Hive Jump 2: Survivors - Early Access [Impressions]
Blast waves of bugs in bullet heaven Hive Jump 2: Survivors.
Hive Jump 2: Survivors. Credit: Midwest Games / Joystick / Graphite Labs / Sonamu Games
Hive Jump 2: Survivors is a bullet heaven roguelite that grew on me the more I played. I’m excited to see how the game grows over its time in Early Access.
From Steam:
Become an agent of vengeance in this bullet-heaven action roguelite! You are the lone survivor of your squad, on an alien planet with just your weapon, a jetpack, and the courage to keep fighting. Kill off alien swarms and transform their valuable guts into explosive upgrades and vital utilities.
It’s hard to stick out when there are so many excellent bullet heaven games. Hive Jump 2: Survivors does it by implementing mechanics I’ve seen before well and polishing its progression. There are 19 jumpers to choose from, earned as you play, with distinct stats, strengths, and weaknesses that will make you rethink your strategy. Combine multiple instances of a weapon or accessory that are the same level to upgrade one. Slowly unlock permanent upgrades. All of this is standard for the genre now, but it’s often not well-scaled.
Hive Jump 2: Survivors. Credit: Midwest Games / Joystick / Graphite Labs / Sonamu Games
A nice touch that I particularly enjoyed is that during the timed phases of each level, an optional goal will sometimes appear that will earn you a supply drop if you complete it—for example, finding a transmitter and standing next to it long enough to send data or surviving a timed round without taking damage. Likewise, there are hives of varying sizes in levels that will grant bonuses if optionally destroyed; it’s up to you to decide if you feel strong enough to blow up these damage sponges while dealing with everything else, and it’s a lot of fun.
Instead of a dodge, your jumper has a jetpack that they can use in short bursts to leap over enemies. It’s thrilling to watch your fuel gauge rapidly drain and barely make it over a horde of bugs by the skin of your teeth.
Hive Jump 2: Survivors is well worth its Early Access asking price of $6.99 on Steam. The game has much growth potential despite already having plenty to offer.
Hive Jump 2: Survivors is available now on Steam in Early Access.
Played on: Steam Deck
