Altered Beast

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.