Scurge: Hive Launches on Nintendo Switch: Classic GBA Action Returns via eShop

Scurge: Hive Launches on Nintendo Switch: Classic GBA Action Returns via eShop Fans of action-adventure games can rejoice as Orbital Media’s well-regarded title, Scurge: Hive, makes its way to the Nintendo Switch.

Originally released in 2006 for the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS, Scurge: Hive garnered a loyal following with its tight isometric gameplay and atmospheric science-fiction narrative.

Now, Ratalaika Games is spearheading the Switch port, set to launch on the Nintendo eShop on October 10th at a price point of £14.99/$14.99. Developed by Orbital Media, Scurge: Hive draws inspiration from genre classics like Metroid: Fusion, blending exploration, power-ups, and tense combat within a top-down perspective.

Players step into the shoes of Jenosa Armaon, an agile and resourceful bounty hunter, as she investigates an abandoned space station overrun by a menacing virus known as the "Scurge." The new release stays faithful to the original’s intense gameplay loop, challenging players to navigate hazardous environments, upgrade an arsenal of weapons, and manage a unique "infection meter" mechanic.

The infection meter adds a constant sense of urgency, as Jenosa must battle not only the forces unleashed by the Scurge virus but also her own gradual contamination. According to official statements from Ratalaika Games, the Switch version includes several enhancements for modern audiences.

These features include save states, cheats, and a handy rewind function, allowing both veteran players and newcomers to tailor the experience to their preferences.

In addition to its tense science-fiction narrative, the game boasts six varied levels, map-spanning boss fights, a Boss Rush mode, and a blend of isometric platforming, combat challenges, and intricate puzzles.

The game’s visually striking art style and familiar enemy designs offer a nostalgic appeal, especially for fans of the original Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS versions. Scurge: Hive’s initial release met with positive reviews for its engaging mechanics and ambitious design, with the Nintendo DS version currently holding a Metascore of 70.

The game’s return on the Nintendo Switch, via the eShop, represents an opportunity for a new generation of players to experience one of the era’s cult favorites, complete with contemporary quality-of-life improvements. With Ratalaika Games’ track record of bringing classic titles to modern hardware, Scurge: Hive’s latest incarnation looks well-positioned for both long-time fans and newcomers seeking an intense, retro-inspired isometric adventure on Switch.

The release not only adds to the eShop’s expanding retro library but also celebrates the enduring legacy of Orbital Media’s original vision. Scurge: Hive will be available on the Nintendo Switch eShop from October 10th, priced at £14.99/$14.99.

For those who missed this hidden gem in its original form, the Switch port offers a compelling new chance to experience one of the Game Boy Advance and DS generation’s standout adventures.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo eShop Switch GBA Ratalaika Games Scurge: Hive Orbital Media Game Boy Advance Nintendo DS Nintendo eShop Jenosa Armaon Metroid: Fusion