Altered Beast

"Welcome to YOUR doom, Mr. bald guy in a purple robe"

This was actually my first video game that I ever owned. Actually, it was a family video game, but it was the first game in my house. This game is very nostalgic, and was great when I first played it. However, now when I play it I've noticed that it simply is not as good as it was back then.

Story--3/10
Zeus wants you to rescue his daughter from the demon Rhino Neff. Why he comes in rhino form eludes me, since he would cause more damage as that thing from End of Days. This is basic video game plot, no real storyline. However, the biggest question remains. If Zeus is SO powerful and his daughter is so important, why does he need some mortal to do it for him? Makes the game more interesting I guess....that's video game logic for you. Zeus turns you into creatures in form of orbs. You must collect 3 orbs to become a beast. If his daughter is so important, why not start you off as the golden wherwolf earlier?

Graphics--7/10
Very good for the first Genesis game. By today's standards, they are lower than standard 16 bit. The bosses look good, and when you bulk up, it's reminiscent to the 80's barbarian movies.

Control--10/10
How can you complain about characters who do what you tell them to do when there are no problems? Very good, and very simple.

Difficulty--4/10
Not difficult at all. I beat it pretty quickly, and every time I pop it in, I'm guaranteed to beat it. Some parts, such as certain jumps and bosses, cause minor annoyances, however, once you become steroid man or a creature, it becomes very easy.

Music/Sound--6/10
''Welcome to your doom.'' That's the best quote from a game yet. The music is kinda catchy, and it serves it's purpose. The only other voice, Zeus, sounds very scratchy, so it cancels out the welcome to your doom.

Replay Value--8/10
Very fun to play, even though it is EXTREMELY short and easy. More fun with another person. Even better is beating the heck out of the credits.

Overall--6/10
This is a fun game, but it does get repetative, and there is only so much you can do with it. Killing demons is always cool, and this is a great game to play with a bud. Anyway, this was a very good flagship game for the Genesis, and showed how much more powerful it was than a Nintendo.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 06/16/02, Updated 06/16/02