"Hive Jump"

"Hive Jump"
Reviewed by: Carless Yen
Platforms: Switch, Xbox One, PC
Developer: Graphite Lab
Publisher: Graphite Lab

It's hard to play "Hive Jump" and not get the the classic feeling of Konami's "Contra" from the run and gun gameplay to the battling of aliens and epic bosses. I really enjoyed my time with "Hive Jump" as far as coop, but the single player at times felt very much like a grind and overly difficult. With the single player just felt like I was doing the same things over and over trying to level up weapons to get past a area.That being said I love that type of experience, but know it isn't for everyone. Coop mode though it was much more fun, and less of a strain and grind. .So i recommend grabbing a friend for this one or even three as it's four player coop. 

In Hive Jump you play as a J.U.M.P. Corps soldier trying to eliminate the alien presence known as Ordovicians because in the 24th century that out number you one million to one. They come in 4 classes: mini, minor, major, and elite and all get more difficult as they progress. You battle them in four different type of generated areas. Crystal Caverns, Frozen Underground, Volcanic Wasteland, and Mushroom Forests each area has its different environmental effect as well as different enemy types. It isn't only a roguelike type game though it has another XCOM level feel to it as well, as you battle the hordes of enemies in a protect your bases mode. You have to upgrade your bases so they survive alien attack, and the game isn't complete until you successfully remove every surrounding alien hive.
As a jump soldier you have your 4 basic items. Transponder Backpack is your backpack that helps you respawn. As long as it has health you can return and advance in destroying the hive. That means when you go down the aliens will attack it so it's better to have a team to protect it, and in solos what makes it a little harder because the aliens chip away at its health after your death. You have your firearm which can be upgraded from different firing types from single fire, spread, to beam. You can also increase the speed and strength of fire as well. You also have upgradable grenades as well as your Jumper Alien Infiltration Suit which also give you ability to use as a jetpack which comes very in handy. Main reason is Hive Jump doesn't only use swarms of enemies to attack you, but also timed jumps, as well as obstacles.Hive Jump is a very difficult journey on your own, but feels very rewarding as well. Even though difficult I enjoyed my time with Hive Jump. I tend to enjoy a grind and difficulty though. I really liked discovering the way my weapons changed as upgraded, and enjoyed finally defeating a boss that wore me out time and time before. 

I loved the retro look and sound of this game as well. It just gave me a Metroid look, mixed with a Contra feel especially during boss battles, and coop play. I liked the retro sounds, and music very 8 bit NES type of gameplay mixed with a lot of modern ideas as well. Hive Jump does a lot of things well. It really delivers that 80s video game difficulty, look, and sound while mixing a lot of modern aspects in to. I think if your looking for something to play with friends at your house local coop you should grab this up, and have a fun evening blasting away alien hive after hive. If your also looking for something to eat up some time grinding, and get your money's worth Hive Jump will do that in solos. It's about the closest thing you will get to Contra this generation, until they finally bring us another one if ever. So grab up Hive Jump and enjoy it until then.

Pros: Very Retro feel and sound
Difficulty and replay value
Fun Coop experience

Cons: A grind and difficult solo experience, but you might like that as I do?

Overall: 7.2 Hive Jump is a blast with friends delivering a very Contra like experience. You grab a few friends, and your gonna have a unforgettable time blasting through waves and waves of Ordovicians.