Altered Beast (2005 video game)

Altered Beast (2005 video game)
Altered Beast, released as in Japan, is a 2005 action-adventure beat 'em up video game for the PlayStation 2. The game is a remake of the 1988 arcade game Altered Beast. While the gameplay still involves the main character transforming into different kinds of beasts like in the original, the story, characters and setting are completely different, along with notable gameplay additions. The game was released in Europe and Japan in 2005, but was cancelled for North America.
Unlike the original Altered Beast which is set in Ancient Greece, the game features a modern setting unconnected to the previous installments.
Plot
The story follows a man called Luke Custer who is a "Genome-Cyborg", a human whose DNA and other genetic make-up has been artificially altered by micro-chips containing the genetic make-up of other creatures to transform him into an anthropomorphic beast. After surviving a helicopter crash, Luke loses his memory and sets off to learn about the truth behind his past and the Genome-Cyborgs. When Luke surveyed the damage of the helicopter crash, he recovered a information file about Genome-Chips when he suddenly came under attack by Genome mutants. Luke's self-preservation instinct triggered, transforming him into a huge werewolf. Luke's Werewolf form easily defeated monsters, only to collapse due to huge physical and mental stress taking toll on the man. He is then approached by a woman, who gave him the tranquilizer, reverting Luke back to his human form. But because Luke has amnesia, he is unable to remember who she is, much to her surprise. She gave him short lectures about the effect of Genome-Cyborg's transformation before leaving Luke. After exploring, she gives more info on Genome-Cyborgs and another named Brad and introduces herself as Anastasia. Once exploring he fights against Sytry, an anthropomorphic eagle and Brad who was "responsible" for releasing the Genome Mist into the city and explained to stop Anastasia before running off. After exploring the research facility. He meets up with Anastasia and explains that she is also a Genome-Cyborg but her system was flawed and since Luke has obtained more chips, her plan was to absorb Luke and become perfect and she transforms into her chimera form and prepares to absorb Luke after the first fight and Brad comes in to attack Anastasia and was killed shortly after. After defeating Anastasia. Luke felt sympathetic towards both fallen Genome-Cyborgs and knowing that Luke is responsible for their bitterness that caused them to create a disaster, He brought their bodies together lying besides each other. He escaped as the facility began to burn down and fell apart.
Gameplay
The player controls Luke Custer in a third-person perspective as they battle through multiple enemies in close combat to reach the next objective, utilizing the ability to transform into different beasts, each with somewhat of their own element, for a certain amount of time. Unlike the original game, the player can transform in and out of their beast form at will when available. Initially from the start Luke can transform into a werewolf. Further into the game, he finds more Genome-Cyborg DNA chips allowing him to change into even more different kinds of beasts including a Merman, a Garuda, a Wendigo, a Minotaur and a Dragon. While each beast has their own different sets of attacks, they also have abilities that are essential for overcoming obstacles, puzzles and boss fights that hinder progression.
Upon finishing the game, a number of other modes are unlocked including time trial boss fights and a challenge mode that can also unlock further beast forms including a White Weretiger, a Grizzly Bear and an alien-clone U.W.H. (Unidentified Weightless Human).
Reception
The game received mixed reviews with an average critic score of 53/100 at Metacritic. VideoGamer said "The name will probably attract a number of fans of the original game, and they may get the most out of what is an average title. For those who do not base their purchases on nostalgia, look elsewhere." ScrewAttack named Altered Beast as the 10th worst game on their Top 10 Worst 2D to 3D games.
References
External links
Official page at Sega
2005 video games
PlayStation 2 games
PlayStation 2-only games
Sega beat 'em ups
Werewolf video games
Video games developed in Japan
Video game reboots
Action-adventure games
Single-player video games
Video games about shapeshifting
Video games developed in China