Scurge: Hive (GBA) (Scurge: Hive (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Scurge: Hive (GBA)
Date:	28/05/09 (9 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Some gameplay, Graphics

Disadvantages: Poor control response

"Scurge: Hive" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2006 by Orbital Media. It is an action adventure game based on a science fiction scenario. In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.

In this title, the player assumes the role of a female bounty hunter who has been sent to investigate a strange occurrence on an alien planet. Research and development labs have been overthrown and it is up to the player to restore order and functionality. Gameplay itself reflects a typical action game with the player's character running, jumping and blasting her way through a series of stages and alien life forms to secure the once vibrant complex. The game is widely compared to "Metroid" and it is a resemblance worth noting. Both games play very similarly with the characters completing nearly identical tasks, uncovering new items and weapons for use and shooting their way through a seemingly endless supply of aliens. The game is played across one large map which contains many locked doors. This requires the player to explore an initially limited area, but by acquiring keys and gaining abilities through play will unlock these restricted areas for further exploration. There is little difficulty in terms of enemy presence but does become difficult through the perspective in which the game is presented.

The graphics in this title are presented from an isometric view which focuses on the player's character. The visuals are well detailed and rendered in a three dimensional environment which allows for excellent imagery throughout. I found this visual style to be hard to adjust to due to the confined directional arrows that are slow to respond to my command. Throughout playing I suffered many hits to my character due to the slower response in changing rotation directions and firing at the onslaught of enemies. The soundtrack is, however, much better and presents suitably sci-fi musical scores and sound effects.

Overall, I would be hesitant about recommending Hive to prospective buyers. While it does build on a classic style of gameplay, its poor control response makes it somewhat difficult to play and hindered the experience slightly.

Summary: Thumbs in the middle