Scurge: Hive (Nintendo DS)

This game is generating a bit of a reputation as a hidden gem on the DS. It's a reputation that deserves to be disseminated.It was released on Game Boy Advance and on Nintendo DS, pretty much simultaneously so it would be somewhat of a disservice to describe the DS version as a port, but that should be born in mind. I can't speak as to version differences as I played the DS version however I hear both are nearly identical. That being said I would imagine the DS version to have the advantages of the Dual Screens, which helpfully has the map on the bottom screen and the lack of need for a battery powered save (i.e. you will not pick this up in five years time to find your save file gone).Scurge hive is an isometric 2D action-adventure game with platforming elements. The isometric (diagonal overhead view)) bit is going to put some people off immediately. Whilst this is one of the better isometric-style games and has fewer of the frustrations common with the format they are still there and Scurge is unlikely to win you round, so bear that in mind. It's not my favourite style of gameplay but I've personally enjoyed a fair few isometric games including the oft-maligned Sonic 3D on the Mega Drive, not finding them too hard to control after an initial adjustment. Just get used to the diagonal movement and you'll be fine.Straight away you'll notice that Scurge Hive has some of the best 2D graphics on the DS, never mind the GBA. The metroid influences are clear, and in turn the H.R. Geiger influences behind that series. Immediately you enter a futuristic space colony that doesn't feel derivative and be fighting an array of distinctive fluidly animated enemies.The music stands out for praise. I'm often one for having sound down on handhelds with something on in the background but I'd urge players to avoid doing that in this case. The music is by Jake Kaufman who has made a name for himself composing quality and often energetic retro-video game inspired music. He's worked on games like the Shantae Series and Shovel Knight. This is some of his best work.The gameplay of Scurge Hive involves the main character Jenosa Arma exploring various different sections of the space colony, which are usually self-contained areas connected to a main hub. In each area you will have to collect keycards (another reason to keep the sound on as a tone sounds when there is one in the room- an icon moves in the corner of the screen but is hardly noticeable) and locate activation devices for teleporter nodes.Throughout the game she will pick up new abilities that will make it easier to overcome certain enemies and access new areas to progress. When you clear an area of keycards and activate the teleporter you fight a boss and return to the hub where your new ability will allow you to explore a previously inaccessible section. There is no backtracking once you have left an area (and as the game progresses these become quite large) except for in the hub.Jenosa attacks with her arm cannon (female protagonist, arm cannon- the metroid comparisons are fair) and can unlock new shot types. These will annihilate certain enemies and power up others so changing weapons is essential. This is quick to do and implemented pretty well, adding variety to the combat. Unfortunately it does have the effect of slowing things down slightly especially as enemies are often grouped together in different types meaning to clear a room or corridor you will have to interrupt your flow several times. Jenosa can also get other abilities such as a double-jump, grapple beam, toxin resistance and lighting.I love games where you power up as you go along. There is nothing wrong with how Scurge Hive goes about it, but the way it's managed is, for me, the only thing holding it back from being a truly great game. The best weapon upgrades in Metroid/Zelda type games are always the ones that affect core gameplay mechanics like the hookshot, space jump or Samus's bombs. In Scurge usually you will see an obstacle knowing that you just need a particular upgrade to dispatch it. This is solely the case with all upgrades except the double jump and grapple beam and it's a shame the developers couldn't incorporate it into the gameplay more.My only other gripe is the tunnels towards the end of the game. They render the map useless, are confusing and enemies of different types swarm you so you constantly have to change weapons. The mechanic hadn't really bothered me until that point.What works really well is the implementation of the De-contamination chambers. A percentage at the top of the screen shows how infected her suit is. When it hits 100% health will start depleting rapidly sending you rushing for a chamber. This adds an element of urgency to the exploration as the further you go the more you will need to find a new chamber. I think they got the map design just right her to keep you on your toes but only rarely feeling like you had to backtrack to decontaminate.Jenosa is also pretty easy to control, isometric viewpoint considered, and the platforming sections I found well designed,that being the key downfall of many isometric games.The story and characterisation is solid, not too much text bogging things down and just enough to keep you invested. Sadly it's clear that a sequel was planned but never made and the studio behind Scurge Hive is now defunct. More's the pity as Jenosa is a likeable character.It would be grossly unfair to call this a Metroid rip-off. There are MANY worse offenders in this respect and Scurge is heavily inspired but is it's own take on the genre that will likely appeal to fans of Samus Aran.

The reviews on here are idiotic; I just completed this game and its amazing!! Sure its in the Metroidvania mode, but thats a genre in its own right anyway. What makes this game distinct is the isometric perspective (which gives the only real flaw to the game, that you cannot shoot diagonally and some of the jumps are a little awkward) and the infection that means you have to rush back to heal/save points in order to wind back your infection. This latter device means you have to strategise in the way you explore the various areas (in a "dungeon crawler" style) as you could take the risk and forge further into the unknown, but if you reach full infection before finding another heal point you're screwed. Also, the more "scurge" you kill the more your health increases in a level-up system, which is cool.The graphics are in a wonderful 16-bit style that reminds of Chrono Trigger by way of Metroid, and the soundtrack is incredible! Just watch some YouTube videos of the game. The final boss is notoriously brutal, but the music is so good - almost like a Prodigy/Liam Howlett track from the early 90s - that the pleasure of listening to it makes your inevitable attempts and deaths bearable.This game is now a true cult classic which has been gaining respect over the years; at the time of its release it received somewhat average reviews as it was released simultaneously on the GBA and the DS version isnt much different. aside from a map on the lower screen. Yet that map is massively helpful and also gives you some satisfaction in seeing just how big the "dungeon" style levels end up being as you explore and kill stuff.Anyway, this game is dirt cheap - buy it, play it, you won't regret it!

How annoying can hair be? Try this game to find out. The constant waving hair drives you mad after five minutes. Game play is DULL. Little use is made of the touchscreen. Yawn, boring plot. Buy something else.

Is it just me, or is this almost identical to Metroid Prime games???1. The hero is female.2. She is a bounty hunter.3. It starts with a distress signal (see Metroid Prime 1 and 2)4. You have to stop yourself becoming fully corrupted.Wow...This is such an original game!no thanks, but I don't want to purchase cheap Metroid rip-offs.