Beastorizer (USA, Sep 22 1997)

Choose from eight distinct fighters in Beastorizer, a head-to-head versus fighting game released in 1997. Each character possesses the unique ability to transform into a powerful beast form—ranging from a wolf and lion to a rabbit, tiger, mole, fox, gorilla, or boar—granting them new attacks and abilities. Players utilize an eight-way joystick and three buttons (punch, kick, and beast) to battle against each other in 3D environments, striving to defeat the final boss, Uriko, a weredemon created by the sinister Tylon Corporation. The gameplay emphasizes fast-paced, aggressive combat, with impactful sound effects and music accompanying the action. Character designs are detailed and striking, reflecting both human and transformed beast appearances. Beastorizer marked the beginning of a series later known outside North America as Bloody Roar, which would continue with several sequels on consoles. Two players can compete simultaneously, testing their skills against one another in an effort to conquer the competition and uncover the truth behind Tylon Corporation's bioweapons program.