I was not expecting to like Hive Jump as much as I do. I have tried to describe this game to my friends and it changes every time I do. The most accurate description that i can think of would be: "It's like a 2D platforming Halo/Doom game mixed with a turn based tactical game. The game play is really smooth and holds up well to a lot going on during hectic "swarms" when enemies multiply and attack more aggressively than usual. This game looks like it was plucked out of the 16 bit era, but you can tell there is more going on under the hood. The first time that i saw an enemy go off the screen and I forgot about it, only to have it track me down a few moments later I knew the rules of old 16 bit shooters were out the window. Enemies don't go away when they go off screen, so tracking them and blind firing just off screen will result in a satisfying rain of "goo" which acts as the in game currency. It adds a level of realism to a otherwise pleasantly unrealistic game.
Hive Jump is a throw back to older more difficult games, not pulling punches, or serving up easy to beat level bosses. There is an interesting mechanic in regards to re spawning, having the player wear a backpack that ejects when they die, and having to keep the backpack out of harms way until you re spawn . That part can be really intense and nerve racking if you are in a tight spot. The game offers 4 player local multiplayer on the Switch version which I have not tried out, but as much fun as the game is from a solo perspective, this game would be a blast with friends. think Gauntlet Legends multiplayer with space bugs and a slew of upgradable weapons.
The last thing to talk about would be those upgrades. before and several times in each level you can choose and upgrade your load out for your "Jumper" choosing the gun, grenade, and "back pack perk". All of the upgrades are done with "Goo" which you get from killing evil space bugs. The Goo does introduce an interesting risk reward system that may tempt you to take on extra fights in tough terrain in order to farm more goo vs ending the stage safely.
Overall for the price I cannot recommend Hive Jump enough. To me it is the kind of game that Nintendo would have made if they came out with a SNES 2 instead of making the jump to 3d with the N64. The controls are tight, the enemies are engaging and satisfying to kill, and the story line and writing are better than have to be for a $10 indie game. The only reason I took a point off for was the lack of online co-op on Switch, which is probably not really on the devs vs Nintendo not having a great online service at the moment.
Give this one a shot and kill some bugs!