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Juuouki - Altered Beast

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Juuouki - Altered Beast Overview

Juuouki - Altered Beast is the PC Engine CD port of Sega's arcade classic, released exclusively in Japan in 1990. This side-scrolling action game puts you in the role of a centurion resurrected to rescue a kidnapped princess from the demon god Neff. The PC Engine CD version enhanced the original with CD-quality audio and additional cutscenes, making it a notable entry in the platform's library. Published by NEC Home Electronics, it retains the core beat 'em up gameplay that defined the arcade original. You fight through five stages, punching, kicking, and using power-ups to defeat waves of zombies and demonic creatures. The defining mechanic is transformation: after collecting enough spirit orbs, your character morphs into a bestial form with unique attacks. Each level offers a different beast - wolf, dragon, and bear-like forms - each with its own moves. The game is straightforward and linear, with a focus on memorizing enemy patterns and using your transformed abilities effectively. For retro enthusiasts, this port is worth playing for its audio upgrade and the novelty of experiencing a Sega arcade hit on NEC hardware. It's a faithful yet simple adaptation, lacking the complexity of later beat 'em ups but offering pure arcade-style challenge. If you're curious about how classic games were ported to CD systems in the early 90s, this is a solid example. It's short, tough, and best enjoyed in bursts.

GAME INFO

Platform: NEC PC Engine CD
Genre: Beat em Up
Released: 1990
Players: 1-2
Region: Japan

How to play Juuouki - Altered Beast online

Getting started is straightforward. When the title screen appears, press Enter to start. You'll be taken to a menu - since this is a Japanese release, the options are in kanji and hiragana. The first option is "1P Start" (one player), the second is "2P Start" (two players). Use the D-pad to highlight your choice and press the B button (S key) to confirm. If you have a second player, press Start on their controller to join. The core loop is simple: move left to right, defeat all enemies in each area, collect spirit orbs that drop from enemies, and reach the stage boss. Your health bar is at the top of the screen. When you collect enough orbs, your character transforms into a powerful beast - this is essential for dealing heavy damage to bosses. Each transformed form has a unique attack button: the wolf form shoots projectiles, the dragon form breathes fire, and so on. Experiment to learn which moves work best. A few tips: if you get hit while transformed, you revert to human form and lose orbs. Try to avoid taking damage right after transforming. Also, the game is very generous with continues; when you lose all lives, you can continue from the same checkpoint. The password system is not present in this version - if you turn off the console, you start over. Be prepared for a short but demanding experience.

CONTROLS

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: I button
S: II button
Enter: Run / Start
V: Select

Juuouki - Altered Beast FAQ

Who developed Juuouki - Altered Beast?

The original arcade game was developed by Sega, but the PC Engine CD port was handled by an internal team at NEC Home Electronics. Exact developer credit within NEC is not widely documented.

In what year was Juuouki - Altered Beast originally released?

The PC Engine CD version of Juuouki - Altered Beast launched in Japan in 1990, a couple of years after the arcade original debuted in 1988.

Which regions was Juuouki - Altered Beast released in?

This port was released only in Japan. It did not see a Western release on the PC Engine CD, though the original arcade game and other console versions were available internationally.

All NEC PC Engine CD games