Scurge: Hive

Emulation is based on mGBA (with proper notices), so it should be perfect. Sadly no ROM included, though it's clear it's been modified slightly. Also includes a brand new Japanese translation, which is its first ever release; to my knowledge the translation did not exist in fan patches before, so it's a neat bonus. Only genuine update according to the dev is some graphical smoke fixes, though I haven't verified that. I'm biased towards Ratalaika's ports; they consistently include proper open-source licenses, and they all have a similar simple-but-feature-complete UI that I like, though aesthetically it's pretty bare bones. Generally works perfectly on Linux/steam deck, as it's a very lightweight exe. Edit: Controls match the original, I was mis-remembering, and have since updated the review.

Emulation is junk. Can't remap controller buttons either. Wish I had tried it out during the refund window.

It's a good game with some rough edges to it, though i'm not sure I would call it a Metroidvania. Story and aesthetics are clearly inspired by Metroid Fusion but I think it's best described as a linear isometric action-adventure game. Throughout the game you have to manage an infection meter that effectively acts as a time limit, but save points are never to far away, optional collectibles don't exist and puzzles are very easy to solve. Enemies are numerous and agressive, but they all drop health so it's never to difficult. The game's biggest flaw comes from it being a GBA/NDS title, with the screen a bit too zoomed in, though I don't see it as a dealbreaker. The port itself is perfectly functional, if a little basic and runs well on Steam Deck.

Fantastic GBA game. Kinda hard and the isometric view is a little wonky when it comes to some platforming but overall I love the game. Lots of backtracking too, though I like that kinda stuff.

A pretty incredible top-down (vaguely zelda-ish in a sense, but still more sci-fi like Metroid) search action game with actually decently difficult combat and fun weapon and item ideas that deserves to have way more recognition than it got. This version is just a modified build of mGBA shipping with an embedded ROM of the game (that you sadly cannot extract), so keep that in mind. They added some achievements and cheats, but that's about the only "extra features" you'll find in this. Runs fine though.

Scurge: Hive is a compact science-fiction action adventure that blends isometric combat, exploration, platforming, puzzle solving, and character progression into an experience that proudly retains its old-school foundations. Developed by Orbital Media and published by Ratalaika Games S.L. and Shinyuden, this version preserves the identity of the original handheld adventure while adding conveniences that make it considerably easier to approach today. Its combination of an isolated research facility, an infectious alien threat, an agile bounty hunter, and interconnected environments creates an adventure that feels more ambitious than its relatively straightforward premise initially suggests. The story follows bounty hunter Jenosa Arma after she is sent to a distant planet to investigate and recover material from a secret research laboratory. The mission has already deteriorated badly by the time she arrives. A dangerous organism known as Scurge has overwhelmed the facility, infecting biological creatures and machinery while turning the installation into an increasingly hostile environment. Jenosa's protective suit keeps her from immediately succumbing to the infection, but it cannot…