Programmer(s) Tomoaki Takayanagi Initial release date 27 January 2005 | Mode(s) Single player Publisher Sega | |
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Director(s) Shinichiro OkumotoMakoto SugawaraTakashi Oda Designer(s) Chen JianZhu EnhuaArata JumonjiNobuyuki NomuraAkihito FujiwaraYuji NakazawaYoko Takeuchi Release date(s) JP: January 27, 2005EU: February 25, 2005 Similar Altered Beast: Guardian, Final Fight: Streetwise, Golden Axe, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: C, Alien Storm | ||
Project Altered Beast, also known as Altered Beast in Europe and Jūōki: Project Altered Beast (獣王記 Project Altered Beast) in Japan, is a 2005 action/adventure, beat 'em up video game for the PlayStation 2. The game is a modern take on the original 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 is completely different, along with notable gameplay additions. The game was released in Europe and Japan in 2005, but was cancelled for North America due to mixed reviews from critics.
Contents
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 allowing 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.
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 (Element|Light), yet 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 (Element|Water), a Garuda (Element|Wind), a Wendigo (Element|Ice), a Minotaur (Element|Fire) and a Dragon (Element|Thunder). 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 (Element|Darkness), a Grizzly Bear (Element|Earth) and an alien-cloned U.W.H. (Unidentified Weightless Human) (Element|Gravity).
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 Project Altered Beast as the 10th worst game on their Top 10 Worst 2D to 3D games.