đšī¸ Cheats & Secrets
Even though Altered Beast is all about raw action and transformation, the game also hides a few neat tricks. By entering special codes, you can unlock extra options, jump to any level, try different beast forms, or even play around with the sound test. These cheats were favorites back in the day, letting players experiment beyond the standard gameplay - and they're just as fun to use now.
Options / Level select
Here's a simple trick that gives you more control over how you play. At the title screen, hold L and press Enter - this will open up the hidden Options menu.
From there, pick the round you want to play. Then go back to the title screen, hold K+Enter , and you'll dive straight into the level you selected. A perfect way to practice tough stages or skip ahead if you don't feel like starting from the beginning.
Beast select
With this cheat, you can decide which creature you'll transform into on each stage. Instead of waiting to collect spirit orbs and hoping for your favorite form, the game lets you choose it right from the start of the level.
To activate it, hold K+L+Space++ on the title screen, then press Enter. It's a great way to try out different beast forms and see how each one changes the fight against enemies and bosses.
Sound test
Like many SEGA classics, Altered Beast comes with a hidden sound test mode. It's a simple but fun extra that lets you listen to the game's music tracks and sound effects outside of the action. Perfect if you want to enjoy that iconic "Rise from your grave" voice clip or the stage themes on their own.
To access it, hold K+Space++ on the title screen, then press Enter. Once activated, you can scroll through the different sounds and play them whenever you like. A small but cool feature that shows how much character the game had beyond just gameplay.
đ Story & Setting
Altered Beast wastes no time throwing you into the drama of ancient Greek mythology. The opening scene has become legendary: Zeus, with his booming voice, commands, "Rise from your grave!" as he resurrects a fallen warrior. Your mission is clear - rescue Athena, his daughter, who has been seized by the dark lord Neff and taken deep into the underworld.
From that moment, the game feels like a myth brought to life. Each stage represents a journey deeper into Neff's domain, from eerie graveyards and ruined temples to shadowy caverns and nightmarish lairs. The enemies you face are twisted creatures that look as if they've walked straight out of ancient legends - undead soldiers, three-headed beasts, and other monstrous guardians.
The world of Altered Beast blends the grandeur of Greek legend with the rough, arcade edge of the late '80s. It's a setting that feels both ancient and otherworldly, creating an atmosphere where every battle feels like a step deeper into a dark myth.
⨠Fun Facts & Trivia
đŖī¸ The iconic "Rise from your grave!"
The very first words players hear when starting Altered Beast became one of the most memorable lines in SEGA's history. The voice sample, delivered in a low and somewhat distorted tone, immediately set the mood. Despite the limited sound capabilities of the Genesis/Mega Drive, it stood out and became a catchphrase quoted by fans for decades. Many retro gamers still recall this moment as one of the defining intros of the 16-bit era.
đĻ A pack-in title for the Genesis/Mega Drive
When SEGA launched the Genesis/Mega Drive in North America and Europe, Altered Beast was included as the pack-in game. This meant that for many players, it was their very first experience with the console. While later replaced by Sonic the Hedgehog to showcase speed and platforming, Altered Beast was chosen initially because of its arcade roots, cinematic atmosphere, and ability to show off the console's graphical power compared to the NES.
đ§ Monsters with a mythological twist
The enemy designs drew inspiration from Greek mythology but were reimagined through the lens of late-'80s arcade horror. Three-headed wolves, undead soldiers, grotesque demons, and dragon-like bosses gave the game a dark and unsettling edge. This blend of myth and horror made Altered Beast stand out from other side-scrollers of the time.
đĩ Sound that pushed the hardware
The soundtrack, composed by Tohru Nakabayashi, mixed eerie melodies with driving rhythms that captured the game's mythological yet ominous atmosphere. Considering the Genesis/Mega Drive's Yamaha sound chip, the music was both atmospheric and memorable. Combined with the voice samples like "Power Up!" and "Welcome to your doom!", the audio design gave the game a unique personality.
đš The villain Neff
Neff isn't just any villain - he's a sorcerer who can transform into monstrous forms at the end of each stage. From a giant demon head that spits fireballs to a mutated rhino, each fight felt like a different nightmare. His ability to morph kept the tension high, and the repeated phrase "Welcome to your doom!" cemented him as one of SEGA's most unforgettable villains.
đŽ Ports and longevity
After its arcade debut, Altered Beast was ported to many systems, including the SEGA Master System, PC Engine, Commodore 64, and even modern digital collections on consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Each version had its quirks, but the Genesis/Mega Drive port remained the most famous.
đšī¸ A cult reboot attempt
In 2005, SEGA released a reboot of Altered Beast for the PlayStation 2, exclusive to Japan and Europe. The game shifted toward a darker, more modern horror style, with new beast forms and a heavier narrative. While it didn't achieve the same legendary status as the original, it showed that SEGA still considered the series worth revisiting.
đē Pop culture presence
Altered Beast has been referenced in TV shows, comics, and even other video games. The line "Rise from your grave" is often parodied or quoted, a testament to how much impact the game had beyond its original release. Even decades later, it remains part of retro gaming culture.
â A symbol of early SEGA identity
Before Sonic became the face of SEGA, Altered Beast played that role for a brief but important time. Its inclusion as a pack-in game meant it introduced an entire generation of players to the Genesis/Mega Drive, and for many, it was their first impression of what SEGA had to offer in the 16-bit era.
â Legacy & Final Thoughts
When Altered Beast hit arcades in 1988, it stood out with its monster transformations, booming sound, and mythological setting. As the pack-in game for the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive in many regions, it introduced a whole generation to the power of 16-bit gaming. Critics at the time praised its visuals and atmosphere, and while some noted its short length, it quickly became a defining part of SEGA's early identity.
More than three decades later, the game remains a nostalgic favorite. Its unique blend of Greek mythology and arcade-style action has earned it a permanent place in gaming history. Today, you can relive the full adventure online - fight through every stage, transform into legendary beasts, and experience once again why Altered Beast is remembered as one of the true classics of the Genesis/Mega Drive era.