Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Rise of the Triad: Dark War throws you headfirst into a frenetic, fast-paced shooter where every corridor can turn deadly in an instant. The game’s infectious pace is driven by room-to-room combat, tricky enemy placements, and environmental hazards such as fireball launchers and crushing walls that keep you constantly on your toes. From the moment your infiltration boat goes up in flames, you’re forced to push into the very belly of the fortress, making split-second decisions about when to press forward or fall back to grab health, armor, or ammo.

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One of ROTT’s greatest strengths is its arsenal. You begin with a trusty pistol, and soon enough you’re double-fisting John Woo–style, then graduating to an MP40 rifle that tears through enemy ranks. Beyond these staples, the game sprinkles in wildly imaginative weapons like the “drunk missile” launcher and the Excalibat—an explosive baseball bat that blurs the line between absurdity and sheer destruction. Weapon pickups are scattered generously, but since you can only carry one powerful gun at a time, each choice carries real weight.

Adding depth to the core shooting is ROTT’s signature wacky power-up system. Want to bounce off walls like a rubber ball? Try ELASTO mode. Fancy homing insta-death missiles? GOD mode has you covered. Even DOG mode, which turns you into an invulnerable canine, finds clever use in tight crawlspaces. These power-ups not only spice up single-player runs but also fuel the game’s legendary multiplayer modes, ensuring each match feels unpredictable and over-the-top.

Graphics

Graphically, Rise of the Triad is a direct descendant of Wolfenstein 3D, yet it punches above its weight with a more flexible 3D engine. Levels are still built from simple blocks, but the addition of multiple vertical tiers, floating platforms, and jump pads gives environments a far greater sense of depth. Traversing a high ledge only to blast enemies below—or being launched skyward by a jump pad—adds a thrilling vertical dimension rare in era shooters.

Enemy and weapon sprites are detailed with bold, contrasting colors that pop against the generally muted backdrop of stone walls and metal corridors. The special effects—fireballs bursting from hidden launchers, rocket blasts scorching walls, and the neon haze of SHROOMS mode—add a psychedelic flair that elevates the visual experience. Though dated by modern standards, ROTT’s visuals have aged with character, maintaining a distinct style that still resonates with retro enthusiasts.

The level design itself showcases a surprising amount of artistry. Secret passages hide behind illusory walls, platforming sections demand precision, and multi-path layouts encourage exploration. Textures vary from dank dungeons to high-tech labs, providing constant visual variety as you fight your way across the island stronghold. Even the menus and HUD convey the game’s cheeky personality, reinforcing that gleeful mix of serious action and tongue-in-cheek humor.

Story

The narrative premise of Rise of the Triad is deliciously over-the-top: a megalomaniac madman, equipped with the power to exterminate millions, has set up shop on a remote island. H.U.N.T (High-risk United Nations Taskforce) dispatches you and your team to uncover his schemes, only for the mission to go spectacularly awry. The sudden explosion of the infiltration boat sets the tone for a story that never takes itself too seriously—yet still delivers a palpable sense of urgency.

What follows is a classic action-movie romp. You venture deeper into the fortress, encountering clues about the Triad’s twisted rituals and dark experiments. Brief text interludes between episodes flesh out the stakes, while quirky character bios remind you that you’re part of a specialized squad of mercs, each with unique talents. Though minimalist by today’s narrative standards, ROTT’s story strikes the perfect balance, giving just enough context to justify the onslaught of bullets and bizarre power-ups.

The game’s humor is woven seamlessly into the plot, from the bombastic villain speeches to the ridiculous weapons and power-ups you discover. It never tries to deliver Shakespearean drama; instead, it revels in sheer, unadulterated mayhem. This light-hearted tone makes repeated playthroughs fun, as you uncover hidden jokes and Easter eggs tucked into secret areas—proof that the developers relished every opportunity to mix storytelling with raucous entertainment.

Overall Experience

Rise of the Triad: Dark War remains a standout title in the pantheon of ’90s shooters, offering a compelling blend of raw action, inventive weapons, and playful design. Its Level Editor and robust multiplayer suite—featuring Deathmatch, Capture the Triad, Collector, and Deluder modes—ensured a vibrant community that still endures through modern source ports and fan mods. Whether you’re blasting through single-player episodes or duking it out online, ROTT’s energetic pace never falters.

For players seeking a nostalgic trip or newcomers curious about early FPS evolution, ROTT delivers an experience that’s as entertaining today as it was at launch. The combination of tightly balanced combat, goofy power-ups, and secret-filled levels guarantees high replayability. Plus, the community’s unofficial patches and enhancements breathe new life into the game, smoothing out bugs and adding contemporary conveniences like widescreen support.

In an era dominated by sprawling open worlds and cinematic set-pieces, Rise of the Triad: Dark War stands as a reminder that pure, unfiltered fun can come in a compact, corridor-based package. The game’s relentless action, memorable arsenal, and off-the-wall personality make it a must-play for anyone who appreciates the roots of the genre. Strap in, crank up the volume, and get ready for one of the wildest rides in FPS history.

Retro Replay Score

7.3/10