Altered Beast: Guardian of the Realms

 Game Boy Advance
  • Publisher: THQ
  • Release Date: Nov 23, 2002
Metascore
63

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
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  1. G4 TV
    80
    A classic that deserves being reborn, and the remake is even bigger than the original. There are more levels, more beast forms, and a multiplayer mode for those who own a link cable.
  2. Game Informer
    75
    The battle system is unexciting overall, but there is some mysterious draw to seeing all the different beast forms that keeps you playing. [Feb 2003, p.110]
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  3. IGN
    75
    A fun remake of a bland Genesis game... and it's rare to say that a Sega remake, developed by a US studio, is better than the original.
  5. All Game Guide
    70
    As a homage to the original title, Altered Beast: Guardian of the Realms is merely passable, thanks to its carbon-copy design; fans expecting a revitalization of the franchise should look elsewhere.
  6. Cheat Code Central
    70
    This GBA version is not a port. This game has depth and new features that make it more exciting while injecting some badly needed depth.
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  7. GameSpot
    60
    Held back by its adherence to the bland design of the original game.
  8. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    60
    If you can look past the ugly visuals, grab a friend and tackle this in Cooperative mode (but skip the dull four-man face-off) [Feb 2003, p.158]
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  9. Pocket Games
    60
    If you can look past the ugly visuals, grab a friend and tacked this revamped classic in Cooperative mode (but skip the dull four-man face-off). [Spring 2003, p.29]
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  10. GamePro
    60
    A much bigger, much longer version of a Sega classic that captures the spirit of the original perfectly, but the repetitious nature of the gameplay doesn’t quite withstand the test of time.
  11. Nintendo Power
    56
    Up to four players can join in a free-for-all battle. [Feb 2003, p.159]
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  12. GameSpy
    54
    With overly elongated levels, forced backtracking through previously explored stages, and increasingly eye-bleedingly giddy color schemes the further through the game you progress, Altered Beast: GotR is a slightly disastrous attempt to replicate the side-scrolling nature of its source material.
  13. Nintendojo
    53
    Don’t bother buying Altered Beast. It isn’t worth it unless your idea of fun is pressing two or three buttons through 20 levels of bland, uninspired environments and continually dying along the way.
  14. GameCritics
    30
    Nearly all progress in game design over the last fifteen years has been ignored, and it shows.

Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2002
56
#56 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 2 out of 9
  1. RichardP.
    May 18, 2007
    2
    This is one of the worst games around. Sure it's an old game remade but it just isn't fun to play. It's shallow, uninteresting This is one of the worst games around. Sure it's an old game remade but it just isn't fun to play. It's shallow, uninteresting and basic. A monkey holding forwards and kick could get through the first two levels. In redemption the power up system LOOKS fun, but isn't really. Avoid unless you want a taste of how things were.… Full Review »
  2. GerardH.
    Apr 27, 2004
    7
    I like the game, only the gameplay isn't that great. I was surprised by it's hard difficulty, but that makes it just the more fun. I like the game, only the gameplay isn't that great. I was surprised by it's hard difficulty, but that makes it just the more fun. It's really cool when you morph into a beast and the graphics are OK too. The problem is, when you've played the game a couple of times, you get bored and that is why I din't rate this game too high. When you deside to buy it, makes sure it's a discount, because paying the full (original) price isn't really worth it. … Full Review »
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