during on-foot combat against infected robots. The grappling hook enhances mobility. Successful missions require coordinated efforts to retrieve loot and return safely to the ship.

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 has all the elements of a future classic.