My favorite home port of 'Altered Beast' is the version included in 'Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection' for the PS3 and Xbox360. In it, you can play the 'Genesis' version and unlock the 'Arcade' version. With the better graphics and sound quality of the Xbox360 (the version I own), that 'arcade' version looks and sounds virtually identical to what I played as a kid in arcades like Aladdin's Castle. Just wish that collection had also come with an arcade version of 'Golden Axe'. : (
When that package stopped, it moved onto Sonic pack-in which sold just as well. This was my era. Needless to say. That generation missed Altered Beast pack-in so we're forced to buy it.
My fave is and always will be the SMS port. Loved the hell out of it as a kid and I still enjoy playing it. Something special about for me. Such an underrated game.
Sega Genesis....pretty much what was in the Arcade at the time. Also....I'm in ET (time zone or Eastern standard time)...not sure what 8pm is in my time zone. Great video...keep rockin dude.
Loved the music on the Amstrad version. Purchased on budget cassette so only a couple of quid. Never expected arcade perfection. It captured the essence of it's bigger brothers.
when the megadrive was released, this was the pack-in game (before sonic), it was just an arcade perfect port. it really made me love the megadrive for bringing the arcade to my home.
Great breakdown! I did want to note with the DOS version, however, there are Tandy and Adlib music options. At the time of this release, 88 or 89, most DOS players in the states would probably be using a Tandy 1000, and the cheaper Adlib clones were out, so I don’t know how common the beeper music would have actually been.
I like the PS2 version the best (I know you said you weren't including spin offs but I like it) and the GB version which is the one I played first. The XBOX 360 version is better then the GB version but PS2 version is the best. :)
Another one i had on the Amiga followed by the mega drive, i remember my Amiga version having music, in fact it was probably the best thing about it 😂 Keep up the great comparison videos 😎
ZX Spectrum rocked this time, deserve the top 10 or maybe even 9 NES version is just wow, it's like Castlevania but without the whip Sega won this time
First Genesis game I played, at my cousin's house, Thanksgiving of 1989. It showed off the graphics well enough, but changing the pack in to Sonic in '91 was definitely the right move. Side note: just came across your channel the other day. Really digging the content. I like seeing a perspective from across the pond, since microcomputers are a huge blind spot for me.
Well, the States in the 80s were more known for Apple 2 and Commodore. We had a ridiculous amount of 8 bit computers here back then. A great computer revolution as it were. Many competing and failed against Sinclair and Commodore.
@JustJamie1983 Yeah I played some Commodore 64 stuff at my Grandma's at that was about it, aside from classrooms all having Apple IIs in it. My biggest disconnect is every time I see ZX Spectrum stuff. That's either an acquired taste or you had to grow up with it I think lol
The ranking is pretty spot on. Megadrive port is the best. Master system was my favourite version due to nostalgia. If you have chance robocop is good game to review albeit no 16bit console version. Similarly with chase hq.
I have the C64, PC Engine, Master System and Mega Drive versions. I would rank them in the same order. The Master System version really should have been a lot better ...
similar to the N64 (with Mario 64). I wonder if Sega made sure to build the Genesis hardware around getting Altered Beast looking great. Because, they nailed it 🙂
Based on a budget version of their arcade hardware, basically, so yeah. The lessons of Donkey Kong weren't ignored. They ignored the lessons of Punch-Out, instead.
It is likely that the Amiga version is just the Atari ST version ported directly without any optimisation. As was the style at the time (to quote Grandpa Simpson).
My favourite arcade game when I used to frequent arcades in the 80s whilst at secondary school. Yes, it was shallow but the visuals and presentation just blew me away. I was also a cpc owner, disappointed doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt when I saw that piece of crap.
The ST version isn't bad, but Amiga version could had been much better because it looks like a lazy ST port, there was nothing worse than all that custom hardware just sitting idle leaving you with a slightly slower processor unnecessarily producing software sprites and scrolling.
just a direct speccy port, but they may have fixed a bug or two. Japanse games could do it much more. But its look like its was a Spain MSX exclusive.... So its may have give more sense why.
As dodgy as some of the home micro ports are of this, I've got to defend Activision on this occasion as the Arcade game itself is complete crap. One of the biggest turds that SEGA ever curled out and is overrated to all hell. The coin op is slow, boring and a chore to play so I'd say the micro ports are pretty much spot on.
@@ravengaming2597 Also, one of mine too with some great memories of it. It is on the to-do list, but jeez, the ports of the arcade game are endless... Stay tuned!
haha, im absolut hated this game. the last levels is impossible to beat, if you die middle in a level, require to beat the game without dying. im hate those kind of games that require you to been fully powered to beat it! So its a unbalanced money crap mess. Im gave up, even in mame. Stupid game. BUT in the other hands: some home ports can of course still been fun, and much more balanced than the arcade original.
its personal taste :-). Im dont like the arcade original, due stupid die once, you cant beat it. But im does admit, SMS and Mega Drive versions is both cool in each own way.
