Sega has just announced Wii gamers can now also get in on the classic beat-em-up Altered Beast via the Virtual Console. The game goes for 1,000 Wii Points ($10) -- a bit too high, perhaps.

Nevertheless, with creepy cutscenes, haunting music, and the ability to transform into a bear and kill ants (among many other appealing features), this one is a must-play for any action fan.

Altered Beast is a kick-and-punch fueled side-scrolling brawler, pure and simple. The “hook” of the game, of course, is being able to collect power-ups in order to turn into all variety of ferocious were-beasts, including the iconic werewolf creature used in so many of the game’s promotional screenshots. There’s definitely a high nostalgia factor to this game. The music is terrific, but maybe the best part (aside from turning into all kinds of ferocious were-animals) are the bosses.

It’s also worth mentioning that this game is actually very difficult, in the “arcade” vein of difficulty that demands your skill be matched up against your reserve of quarters: This is definitely a case where the ability to give yourself unlimited continues is a good thing. Of course, for a real challenge, limit yourself to however many quarters you happen to be carrying in your pocket at the time you start playing. Special bonus points if you actually ditch those quarters somehow — put your laundry at risk as you “rise from your grave”!

chautemoc via blogs.sega.com »