The Centurion
The resurrected warrior controlled by the player. He gains beast forms by collecting power-up orbs.
Documented for this version
DOS-specific button mappings are not documented here.
How it plays
The game is viewed from the side. The player moves through a sequence of compact stages, defeating monsters, jumping across platforms, collecting power-ups, and confronting a boss at the end of each area.
Power-up orbs increase the hero's transformation level. After collecting enough orbs, the centurion changes into a beast with stronger attacks and different capabilities. Losing a life or failing to maintain the required power can return the character to a weaker form.
Plan your run
Collect every power-up orb that can be reached before advancing. The stronger transformation makes later enemy groups and bosses much safer.
Stay near the edges of enemy groups, attack from a controlled distance when possible, and avoid jumping into crowds. Learn each boss's attack pattern rather than rushing in after every opening.
Meet the cast
The resurrected warrior controlled by the player. He gains beast forms by collecting power-up orbs.
The Greek god who revives the centurion and sends him to rescue Athena.
The captive figure the centurion must save from Neff.
The demon and recurring antagonist who commands the monsters and guards Athena.
Before you begin
Prioritize power-up orbs, since transformation strength is central to survival.
Use the stage layout to separate enemies instead of fighting several attackers at once.
Expect the DOS presentation and controls to vary with the original computer setup.
Altered Beast is a side-scrolling action game developed by Sega and adapted for DOS from the company's arcade hit. Zeus revives a fallen centurion and orders him to rescue Athena from the demon Neff. The game combines platforming, close-range combat, and temporary transformations into creatures such as a werewolf, dragon, bear, and tiger. Its short stages are built around repeated enemy encounters, power-up collection, and a boss battle. The DOS edition preserves the arcade-inspired structure, though its presentation and controls depend on the computer configuration. The original game became recognizable for its dramatic opening, supernatural theme, and shouted transformation line, while reviews of home versions often focused on their technical differences from the arcade release.
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