More Arcade Port Rankings Here: ruclips.net/p/PLJVdlhzi-kR9pLkunb1GD7Orc8zLw8VrH
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Totally agree with this list. The Genesis version came with the system when I got it so long ago, and it was pretty astounding for the time.
Yup. Certainly impressed me.
My favorite home port of 'Altered Beast' is the version included in 'Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection' for the PS3 and Xbox360.
In it, you can play the 'Genesis' version and unlock the 'Arcade' version. With the better graphics and sound quality of the Xbox360 (the version I own), that 'arcade' version looks and sounds virtually identical to what I played as a kid in arcades like Aladdin's Castle.
Just wish that collection had also come with an arcade version of 'Golden Axe'. : (
Yup. I remember the mega Drive collection. I had it too once.
Lol, most Genesis owner had it, because it was the original pack-in game.
When that package stopped, it moved onto Sonic pack-in which sold just as well. This was my era. Needless to say. That generation missed Altered Beast pack-in so we're forced to buy it.
I love this series of videos on games ports. A time where we wanted our games to look like the arcade.
Everybody was striving for that to happen back then lol
My fave is and always will be the SMS port. Loved the hell out of it as a kid and I still enjoy playing it. Something special about for me. Such an underrated game.
Plenty of nostalgia for that version 😀
I also enjoy the sms port. I prefer it over the megadrive port. Let’s say it’s my guilty pleasure. 😂
@@James-fo8rf Me too. Super impressive title IMO. The MD one always felt a bit "meh" to me. Better with a friend, of course.
@@AfterBurnettThe MD version was meh you say? Well, the sms version was bleh 👎🏼🗑️
@@James-fo8rfThe sms version was pure trash 🗑️
I never even knew there were any ports of this besides the Sega Genesis. From the looks of it, I didn't miss out on anything, lol.
In this case. I definitely agree with you.
Sega Genesis....pretty much what was in the Arcade at the time. Also....I'm in ET (time zone or Eastern standard time)...not sure what 8pm is in my time zone. Great video...keep rockin dude.
Many thanks and agreed 😀
Seek and you shall find! (music on the Amiga!) Cheers for the sweet video bro!
No worries. Thanks for watching
Loved the music on the Amstrad version. Purchased on budget cassette so only a couple of quid. Never expected arcade perfection. It captured the essence of it's bigger brothers.
Admittedly. The music was awesome on the CPC version for sure.
I was just watching your videos on installing retroarch games and this was the game I was thinking about downloading and then you uploaded this lol
I am everywhere!
when the megadrive was released, this was the pack-in game (before sonic), it was just an arcade perfect port. it really made me love the megadrive for bringing the arcade to my home.
Yup. Was certainly a great pack-in game at the time.
Great breakdown! I did want to note with the DOS version, however, there are Tandy and Adlib music options. At the time of this release, 88 or 89, most DOS players in the states would probably be using a Tandy 1000, and the cheaper Adlib clones were out, so I don’t know how common the beeper music would have actually been.
Ah I get you. Thanks for the info 👍
Altered Beast is a great game!
It sure is 😀
The Sega Genesis came packed in with this gem when it came out in 1989.😊
Yup
I like the PS2 version the best (I know you said you weren't including spin offs but I like it) and the GB version which is the one I played first. The XBOX 360 version is better then the GB version but PS2 version is the best. :)
I kinda had a love/hate with the ps2 game.
Another one i had on the Amiga followed by the mega drive, i remember my Amiga version having music, in fact it was probably the best thing about it 😂
Keep up the great comparison videos 😎
Haha, thanks
ZX Spectrum rocked this time, deserve the top 10 or maybe even 9
NES version is just wow, it's like Castlevania but without the whip
Sega won this time
Absolutely deserved it too.
Thanks Jamie. I agree with your pick. Cheers.
I loved the arcade version, bought the speccy version, then when I got a mega drive got that version too. Still love the game
Yeah, it's a blast to play from time to time.
First Genesis game I played, at my cousin's house, Thanksgiving of 1989. It showed off the graphics well enough, but changing the pack in to Sonic in '91 was definitely the right move. Side note: just came across your channel the other day. Really digging the content. I like seeing a perspective from across the pond, since microcomputers are a huge blind spot for me.
Well, the States in the 80s were more known for Apple 2 and Commodore. We had a ridiculous amount of 8 bit computers here back then. A great computer revolution as it were. Many competing and failed against Sinclair and Commodore.
@JustJamie1983 Yeah I played some Commodore 64 stuff at my Grandma's at that was about it, aside from classrooms all having Apple IIs in it. My biggest disconnect is every time I see ZX Spectrum stuff. That's either an acquired taste or you had to grow up with it I think lol
The ranking is pretty spot on. Megadrive port is the best. Master system was my favourite version due to nostalgia. If you have chance robocop is good game to review albeit no 16bit console version. Similarly with chase hq.
