Classic Games Database
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Altered Beast

Review
Also known as
3D Altered Beast Altered Beast Classic Jūōki 兽王记 獣王記

This side-scrolling beat 'em up features two-player co-op and a challenging transformation mechanic.

Altered Beast was originally released in arcades in 1988. The Sega Genesis/Mega Drive version was released in 1989 as a launch title for the console in North America and Japan.

About Altered Beast

Altered Beast is a platformer set in Ancient Greece where players battle through undead and demonic forces. The central mechanic involves transforming into various beasts by collecting spirit balls from defeated enemies, which grants abilities beyond the basic human combat moves.

Players assume the role of a hero resurrected by Zeus to save his daughter Athena from the god Neff. Each stage culminates in a boss encounter on the path to this final confrontation. The available transformations, such as werewolf, dragon, tiger, and bear, are specific to individual levels and provide distinct advantages like flight or enhanced attacks.

The game supports both single-player and same-screen cooperative multiplayer. Progression involves clearing themed stages filled with enemies to ultimately face the captor of Athena.

Altered Beast Screenshots

12 images
Intro
Title screen (US version)
Title screen (Japanese version)
Come and get me, you... you... pig!
Mutation
Do you like me this way, honey?
... apparently not
Boss battle
A small cut scene between levels
Swamp level
Look at me, what a bulk
I'm a dragon now!