Scurge: Hive Brings Its Metroidvania Action to Nintendo Switch
▼ Summary
– Scurge: Hive is an action-adventure game originally released in 2006 for GBA and DS, inspired by Metroid: Fusion with isometric gameplay.
– A Switch port by Raitalaika Games is launching on October 10th, priced at £14.99/$14.99 on the eShop.
– Players control Jenosa Armaon, who investigates a mysterious space station and battles the Scurge virus while infected and dying.
– Game features include six levels with boss fights, isometric combat, an infection meter, upgrades, and new save/rewind functions.
– The game received a Metascore of 70 for its DS version and combines manga-style action with sci-fi narrative over about 10 hours of gameplay.
Scurge: Hive, the cult-classic action-adventure game from 2006, is making its way to the Nintendo Switch this week, bringing its unique blend of Metroidvania exploration and isometric combat to a new generation of players. Originally released on both the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS, this title earned a reputation for its tight gameplay and engaging sci-fi narrative. Developed by Orbital Media and now ported by Raitalaika Games, the Switch version arrives on October 10th, priced at $14.99.
Players step into the role of Jenosa Armaon, a character distinguished by her remarkably long hair, who accepts a perilous assignment to investigate a mysterious space station. Her mission revolves around a bizarre and dangerous lifeform known as the Scurge virus. This pathogen possesses the ability to dominate and corrupt everything it touches, posing a catastrophic threat. Equipped with bio-protective armor, Jenosa can resist the virus but not eliminate it outright, forcing her to rely on agility, an expanding arsenal of weapons, and sharp wits to contain the outbreak.
The game unfolds over roughly ten hours, delivering an intense experience that fans of Metroid: Fusion will find familiar. It incorporates mechanics like upgrading your power suit and arm cannon, but introduces its own twists with challenging isometric platforming and combat. A unique “infection meter” adds constant tension, as Jenosa is continuously afflicted by the Scurge, steadily draining her health throughout the adventure.
Key features in this re-release include six distinct levels, each culminating in a boss encounter, along with a dedicated Boss Rush mode for those seeking extra challenges. The gameplay seamlessly blends platforming, combat, and environmental puzzles. Modern quality-of-life improvements such as save states, rewind functionality, and optional cheats have been integrated, making the experience more accessible for today’s audiences.
Visually, the game retains its delightfully chunky art style, with enemy designs that may evoke a sense of nostalgia for seasoned players. The setting, Confederation Research Lab 58, provides a compelling backdrop for an epic science-fiction story. For those who missed it the first time around, the original DS version holds a Metascore of 70, indicating a solid and enjoyable experience well worth revisiting.
Are you planning to dive into Scurge: Hive on the Switch, or does this announcement bring back memories of your initial playthrough? Share your thoughts below!
(Source: Nintendo Life)
