“Altered Beast” is a classic arcade game developed by Sega and released in 1988. Set in ancient Greece, the game follows the story of a centurion resurrected by Zeus to rescue his daughter Athena from the clutches of the demon god Neff. The protagonist starts as a mere mortal but gains the ability to transform into powerful beasts through the collection of spirit balls, which enhance his strength and abilities.
The journey begins with the centurion emerging from his grave and embarking on a perilous quest. Zeus’s command, “Rise from your grave!” sets the tone for the adventure. As players progress through the five levels of the game, they encounter various enemies and obstacles. The primary objective is to defeat Neff and save Athena, and this is achieved through the centurion’s transformation into different beasts, each with unique abilities:
- Werewolf: In the first level, the centurion transforms into a werewolf. This form grants him incredible strength and speed, along with special attacks like the “Fireball” and “Wolf Headbutt,” which help in defeating enemies and bosses with ease.
- Weredragon: In the second level, the centurion becomes a weredragon. This transformation allows him to fly and shoot lightning bolts from his mouth, making it easier to navigate through aerial threats and powerful ground enemies.
- Werebear: The third level sees the centurion morph into a werebear. This form provides him with brute strength and the ability to petrify enemies with his roar, turning them into stone and shattering them with a single blow.
- Weretiger: In the fourth level, the centurion becomes a weretiger. This beast form grants him agility and deadly attacks such as the “Tiger Flame” and “Tiger Slash,” which are effective against the hordes of enemies and the challenging boss.
- Golden Werewolf: In the final level, the centurion transforms back into a werewolf, but this time as a golden version. This ultimate form combines the strength and abilities of all previous transformations, allowing him to face Neff and his minions with unmatched power.
Upon its release, “Altered Beast” received mixed reviews. The game was praised for its innovative transformation mechanic, captivating storyline, and impressive graphics for the time. The arcade version was particularly well-received, with players appreciating the cooperative gameplay and the challenge it offered. However, the home console ports, particularly for the Sega Genesis, garnered more criticism. The controls were sometimes seen as clunky, and the game was considered too short and repetitive by some players. Despite these critiques, “Altered Beast” has maintained a cult following and is remembered fondly as a significant part of Sega’s history.
The game’s legacy endures, with its memorable catchphrases and iconic transformations making it a staple in retro gaming culture. “Altered Beast” remains a testament to Sega’s innovation during the late 1980s and continues to be enjoyed by gamers nostalgic for the arcade era.
