By A bit of Game Boy Advance charm?
- by PJ O’Reilly
If you experienced Orbital Media’s Scurge: Hive upon its release in 2006, on both GBA and DS, you’re likely aware that it’s a remarkably robust action title that draws inspiration from the likes of Metroid: Fusion, and seamlessly blends them into a compact isometric space odyssey.
Now, Raitalaika Games has revealed that its latest Switch adaptation of the title will debut on the eShop on 10th October (hey, that’s this week!), priced at £14.99/$14.99.
Scurge: Hive allows you to step into the space footwear of impossibly long-haired Jenosa Armaon, as she embarks on “a startling and perilous task” that involves her, well, venturing to an enigmatic space station to examine a peculiar lifeform.
Indeed, this is an endeavor that, over its ~10-hour duration, offers you an exhilarating burst of manga-style action reminiscent of a Samus adventure with her power suit and arm cannon upgrades. However, here you also need to consider tricky isometric shooting perspectives and the ever-looming threat of demise, as Jenosa is infected and deteriorating. Intense!
Here’s some additional information from the press release:
Our protagonist has been commissioned by the Military to retrieve a highly-classified scientific facility on a remote and obscure planet. To her astonishment, the root of the calamity is a infamous virus dubbed “Scurge”, which possesses the capacity to enslave everything to its ruinous intent. Equipped with bio-protective armor, Jenosa can resist but not eliminate “Scurge”.
She must employ her agility, her weaponry, and her cunning to control and ultimately overcome the malevolent virus before it disseminates.
Characteristics
– Six unique levels featuring boss encounters
– Boss Rush
– Isometric platforming, combat, and puzzles
– Grand sci-fi storyline
– Enhance your arsenal
– “Infection meter” feature
– Save States, cheats & rewind option
With a wonderfully thick art style and some astonishingly recognizable foes showcased in several of the screenshots, we must confess there’s something very enticing about a revisit to Confederation Research Lab 58.
The DS edition boasts a Metascore of 70, so if you missed it two decades ago, it’s not too late.
Have you experienced Scurge: Hive previously? Eager to give it a try on Switch? Be sure to let us know in the comments!
PJ is a staff writer for Hookshot Media. He has been immersed in video games nearly continuously since the early 1980s, which is quite a while ago. His favorite genres encompass RPGs, puzzle games, and extensive single-player adventures of all types. The stranger, the better.