Chimera Beast (Japan, prototype, set 1)

Control an unusual creature in Jaleco’s 1993 prototype shooter, Chimera Beast. As one of two players, you pilot a unique “eater,” a being capable of consuming other organisms and absorbing their abilities to evolve throughout the game. Progressing through distinct stages, your eater will start by devouring microscopic life before escalating to larger prey like fish and eventually facing off against human technology. The core gameplay revolves around this consumption mechanic; rather than standard weapon upgrades, players gain new attacks and defenses by eating enemies – a crustacean might grant a protective shell while an insectoid creature could bestow a poisonous tail. A life bar fuels your eater’s resilience, recharging with each enemy consumed, and allowing for growth into even more powerful forms capable of sustaining greater damage. The narrative reveals that the planet's inhabitants have developed advanced space travel, which the player must ultimately prevent to avoid an invasion of Earth. Chimera Beast features two distinct endings depending on whether this threat is successfully neutralized or not.