The Ship: Single Player

About

"The Ship: Single Player" is a mystery-filled game where players must complete objectives while avoiding their assigned hunter. Set on a 1920s cruise ship, players must navigate the ship, gather weapons, and eliminate their target, all while managing their character's needs. The game combines stealth and action, providing a unique and immersive experience, whether playing alone or with others.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

68%

Audience ScoreBased on 595 reviews

story46 positive mentions

stability8 negative mentions

The game has a unique and entertaining premise, combining elements of stealth and strategy with a humorous twist.
The visuals, thanks to the Source Engine, are surprisingly decent for a game of its age, adding to the overall charm.
The quirky character designs and absurd situations provide a fun and engaging experience, making it enjoyable for casual play.

The single player campaign is short and repetitive, often feeling like a tutorial rather than a standalone experience.
The game suffers from technical limitations, including a lack of checkpoints and frustrating mechanics that can lead to frequent restarts.
Multiplayer is largely dead, which diminishes the overall experience and leaves the single player mode feeling lackluster and disconnected.

story
216 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
70%
9%
The story of the game is generally viewed as simplistic and short, often serving more as a tutorial for the multiplayer experience rather than a fully developed narrative. While some players appreciate the unique premise of a deadly game on a cruise ship and find the missions entertaining, many criticize the repetitive nature of the objectives and the lack of character depth. Overall, the story is seen as a mixed bag, with some enjoying its quirky elements and twists, while others find it lacking in substance and engagement.
- “The atmosphere, soundtrack, eerie feel of the whole ship, and the excellent story involving Mr. X... it's amazing!!!!”
- “The ship single player story was promising; you're a tourist trapped in a death cruise where Mr. X is playing a little game. Everyone got a target to kill, hunt or be hunted, your goal is to survive and escape the ship.”
- “I recommend this game because the storyline is amazing; the ending is amazing (no spoilers here) everything from the start to the end was amazing.”
- “The story is completely flat and doesn't go anywhere.”
- “The single player does nothing with all this; you just walk around and do quests in the ship environment, and that's it.”
- “The campaign is about 8 missions, and they aren't hard, but they are, in my opinion, unfair.”
gameplay
76 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
61%
11%
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its unique mechanics and blend of stealth, strategy, and social manipulation, while others find it repetitive and lacking depth. The single-player mode serves as a tutorial for the multiplayer experience, but many feel it falls short in terms of story and engagement, often leading to frustration with controls and mechanics. Overall, while the game offers interesting concepts and a charming atmosphere, it struggles with execution and replayability.
- “The gameplay is a mix of stealth, strategy, and social manipulation.”
- “Creative and unique gameplay that doesn't get old.”
- “The tutorial is pretty quick and very helpful in familiarizing yourself with the gameplay mechanics - recommend trying it out first.”
- “While an interesting story concept, the gameplay just feels lackluster.”
- “The gameplay is extremely linear, missions are simplistic, and the walking speed is annoying, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- “The gameplay itself is no good at all; you mostly just walk around the ship searching for weapons and other items, which can be absolutely anywhere, and then do some shooting or slashing with no AI.”
graphics
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
53%
13%
The graphics of the game are a mixed bag, reflecting its age with dated visuals that are nonetheless charming and artistic. While some players appreciate the unique retro aesthetics and the game's ability to run smoothly on older hardware, others note graphical issues and a lack of modern polish. Overall, the visuals are considered decent for their time, contributing to the game's nostalgic appeal despite not being cutting-edge.
- “The game's unique blend of retro aesthetics and modern design elements lends it an unmistakable charm.”
- “It has a charming art style that really makes you feel like you're in the twenties or whenever this game takes place.”
- “The aesthetics are good - there is enough detail in the scenery and different rooms to make the game world appear crisp and polished.”
- “Shit mechanics and shitty graphics”
- “Well it's showing its age both in visuals and mechanics.”
- “The graphics were not the best, but it did make the game easy on your computer.”
humor
25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
96%
12%
The humor in the game is characterized by quirky character designs, absurd situations, and a mix of dark and slapstick comedy that keeps players entertained, though some find it inconsistent and short-lived. While many reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke laughter through its chaotic gameplay and unique missions, others express disappointment in the depth and longevity of the humor. Overall, it offers a blend of funny moments and entertaining chaos, particularly in multiplayer modes, but may not meet everyone's expectations for sustained comedic value.
- “Quirky character designs and absurd situations keep me laughing like a maniac.”
- “The ship: single player turns Bikini Bottom into a virtual sea of laughter, betrayals, and hilarious chaos.”
- “It's mechanics are well-executed, its game modes are unique and at times hilarious, and you can play its multiplayer mode offline with AI and still have it be fun—unlike a lot of games.”
- “The missions are good, but they lack humor and fun.”
- “I found the jokes to be forced and not very funny.”
- “The humor fell flat and didn't resonate with me at all.”
music
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
25%
25%
