HIVE JUMP is a sci-fi action platformer for 1-4 players blending run ‘n gun gameplay with strategic campaigns. (PC/MAC/Linux and WiiU) Hive Jump is one part Spelunky, one part XCOM, and all parts alien ass-kicking. You and your friends assume the role of JUMPERS, and blast your way through subterranean alien hives in run-and-gun 2D platforming action. Kill aliens, avoid traps, collect resources, and defeat the hive queen lurking at the bottom of the hive to complete the JUMP. The war with the Aliens is on, are you brave enough to make the JUMP?
The game is solid and invokes everything you loved about old school shooters. The co-op is great, the weapons are varied and the game is very challenging, even on the lowest difficulty. The unique death mechanic is a lot of fun and it really affects how you approach the game.
Combining handmade challenge rooms inside procedural levels is a cool idea made even better when they reward you with relics for completing them.
But the game does have a problem with repetition and enemy variety is lacking. The strategical layer is a neat idea but ultimately shallow, and the length of each hive conflicts with it.
You can read my full review here.
Gideonsgaming.com