Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Xena: Warrior Princess – The Talisman of Fate brings the adrenaline-pumping action of the beloved TV show to the Nintendo 64 as a four-player arena fighter. Unlike its PlayStation counterpart, which opts for a more adventure-driven approach, the N64 version zeroes in on fast-paced brawling. Matches can be free-for-all or team-based, offering plenty of variety whether you’re duking it out solo or alongside a friend.

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The control scheme is intuitive for both newcomers and seasoned fighting-game fans. Movement is handled via the analog stick in a classic two-dimensional plane, while dedicated buttons manage blocking, jumping, and ducking. The C-buttons, meanwhile, trigger attacks—light swings, heavy blows, and weapon-specific maneuvers. Mastering the timing of analog-stick gestures toward and away from opponents unlocks the game’s special moves, giving each character a satisfying arsenal of signature combos.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the four-player support, which transforms bouts into chaotic, unpredictable melees. Team battles can be especially engaging, encouraging coordination and strategy as allies tag in and out. For those less interested in multiplayer frays, there’s a robust single-player Story Mode, plus classic Versus and Training modes. The innovative Roster Mode, where you cycle through multiple fighters in succession, ups the challenge and extends the game’s replayability.

Graphics

The visual presentation of The Talisman of Fate faithfully channels the late-’90s N64 aesthetic—think colorful, somewhat blocky polygons, but with clear textures that capture the feel of ancient Greece. Each arena is richly detailed, from sunlit temples to shadowy forest clearings, and most locations are instantly recognizable to series fans. Character models boast distinct silhouettes and costumes that mirror their on-screen counterparts, making Xena’s gleaming armor and Gabrielle’s wooden staff pop on any TV screen.

Character animations are surprisingly fluid for the platform. Xena’s acrobatic flips, Callisto’s furious sword slashes, and Ephiny’s spear twirls all flow smoothly, even when multiple fighters share the screen. Stage hazards and environmental flourishes—like falling debris or flickering torches—add immersion without overwhelming the action. Though the draw distance and polygon count reveal their age by modern standards, the game’s art direction and faithful representation of the source material more than compensate.

Particle effects for weapons and special moves are subtle but effective. Chakrams arc across the stage in glinting orange trails, while magical bursts accompany power strikes. These visual cues aren’t just for show—they help players read the action and react accordingly. In a time where many licensed games skimped on presentation, The Talisman of Fate stands out by respecting its franchise’s look and feel, even within the limitations of the late-’90s hardware.

Story

While primarily a fighting game, Story Mode in The Talisman of Fate weaves in narrative elements that expand on the show’s mythology. Players journey through a series of one-on-one duels across various iconic locales, battling foes from the TV series before confronting an all-new boss character. The premise—securing a powerful talisman to safeguard Greece from dark forces—feels right at home in Xena’s universe, even if the plot takes a backseat to the combat.

Cutscenes between fights are brief but nicely animated, featuring character portraits and voice clips lifted from the series. These interludes provide context for each brawl and offer fans a chance to relive classic rivalries—Xena vs. Callisto, Gabrielle vs. Ephiny, and more. While the story doesn’t break new ground, it strikes the right tone of heroic banter, dramatic tension, and cheeky humor that made the show a cult favorite.

Progression is straightforward: defeat each opponent to advance and collect pieces of the talisman. There’s a light RPG-esque element in how you move from one battle to the next, choosing certain paths and unlocking extra dialogues. For players primarily interested in raw action, the narrative framework simply serves as a stage-setting device. Yet for fans keen on series lore, the inclusion of familiar faces and voice snippets adds a rewarding layer of nostalgia.

Overall Experience

Xena: Warrior Princess – The Talisman of Fate succeeds as a solid, family-friendly fighter that capitalizes on its TV-show roots. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or someone just looking for accessible four-player mayhem, the game delivers. Matches are brisk, the controls are responsive, and the roster—featuring Xena, Gabrielle, Callisto, Joxer, and several others—offers a varied selection of combat styles.

The game’s longevity lies in its multiplayer appeal and the novelty of watching powerful warrior women and men clash in campy, over-the-top duels. Single-player modes provide enough content to familiarize yourself with each character, but the real fun begins when friends at your side or across the room join the fray. The Roster Mode and hidden unlockables further encourage replay, ensuring that this isn’t just a one-and-done tie-in.

While it may not rival the depth of genre juggernauts, The Talisman of Fate stands out for its charming presentation and faithful adaptation of the Xena universe. It strikes a satisfying balance between accessible button-mashing and skill-based special moves, making it an ideal pick-up-and-play fighter for casual gatherings. In short, if you’ve ever dreamed of throwing chakrams or twirling staffs in service of the Warrior Princess herself, this N64 classic is well worth dusting off your console to experience.

Retro Replay Score

6.4/10