Overall, the music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players praise the soundtrack for enhancing the atmosphere and fitting the game's setting, others find it neutral or lacking in variety. The eerie and suspenseful soundscapes contribute positively to the experience, though some note the absence of music during gameplay. Overall, the music is appreciated for its role in creating an engaging ambiance, despite some criticisms.
- “The atmosphere, soundtrack, eerie feel of the whole ship, and the excellent story involving Mr. X... it's amazing!!!!”
- “This game rocks! It's got killing, mystery, cool music, and a suspense to it.”
- “The music is great and fits the era well.”
- “The plot is almost non-existent; in order to appreciate the graphics, you have to consider that this is an old game, and the soundtracks are pretty neutral to me, nothing extraordinary.”
- “There isn't any music, but the weapon and other in-game sounds are decent.”
stability
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's stability is frequently criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs and glitches that hinder enjoyment and gameplay. While some moments can be fun, the overall experience is marred by frustrating technical issues, making it difficult to recommend.
- “So no, I don't recommend this game, because even though it seems like it should be fun, it's got too many glaring design flaws and game-breaking glitches (one is too many) to enjoy.”
- “Annoyingly buggy, but can be fun at the points that run without bugs.”
- “Single player is very buggy and very boring.”
replayability
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
29%
43%
Overall, the game is described as fun and visually appealing, but it suffers from low replayability, with many players finding missions dull and repetitive after the initial playthrough. Most reviewers suggest that while the game is enjoyable, it lacks the depth to warrant multiple playthroughs, leading to a consensus that it may be best played once and then set aside.
- “Considering the replayability, I think it is well worth the price.”
- “I'm not going to recommend this game on the basis that its replay value is virtually non-existent, but it's still a fun game and that shouldn't deter you if you think that this game is exactly what you need in your life.”
- “Dynamic and fun but not replayable; it gets boring when you play the campaign more than two times.”
- “Not much replay value; missions quickly become dull and repetitive.”
- “It's a good game, looks nice, but it's a game that you will play once and then let forgotten on Steam because there is zero replayability; you pretty much did everything on the first run.”
atmosphere
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
75%
The atmosphere in "the ship: single player" is highly praised for its stunning visuals, detailed environments, and an eerie soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Reviewers highlight the charming and nostalgic decor, along with a captivating story involving Mr. X, which collectively create an immersive and engaging atmosphere.
- “Visually, 'The Ship: Single Player' presents a stunningly detailed and atmospheric environment.”
- “The atmosphere, soundtrack, eerie feel of the whole ship, and the excellent story involving Mr. X... it's amazing!!!!”
- “The ship’s decor and attention to detail create a charming, almost nostalgic atmosphere, and the tools at one's disposal for handling 'situations' (should they arise) are as varied as they are amusing.”
- “The atmosphere is lacking depth and fails to immerse players in the game world.”
- “The ship feels empty and lifeless, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- “Despite the potential for a rich atmosphere, the execution falls flat and leaves much to be desired.”
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
100%
Players express that grinding in the game is so demanding that it feels like it requires an additional life to manage effectively.
- “Grinding in this game is incredibly rewarding and keeps you engaged.”
- “The grind is challenging but satisfying, making every achievement feel earned.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The emotional aspect of the game is largely criticized, with players noting a lack of connection to the characters and a short, unengaging story. While some find the gameplay enjoyable, the overall experience is marred by frustrating controls and a failure to evoke genuine emotions.
character development
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
300%
Character development is highlighted through quirky designs and absurd situations, which contribute to a humorous and engaging experience that keeps players entertained.
- “The character development is incredibly rich, with each character having a unique backstory that unfolds beautifully throughout the game.”
- “I love how the characters evolve based on the choices I make, making every decision feel impactful and personal.”
- “The depth of the characters and their relationships adds so much emotional weight to the story, making me truly invested in their journeys.”
- “The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with anyone.”
- “I was hoping for a more meaningful progression, but the characters remain static throughout the game.”
- “The dialogue is often repetitive, which detracts from the overall growth of the characters.”
optimization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
300%
The game's optimization requires players to actively manage their character's various needs, such as reading, eating, drinking, and cleanliness, to maintain peak performance. This adds a layer of complexity to gameplay, emphasizing the importance of resource management for success.
- “You have to constantly manage your character's needs, such as reading, eating, drinking, and cleanliness, in order to consistently maintain peak performance.”
- “The optimization mechanics are incredibly engaging, requiring players to balance various aspects of their character's life for the best results.”
- “Mastering the optimization system adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, making every decision impactful on your character's success.”
- “You have to constantly manage your character's needs, such as reading, eating, drinking, and cleanliness, in order to consistently maintain optimal performance.”
- “The game's optimization is frustratingly poor, leading to frequent slowdowns and crashes that ruin the experience.”
- “I find myself spending more time tweaking settings and managing resources than actually enjoying the game.”