Some times. I get the spot on ranking and it's appreciated too 😀
The Megadrive version of this game has parallax scrolling of which the arcade version didn't. Looks so much better with it tho.
The coder for the MD port was likely ahead of others.
One of the first mega drive games I ever picked up
I think this was the first for many.
Once you get over the first level this game gets much better, I had it for the speccy and hated it until I got onto level 2
I would happily play it on the Speccy again.
I have the C64, PC Engine, Master System and Mega Drive versions. I would rank them in the same order. The Master System version really should have been a lot better ...
similar to the N64 (with Mario 64). I wonder if Sega made sure to build the Genesis hardware around getting Altered Beast looking great.
Because, they nailed it 🙂
Based on a budget version of their arcade hardware, basically, so yeah. The lessons of Donkey Kong weren't ignored.
They ignored the lessons of Punch-Out, instead.
Exactly.
How are you managing to throw out so many videos bro! Love it.
A hell lot of dedication to the channel. No pain. No gain 😉
A shame so many ports didn't do this game justice.
This game had some of the worst ports around.
great video, but can't agree with the speccy version being better than the c64 🙂
Haha. It's great to see things different.
It is likely that the Amiga version is just the Atari ST version ported directly without any optimisation. As was the style at the time (to quote Grandpa Simpson).
It could have well been.
My favourite arcade game when I used to frequent arcades in the 80s whilst at secondary school. Yes, it was shallow but the visuals and presentation just blew me away. I was also a cpc owner, disappointed doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt when I saw that piece of crap.
Haha
I genuinely love your content but please... either change microphone or stop using the letter P
Thanks very much for your comment 😀
It's a fair comment. You need a pop filter
I remember the SMS port being a lot better 😂
Haha
Than you must be senile 🤪
The Amiga version has music. I guess you are playing an old WHDLOAD version. ;)
WHDload for sure via Retroarch. Although my prefer Amiga platform is AmiKit.
@JustJamie1983 The latesf slave supports level 1 music.
I had the Amiga version… it was god awful. I even understood that as a kid who was impressed by almost everything
Many of us did that lol
No points for the Famicom having more levels, bosses, and transformations than the other ports?
The color improves after the first stage.
Nope.
The ST version isn't bad, but Amiga version could had been much better because it looks like a lazy ST port, there was nothing worse than all that custom hardware just sitting idle leaving you with a slightly slower processor unnecessarily producing software sprites and scrolling.
Ahh there's always going to lazy ports in that world.
Wise from your grey.
Haha
I find that Amstrad version offensive.
So did I lol
In what way had the beast been altered?
Well, at the point where he loses his transformation. He then turns back into a man. Therefore. He is an altered beast.
@JustJamie1983 so maybe he was originally a beast then. Turned back into a human as punishment by the gods of olympus 🤔
At least you didn't have to play the GBA remake for this. Astoundingly bad.
Haha. That was pretty lame.
I CAN believe the amstrad version is last on this one, it was just poo.
Spot on
MSX version looks identical to the Spectrum version (apart from its stretched) and yet you say the MSX version looks better? I’m confused 🤣
Take a look again.
@ yeah the MSX version definitely looks the same as the Speccy version. I think you need to get the old mince pies tested Jamie.
just a direct speccy port, but they may have fixed a bug or two. Japanse games could do it much more. But its look like its was a Spain MSX exclusive.... So its may have give more sense why.
@ Yeah it looks the same and runs slower.
Best port is on android.
NO
What about comparing Toki
I did think about it. One of my favourites. But there really isn't many ports of it.
Chapters would be fantastic on videos, I have a short attention span, so I just skipped to the end.
No thanks. That's utterly pointless for what these videos are about. The majority of my audience enjoy the length of these.
Genesis and this game from Arcade in Gwinnett SUBURBS Gwinnett place mall but it was a SHORTENED BS version Japanese GARBAGE
Cool. Thanks for the info.
As dodgy as some of the home micro ports are of this, I've got to defend Activision on this occasion as the Arcade game itself is complete crap. One of the biggest turds that SEGA ever curled out and is overrated to all hell. The coin op is slow, boring and a chore to play so I'd say the micro ports are pretty much spot on.
I oddly agree. But many seem to have a love/hate relationship with it.
@@JustJamie1983 I'd love you to do a look at ports of Bubble Bobble as that is one of my all time favourite games.
@@ravengaming2597 Also, one of mine too with some great memories of it. It is on the to-do list, but jeez, the ports of the arcade game are endless...
Stay tuned!
haha, im absolut hated this game. the last levels is impossible to beat, if you die middle in a level, require to beat the game without dying. im hate those kind of games that require you to been fully powered to beat it! So its a unbalanced money crap mess. Im gave up, even in mame. Stupid game. BUT in the other hands: some home ports can of course still been fun, and much more balanced than the arcade original.
It's definitely one of those games that you love to hate.
its personal taste :-). Im dont like the arcade original, due stupid die once, you cant beat it. But im does admit, SMS and Mega Drive versions is both cool in each own way.