Jumplight Odyssey

Release Date: August 21, 2023 Early Access

Strategy, science fiction, roguelike, in space, indie games, simulation elements, singleplayer

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A roguelite strategy game in the 70s anime style by Australian studio League of Geeks. In Jumplight Odyssey we take control of a space colony, expanding the ship, protecting it from threats, as well as following the daily dilemmas of its colorful crew.

Plot
Mechanics
Technical aspects

Jumplight Odyssey is a strategy game inspired by the classic sci-fi and anime of the 1970s, and also a roguelite colony simulator. It was developed by the Australian studio League of Geeks, which has already managed to win recognition with the original Armello production. The company has also partnered with the Kowloon Nights fund, dedicated to indie developers, which has so far provided support to the developers of such titles as Scorn, Sifu and We Are OFK.

Plot

In this title we follow the fate of a handful of passengers of a spaceship that miraculously survived an air raid by a hostile civilization. The dramatic story of the crew begins when the bloodthirsty Zutopans attack their home planet. Wanting to save her home from annihilation, Princess Euphora, along with a group of daredevils, sets out against the invaders. Unfortunately, her army finds itself in a lost position from the beginning. In the midst of the battle, the cruel Admiral Voltan sends a beam of deadly light that completely ravages the planet. Deprived of her former kingdom, Euphora decides to go with the survivors to the only place she thinks is safe... to the mythical Forever Star.

Mechanics

This title is primarily a simulator of spaceship management. Our task is to plan the course, explore star systems, expand the vehicle and recruit new crew members. During the voyage we are also exposed to a number of different dangers, from pirate raids, Admiral Voltan following in our footsteps and a black hole.

Despite the dire situation they find themselves in, the ship's passengers try to lead a normal life, socializing and keeping their temporary home in good condition. Our main goal is to meet their daily needs: making sure they get enough sleep, eat the right amount of food, and have access to water and air.

The mood on board can affect individual crew members, and various incidents have a direct impact on them. To make sure the voyage goes our way, therefore, we need to keep a high level of hope that cheers them on, as well as keep track of their daily activities and interactions. By promoting individuals to division officers we also give them the opportunity to prove themselves in management, which can improve conditions on board, but also turn against us if we chose unwisely.

The ship has multiple levels, each with its own set of separate rooms and corridor systems, which we can design and decorate according to our own vision. Efficient management of resource production is essential if we want our crew to survive for as long as possible. In specially designated green zones, for example, we can grow different species of plants, and it is also important to control the supply of drinking water and the correctness of the operation of various equipment.

During our expedition we pass many planetary systems, full of unique challenges. By organizing special scouting missions we have the opportunity to supply our ship with valuable resources, available only in certain biomes, as well as to replenish ending supplies. The game also offers the option to recruit new units or establish contacts with alien races.

Technical aspects

Jumplight Odyssey is a game that refers in style to Japanese animation of the 1970s and draws inspiration primarily from such titles as the sci-fi series Star Blazers. The gameplay itself, on the other hand, is supposed to refer to the graphical solutions found in the books of the Incredible Cross-Sections series or What People Do All Day? Everything is accompanied by music in the style of Tokyo disco also from the 1970s.