Altered Beast (🇯🇵 獣王記 - Jūōki) is a linear beat 'em up game developed and released by Sega in 1988 for arcade and Mega Drive, with a version also for Master System. It gained popularity when it was included in the console package in several countries before the release of Sonic. The conversion has smaller sprites compared to the arcade, but the main voices and gameplay were maintained.
Gameplay
The gameplay is basically a beat 'em up with linear sidescroll platforms, meaning the player can only move sideways. The character uses basic punches and kicks, and upon defeating certain enemies, he can obtain a spiritual sphere that progressively increases his physical strength and form. In his final form, the centurion transforms into an animal-like figure: a werewolf, dragon, bear, tiger or golden werewolf.
In his animal form, the centurion becomes very powerful, being able to throw fireballs and lightning bolts, but the power-ups are removed at the end of each stage and must be obtained again during the next stage.
Also at the end of each stage, Neff appears and transforms into a creature to be defeated. The game has five stages, and after defeating the final boss, the stages repeat continuously.
Development history
The main developer was Makoto Uchida, also responsible for Golden Axe and Alien Storm; common elements can be seen, such as the cockatrice (the same one that can be ridden in Golden Axe appears as an enemy in Altered Beast) and the plot based on mythologies and ancient civilizations.
Reception and legacy
Despite initial positive reviews, over time Altered Beast began to be seen in a different light, being cited more as a piece of nostalgic importance, as it was one of the initial games for the Sega console.
Plot
Altered Beast is set in Ancient Greece and tells the story of a centurion resurrected by Zeus, with the mission of rescuing his daughter Athena, trapped in the underworld (the hell of Greek mythology) by the demon Neff.
To do so, he gains the ability to absorb spheres with spirits that give him strength, to the point of transforming himself into an animalistic figure (werewolf, dragon, bear, tiger and golden werewolf).
Stages
The City of DisIn the last stage, hybrids of humans, goats, fish, unicorns and rhinos appear, all very strong. Neff’s last form is a rhinoceros that crosses the screen, running over and attacking with its horn. Transformation: golden werewolf.
Neff's PalaceMore familiar zombies and monsters, as well as hammer-wielding dragons. Neff appears in the form of a crocodile that attacks with a stream of flames and fire dragons. Transformation: tiger.
Cavern of SoulsGiant ants, turtles, snakes and stronger zombies begin to appear. Neff turns into a mix between a giant slug and a salamander. Transformation: bear.
UnderworldDragons, cockatrices (monsters similar to the one in Golden Axe), snakes and slugs. Neff transforms into a plant with dozens of eyes. Transformation: dragon.
GraveyardFirst stage, only zombies and two-headed wolves. At the end, Neff transforms into an ogre made of corpses that throws heads. Transformation: werewolf.
Images
X-ray
- Development
- Sega
- Production
- Makoto Uchida
- Players
- 2 (single-player, co-op)
- Genre
- Beat 'em up
- Characters
- Centurion, Neff
