If there is one thing I never get tired of, its run and gun action games. Being a child that grew up with titles like Rush N Attack, Bionic Commando, Contra, and Gunstar heroes, it’s hard for me to really say anything bad about games that resemble this formula. Not only did they set the bar for how intense and fun this kind of game could be, but their visual styling’s created a game that fuses the simplicity of platforming with the fast paced action of a side scrolling shump. I have many fond memories of playing them before and after school, dying a million times and usually slamming my controller down. Their frustrating challenge level is what gave many of us the thick skin we needed to withstand the brutality of some modern day games (I’m looking at you Dark Souls).

Any who, enough trips down memory lane and onto the topic of discussion: Hive Jump. Hive Jump is created by the guys over at Graphite Lab, and is a 1-4 player (online + local) action platformer where you and your friends control 4 different space marines, enter various alien hives, and mow down those ugly bastards with extreme prejudice. Hive Jumps stylish (and beautifully colorful) pixel art graphics leave nothing but candy for the eye. The graphics give this game a unique style with detailed aliens, unique weapon and character animations and vibrant environments to explore. The game features co-op multiplayer, and gives me the impression that it’s more focused on wild action over atmosphere or isolation. This is perfect when you think about how fun Contra or Gunstar heroes would have been with 4 players. Your gameplay experience will have you and your friends avoiding traps, withstanding ambushes, throwing grenades, flying around and rescuing survivors. Throughout the game you’ll be collecting and upgrading your weapons to do as much chaotic damage as possible. There is also a feature that allows you to plan out your attacks on a planet map before battle. This adds a strategic element to the game where each victory gains human ground against the alien stronghold.

Overall:
Hive jump looks like an excellent action game that takes pointers from some of the best in the genre. Hive Jumps Kickstarter campaign looks like it is picking up steam and I am looking forward to seeing more from this one. Hive Jump is scheduled for release in August 2015 on Steam for PC, Mac, and Linux as well as Wii U. Keep your eyes peeled for more on Hive Jump in the near future. Let’s all hope this game replaces the constant nightmares you’ve received from playing that hunk of shit Aliens Colonial Marines, with the cooperative bug hunting fun you’ve been longing for.