Collection essentials #115: Altered Beast

Let me just say right away, this is not one of the best Sega Genesis games. But it was a launch title for the system, and was initially bundled with it until it got replaced by that certain blue hedgehog’s first game, so it has a special significance.

Altered Beast was originally an arcade game, and the Sega Genesis version is a pretty decent port. It’s a fairly straightforward game from a side perspective where the screen slowly scrolls automatically, and you move left and right punching and kicking stuff. In each level you'll need to acquire three orbs, and when you do so successfully, you will transform into a beast!! Which creature you become depends on what level you’re playing. Becoming a beast is certainly the most fun part of the game.

There are some cheesy voice lines in the game too which to me adds to the charm, most notably a voice that says “WISE FWOM YOUR GWAVE” when you start the first level. The game is just charming and significant enough for me to warrant adding it to this list. It’s not a go-to Genesis game, but it’s one I want to have anyway.