This summer, a new cooperative (co-op) game was announced, and the whole squad was instantly hyped. We were glued to every teaser, dev update, and gameplay clip. Then, the big news dropped: Keepsake Games officially announced that the title had been changed to Jump Space.
Fast forward to September, and the game launched on console with a one-hour trial. We won’t dive into the backstory right now, but let’s get straight to the most striking part of Jump Space: its sheer beauty.
Like No Man’s Sky, the game treats players to stunning cosmic visuals – vast galaxies, glowing nebulae, and breathtaking planetary views. While it seems you won’t spend too much time planetside, the environments you do explore are impressively detailed. Structures are functional rather than decorative, but the base designs feel well thought out. The ship, however, is another story: dark, labyrinthine, and full of intrigue.
At the start, your mission is to restore the ship’s basic systems by scavenging key components and materials. One of the first objectives is installing your AI companion to help manage the ship. Multiple levels can be manned, and eject tubes offer quick access to the ship’s exterior for repairs. Grapple hooks line the hull, making navigation possible, though jetting through open space with your pack is even more thrilling.
Across different space stations, players can gather supplies and battle hostile AI forces. Enemies come in all forms – skittering, swarming, or flying – and they’re relentless. Tasks usually revolve around retrieving components or unlocking new systems, though some repair mechanics felt a little unclear during the trial.
Once your ship is operational, you can upgrade your gear, improve your vessel, and take on new missions. There’s even a “buddy bot” feature if you’re flying solo. After collecting enough resources, your first jump catapults you into the middle of a chaotic space battle – a perfect moment to realize how valuable a full crew can be.
The trial is limited to 60 minutes, regardless of where you are in the mission, which feels like a big misstep. Still, Jump Space shows real promise with its blend of exploration, combat, and teamwork. The balance isn’t perfect yet, but Keepsake Games seems to be onto something special.
Considering it’s still early in development and priced at roughly a third of most new releases, Jump Space might be worth adding to your library or gifting to the tween gamer in your life. There’s a lot to love here, so slide into the eject tube and jump into space with the rest of us.
Jump Space is available now on Steam and Xbox.
E.Angel is an engineer and holds a BS in electrical engineering from North Carolina A&T State University. In her spare time she works at her comic book store – Brainstorm Comics and Gaming – when she is not reading comic books. She’s a real nerd who loves all things Star Wars and Star Trek, and is an avid gamer. E.Angel can be reached at e9of10@gmail.com or on either game platform as Bunnehs Sister.
