Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 29
  2. Negative: 2 out of 29
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. 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.
  2. Fans of this style of gameplay will be happy for weeks on end, and the wide dispersement of save spots make this game an easy pick up for 15 minutes and play game.
  3. AceGamez
    80
    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.
  4. Scurge: Hive can be a little frustrating at times, but the overall experience is enjoyable. If you’re in need of some more Metroid style action on your DS, then Scurge: Hive is a good choice to scratch that itch.
  5. One part action, one part RPG. One part Metroid, one part Zelda, one part reminiscent of the PSone era. Technically this is a GBA title, and unfortunately does not take advantage of everything the DS has to offer. But that doesn’t prevent the game from blasting through.
  6. 80
    A great game for someone who appreciates the Metroid atmosphere, and is dieing for that oft-rumored "Metroid Dread"
  7. If you're tired of training your brain and want a little alien-infested action, go ahead and pick up Scurge: Hive, because you won't be disappointed by its frenetic blend of creep blasting and puzzle solving.
  8. A solid GBA game trapped in a DS card. It’s got an issue or two, but it’s a pretty epic undertaking and still has a lot to recommend it. If you need a solid handheld title or don’t have enough consoles to be exceptionally busy this holiday, give it a shot.
  9. Scurge: Hive is a solid action adventure with a slick presentation that should appeal to anyone who enjoys the Metroid style of play.
  10. A great game that many may end up passing up due to the name and not not enough hype.
  11. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    75
    This is what you'd get if you crossed "Metroid Prime" with an isometric shooter and a dash of the movie "Aliens." [Jan 2007, p.76]
  12. Scurge lasts long enough and provides a strong challenge to suit any Metroid fan or gamer looking for a good action title. Although its frustrations lie within some game design, and then translate through hardware (such as the D-pad), it's still very playable and very fun.
  13. Game Informer
    75
    The only big frustration is the eight directional shooting, which never seems to nail your target the way you'd like. [Nov. 2006, p.144]
  14. Scurge: Hive isn’t a bad investment if a player is seeking fast paced pick up and play action, but players who appreciate more depth in their titles should probably shy away.
  15. Scurge: Hive had potential to be a great game. Metroid + isometric perspective sounds like a winning formula. Unfortunately, Metroid Fusion + isometric perspective + frustration doesn't fare quite as well.
  16. If there was some slight fine tuning, this would have been a killer game. Unfortunately, the isometric view can be more annoying than welcomed, but the graphics and sound track are stellar enough to bring the presentation levels sky high.
  17. The game is repetitive, the story thin and linear, and the infection mechanic is an annoyance, so why play Scurge: Hive? Well, underneath all that, the game is simple and fun when you just want to shoot stuff.
  18. 70
    An entertaining adventure that boasts impressive production values, especially given its origins in a tiny development house. Its greatest failing is that it stands uneasily on the line between arcade-action and console-adventure.
  19. 70
    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.
  20. If you can get past the tedious first stages, the game really begins to pick up although the infection meter limits exploration a bit too much for Scurge to recapture that special magic, but for those holding out for a classic Metroid game on the DS, Scurge may be exactly what you need.
  21. 70
    Orbital Media has done a very good job, but still has a bit of tweaking to do if they want to really push this series to the limit.
  22. It has a decent story and a likeable character, with just enough plot to keep things interesting. The sheer multitude of platforming, puzzle solving and overwhelming enemy presence make the game far tougher than many of its contemporaries.
  23. A good first effort from Orbital Media -- with some tweaks any possible sequel could be turned into a franchise of sorts. It's a decent enough game, but it could use even more new ideas to truly stand out.
  24. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    65
    But the repetitive combat and insistence on finding random key cards will likely keep this sleeper from waking up. [Nov. 2006, p.138]
  25. 60
    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.
  26. But Scurge is still hugely attractive - packed with charismatic enemy design and pin-sharp pixel-art, it's a real looker, in its old-fashioned way - moderately addictive, mildly nostalgic, and pleasantly to the point.
  27. Scurge doesn’t stand out, but it’s comfortable if you need a bite-sized action game to pass the time.
  28. Edge Magazine
    40
    Each of the areas you’ll traverse in Scurge feel like they’ve simply had a box of random enemies shaken into it, all making a sudden focused beeline toward you the minute you set foot in the room. [Nov 2006, p.92]
  29. 40
    The major control issues are a hurdle many gamers won’t want to overcome. They ruin what would be an otherwise fun game.

Awards & Rankings

31
64
#64 Most Discussed DS Game of 2006
8
#8 Most Shared DS Game of 2006
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. Nov 29, 2021
    10
    Muchos juegos que tratan de copiar a metroid solo hacen eso, COPIAR. Jajajaja, pero Scurge Hive copia o imita la el tema y elabora una versiónMuchos juegos que tratan de copiar a metroid solo hacen eso, COPIAR. Jajajaja, pero Scurge Hive copia o imita la el tema y elabora una versión muy original y divertida. Full Review »
  2. GioD
    Mar 13, 2008
    7
    Scurge: Hive really is one of the best DS games that you've certainly never heard of. Its a fantastic combination of action/rpg. Keep inScurge: Hive really is one of the best DS games that you've certainly never heard of. Its a fantastic combination of action/rpg. Keep in mind that this game was originally made for the GBA and was ported over to the DS so it really doesnt use the touch screen for anything except to display the map. And i should also mention the music, its one of the best soundtracks that i've heard on the DS, no joking. My only real complaint (and the reason the game would have easily scored an 8 or 9) would be that the story is a STRAIGHT RIP OF METROID, so 0 points for story originality, but other than that, its a really stellar game. OH! and did i also mention that you can buy it BRAND NEW for $10 at gamestop? Yup, $10. If i had paid the full $30 it would have been money well spent, but for $10 this is practically a steal. A massively underrated but very good game. Full Review »