Altered Beast (set 5, FD1094 317-0069)
Inside Altered Beast (set 5, FD1094 317-0069)
Altered Beast is a side-scrolling beat 'em up that hit arcades in 1988. It was developed by Team Shinobi and published by Sega. The game is set in Ancient Greece, where you play as a Roman centurion resurrected by Zeus to rescue his daughter Athena from the demon lord Neff. This particular version is set 5, using the FD1094 317-0069 encryption chip, which is a later revision of the original arcade board. It's a classic example of late 80s arcade action, known for its over-the-top violence and memorable transformation gimmick.
You move your character from left to right across several levels, punching and kicking a variety of undead and demonic enemies. The key mechanic is collecting floating orbs that give you power-ups. Grab three of them and you transform into a giant beast, each with unique attacks. For instance, the werewolf form can do a spinning claw attack, while the dragon breathes fire. Your transformation only lasts as long as your health holds out, so you need to balance aggression and caution. Each level ends with a boss fight, after which you revert to human form and start the next stage.
Altered Beast is a short, punchy arcade game that's worth trying for its historical significance and its sheer spectacle. It's not the deepest beat 'em up - the combat is simple and the challenge ramps up quickly - but the transformation system keeps things fresh. The cheesy voice clips (Rise from your grave!) and the satisfying crunch of your punches make it a fun nostalgia trip. For fans of arcade action from that era, it's a must-play, even if modern gamers might find it a bit repetitive.
How to Play Altered Beast (set 5, FD1094 317-0069) Online
Getting Started
When you start, you see a short cutscene then you control the Roman centurion. The goal is to walk to the right, fighting enemies along the way. Use the B button (S key) to punch and kick. You can also jump with A (X key) - use it to avoid attacks or reach higher platforms. Keep an eye out for glowing orbs that appear after defeating some enemies. Collect three of them to transform into a beast.
Each level has a distinct theme, like a graveyard or a temple. Your health bar is at the top - if it runs out, you lose a life and revert to human form. Try to stay aggressive but don't get surrounded. At the end of every stage you face a boss, often a large demon or a giant creature. Defeat it to move on. The game is short, usually four levels long, but the later ones are tough.
If you die, you can continue by pressing Start (Enter) but you'll start from the beginning of the current level. The difficulty ramps up quickly, so learning enemy patterns is key. The beast forms have different attacks - experiment with each to see which one suits your playstyle. The dragon is great for ranged attacks, while the werewolf is a close-range powerhouse.
Altered Beast (set 5, FD1094 317-0069) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: Joystick / Movement
- X: Button 1
- S: Button 2
- Z: Button 3
- A: Button 4
- Q: Button 5
- E: Button 6
- Enter: Start / 1P
- V: Coin / Insert
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