Game Boy Advance

Scurge: Hive

Scurge: Hive is an impressively intense handheld game that may garner too many Metroid comparisons for its own good. While the similarities are there, and the majority of Metroid fans will enjoy Scurge for many of the same reasons, Scurge: Hive deviates in intelligent and interesting ways. The game isn't perfect: small design flaws are scattered throughout, but the moodiness of the game's atmosphere, the intensity of the pacing, the original infection mechanic and the overall quality of the gameplay combine into what may be the best game of 2006 you haven't heard of.

Scurge: Hive is one of the best-looking and -sounding Gameboy Advance (and even DS) games to date. It has a unique atmosphere of its own, even if it does draw a lot from Metroid. While the game is fun, it tends to wear on players as they are continuously changing weapons and returning to decontamination platforms. However, for a ten-hour game that feels so much longer, the GBA version is definitely worth the $19.99 price tag. For those who are willing to overlook Scurge’s few flaws, the $29.99 DS version has distinct advantages in the form of the map display and music upgrade, even if the graphics are slightly worse.

Still, it's hard to complain much about a game that's as well made as Scurge: Hive. Interestingly enough, if you sit through the end credits you'll get the hint that a sequel may be in the works - I really hope so, particularly since this is such a great introduction to another cool female character that's made a swift entry into the current crop of gaming greats. And as a repeated plea to skeptics, don't pass this up just because it 'looks like Metroid' - pick it up because it's as intriguing, and in some ways more so, than Nintendo's excellent franchise.

Scurge: Hive is a fantastic game, there's no question about it. But which one should gamers buy? Both games are great, but the GBA version really stands out. The graphics are stronger, and the price is cheaper. If players really want that map on the bottom screen, then by all means, go for the DS version. Even with the less polished graphics, Scurge: Hive is an excellent buy.

All told, Scurge: Hive is the sort of action adventure that should appeal to anyone who's into the Metroid style of sci-fi dungeon-crawling. Replay value over the long term may be questionable, but the initial ride offers a satisfying blend of action, exploration, and puzzles. Furthermore, the stylish graphics and delicious music give the game the kind of artful presentation that only a handful of games produced for portable systems have ever achieved.

Overall Scurge: Hive is a great little action adventure. Its excellent execution should mean that it will appeal to a much wider audience than we would initially expect. Although you are unlikely to revisit the game once you have completed all the levels, it will certainly provide great value for money as you explore and puzzle your way through the well designed levels. All this is wrapped up in a bundle of great graphics and sound to be one of the great games at the later end of the GBA’s life.

Das Spielgeschehen wird in isometrischer Perspektive dargestellt, was die Handhabung merklich erschwert. Grafik und Sound entsprechen mittlerem GBA-Niveau. Spielerisch bietet Scurge Hive weitestgehend unspektakuläre, lineare Action-Kost. Interessenten wird empfohlen, vor dem Kauf einen Blick auf Metroid Fusion zu werfen. Der Titel ist nicht nur technisch besser, sondern hat auch spielerisch deutlich mehr auf dem Kasten.

Ne cachant pas ses références à Metroid, Scurge Hive est un jeu surprenant qui n'atteint malheureusement pas ses ambitions à cause d'un gameplay maladroit et d'une construction trop redondante. Les bonnes idées sont pourtant là, de même que l'immersion, mais on ne prend pas vraiment plaisir à exterminer une vermine qui n'en finit pas de revenir à la charge de manière bête et méchante. A voir quand même en attendant le retour de Samus.

Due to a relatively low-profile release, you'll probably find Scurge on the bargain (or at least used) shelves before long. Overall, however, the game is an entertaining effort that should appeal to fans of the original Metroid. Jenosa Arma may not be the new Samus Aran, but she definitely proves that the yellow-armored one isn't the only space-age bounty hunter that knows how to party.

It's refreshing to see an original portable game, but Scurge: Hive has some serious problems; mainly, the obnoxious time limit and frustrating enemy fights. In spite of its issues, though, Scurge is still worth checking out. It's a pretty enjoyable game with solid level design and good ideas, but with some adjustments here and there, it could be a really great game. Hopefully we'll see a sequel or continuation of the series where some of the failings of this title get addressed.