Overview and Gameplay
Zeus raises a fallen centurion from the grave and sends him after Neff, who has abducted Athena. This Sega Genesis conversion of Sega’s 1988 arcade game moves through five automatically scrolling rounds filled with undead creatures, monsters, and a boss at the end of each stage.
Defeating special blue wolves releases Spirit Balls. The first two enlarge and strengthen the hero, while the third transforms him into the round’s beast form, including the Werewolf, Weredragon, Werebear, Weretiger, and Gold Werewolf. Each form has different attacks, and reaching the boss quickly earns a larger score bonus.
Controls And Mechanics
- Use the directions to move and crouch, A to punch, B to kick, and C to jump.
- Transformed beasts use A and B for their form-specific attacks.
- The options screen includes three difficulty settings, selectable starting rounds, and adjustable lives and power.
- Two players can fight simultaneously in co-op, with separate scores, lives, power gauges, and Spirit Ball progress.
Version Notes
The Western release keeps the title Altered Beast, while the Japanese Mega Drive version is called Jūōki. Compared with the arcade original, the Genesis conversion reduces some scaling effects, adds parallax scrolling in places, and replaces the arcade’s joke ending with a simpler ending and credits.
Release And Credits
- United States release: 1989
- Developer: Sega internal team associated with Team Shinobi
- Publisher: Sega of America
- Original platform: Sega System 16 arcade hardware
