Ripout has all the ingredients to become an exceptional co-op shooter, potentially joining the ranks of games like Deep Rock Galactic or Left 4 Dead.

Despite only just entering early access, with only a single patch as of this review, Ripout stands as a very fun game. It features excellent progression, a captivating aesthetic, and engaging gun play that underpins an enjoyable gameplay loop.

As a sci-fi-themed co-op shooter, Ripout draws clear inspiration from beloved genre films and games, with nods to classics like The Thing, Aliens, and Dead Space. The developers at Pet Project Games have a clear vision that guided their aesthetic choices. Ripout brims with sci-fi visual tropes, from damaged spaceship hulls to grotesque organic structures and flickering CRT monitors, creating an atmosphere that's both nostalgic and sinister.

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the game's tone, with levels adorned by murky shadows and smoky neon. Bright orange and blue lights contrast dimly lit deep red walkway lights and shadowy corridors. Sparking conduits and flashing computer displays offer brief illumination in otherwise dark rooms. Pet Project Games have masterfully executed their vision, crafting haunting yet often stunning environments.

Ripout's core gameplay loop is straightforward: 1-3 players choose a mission from a pool of available options and disembark from their mothership to the selected level. Every mission unfolds aboard a derelict ship, where players encounter various mutant monsters and environmental obstacles.

Successful completion of these missions demands precise shooting, environmental awareness, and strategic use of character modifications. The shooting and combat mechanics feel just right, with each shot or melee attack carrying weight, clear damage indicators, and satisfying enemy reactions. The diversity of enemies keeps the game challenging and players on their toes. Enemies can emerge unexpectedly from sticky biomass structures or ventilation shafts, creating a constant sense of tension and the occasional false alarm, like an exploding electrical conduit, adds to the unsettling atmosphere.

Like most modern co-op shooters, Ripout leans heavily on procedural generation to keep players engaged when replaying similar scenarios. Fortunately, Pet Project Games excels at creating randomized yet coherent and often familiar derelict ship layouts for players to complete tasks and missions. The game follows a hub model, allowing players to rest in the mothership between runs, craft gear, and adjust their equipment loadout. This model will feel familiar to anyone who has played Deep Rock Galactic, offering a welcome sense of continuity between hub and mission sequences.

Players are rewarded with crafting components, schematics, and more after completing each mission, providing ample motivation for another run before tackling increasingly powerful enemies and intricate levels. This ensures steady progression and a range of options to develop your character.

Despite its strengths, Ripout is a small game from a small developer in early access, which comes with a few minor grievances:

• The difficulty can fluctuate significantly from easy cakewalks to overwhelming challenges within the same sector.
  
• The game currently offers a decent amount of content, but not an extensive amount, which means players can likely experience it all in under 25 hours.
  
• The interface, both for abilities and equipment, appears rather basic and could benefit from some enhancements.

Nonetheless, it's important to emphasize that Ripout is a solid foundation with great potential. It knows its identity and is built upon a sturdy foundation.

For fans of co-op shooters with friends to join in, there are few better ways to spend your time and money. One can only be hopeful that Ripout will continue to receive support and evolve into another standout within the genre as it grows and matures.