The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) has been a beloved gaming console for decades, with a vast library of iconic games that continue to captivate gamers of all ages. One game in particular stands out among the rest: Juuouki, also known as Altered Beast in some regions. Released in Japan in 1989, this side-scrolling action game was developed by Sega and has since become a cult classic.

In this article, we'll delve into the world of Juuouki and explore what makes it so unique, including its age rating and availability for modern audiences.

The Game

Juuouki is set in a fantasy world where humans are being attacked by demons. Players take on the role of Genzo, a warrior tasked with defeating these evil creatures and rescuing humanity. The game features beautiful hand-drawn graphics, complete with intricate details and animations that were impressive for its time.

Gameplay involves exploring lush forests, fighting enemies, and collecting magical stones to unlock new abilities. Juuouki also introduced the concept of "power-ups" in a side-scrolling action game, allowing players to level up their character and gain access to new attacks and upgrades.

Age Rating

Juuouki is rated M for Mature by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which means it's suitable only for players aged 17 and above. This rating is due to the game's graphic violence, blood, and mild language. However, it's worth noting that the game's content has been toned down significantly compared to its Western counterpart, Altered Beast.

Availability

Juuouki was initially released in Japan as a pack-in game for the Sega Master System console, but it later made its way to North America and Europe on the NES. However, due to licensing issues, the game was not officially released in these regions until much later.

In recent years, Juuouki has been re-released on various platforms, including:

• Wii Virtual Console (2009) - This classic console service allowed players to download and play retro games on their Wii consoles.
• Sega Ages series (2018) - A Japan-only release that featured a remastered version of the game.
• Nintendo Switch Online Service (2020) - As part of Nintendo's subscription-based online service, which allows players to access a growing library of classic NES games.

Why Juuouki is Still Relevant Today

Despite being released over three decades ago, Juuouki remains an iconic and influential game in the world of action-adventure gaming. Its unique blend of exploration, combat, and power-ups helped pave the way for future side-scrolling games like Super Mario Bros. 3 and Metroid.

The game's beautiful graphics and atmospheric soundtrack also set a new standard for console games at the time. The game's director, Hideki Saito, was heavily influenced by classic anime and manga, which is reflected in the game's vibrant colors and memorable characters.

Legacy

Juuouki has had a lasting impact on the gaming industry, inspiring countless other side-scrolling action games. Its influence can be seen in games like Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse, Double Dragon, and even more modern titles like Bayonetta and Ghost of Tsushima.

The game's cult following extends beyond its dedicated fan base to include retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors who seek out rare and hard-to-find games. Juuouki is considered a holy grail among NES collectors, with prices for original copies reaching upwards of $1,000 on the secondary market.

Conclusion

Juuouki is a timeless classic that continues to captivate gamers with its unique blend of exploration, combat, and power-ups. Its age rating and availability have made it a bit of an enigma for some gamers, but with the game's recent re-releases on various platforms, it's easier than ever to experience this iconic NES title.

Whether you're a retro gaming enthusiast or just looking for a challenging and rewarding action-adventure game, Juuouki is definitely worth checking out. So why not take a trip back in time and explore the world of Juuouki? You won't be disappointed!