Game: 3D Altered Beast
Console: Nintendo 3DS
Developer: M2
Release Date: 5th December 2013
While I haven't reviewed the original Altered Beast on Mega Drive, this review might be the perfect opportunity to discuss its faults and why 3D Altered Beast isn't much better. As one of the earliest Mega Drive games, Altered Beast is often included in Mega Drive collections and cited by fans as one of the classics. It's true that the graphics are fairly impressive for the time and the soundtrack is admittedly awesome, but it's the core gameplay that really lets this title down.
Players take on the role of a resurrected Roman centurion who has "risen from his grave" in order to save Athena. He must make his way through 5 demon infested levels to finally fight Neff and ensure her safe return. Throughout the levels, players can collect power ups, two of which will enhance their attack strength, while the third transforms their centurion into a half man, half beast monstrosity with special attacks.
The fighting featured in the game is lacklustre, with poor hit detection and many frustrating moments of being hit in impossible situations. The levels are short and the bosses a strange combination of easy, yet frustrating in their attack pattern. With just three lives and no continues to make it through the entire game, turns tend to be rather short with no real incentive to make another attempt at completing the game; Athena can save herself.
The only real difference between the original Mega Drive version and this 3D remake is that players can choose a random form for each level instead of the preset power-ups, however this can make progression difficult as some levels are tailored to specific form. M2 could have improved the game and revamped its fighting system for a much better experience, but instead we're left with a direct port of a boring and wholly average game. The rating below will count for the Mega Drive version only in my all time ranking as these are essentially the same game.
Rating: 46/100
Grade: D
Game: 3D Space Harrier
Console: Nintendo 3DS
Developer: M2
Release date: 28th November 2013
Space Harrier is a forgotten Sega classic that came to arcades and home console in the 80s. With a
3-D version on the Master System as part of an early 3D series, it's surprising that M2 didn't choose to port the Master System version of the game in some ways, however the arcade version is far superior. Players make their way through 16 levels, avoiding obstacles flying through the air at them, and attempting to shoot down all manner of surreal creatures, objects and bosses.
The game's progressive difficulty level is just right and allows players to get a feel for the game and build their skills before throwing incredibly cluttered sequences of obstacles in their way. The gameplay is simple but intuitive and works well with the overall pace of the game. The visuals are bright and almost psychadelic in many places. Though not much has been altered in terms of core gameplay, there wasn't much that needed changing from the arcade original.
Players are also allowed to customise the game options to raise or lower the difficulty level and number of continues available. Some of the optional features, such as cabinet tilt and the range of movement for players depend on the individual playing, but it's nice that they're there to fiddle with. The 3D effect is good and adds depth and clarity to moving around with so many objects on screen to dodge at once.
The fact that this game came out just a week before 3D Altered Beast shows that M2 have the capacity to release awesome ports of Sega's arcade titles, with a range of options to help players get through the harder stages. It makes almost no sense that the two titles should be given such different sets of options for gameplay customisation. The overall experience is an enjoyable one, especially for those who haven't had the chance to play the arcade version of Space Harrier. Hopefully M2 will be able to bring the Mega Drive sequel, Space Harrier II to the 3DS before too long.
Rating: 73/100
Grade: C
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