Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

John Romero’s Daikatana delivers a classic first-person shooter experience powered by the Quake II engine. The core gunplay feels tight and responsive, with a selection of period-appropriate weapons and futuristic firearms to match each era Hiro visits. From rapid-fire pistols to shotgun blasts, each weapon has a distinct punch, and switching between them is seamless. The standout feature is the Daikatana sword itself: once acquired in Episode 2, it not only becomes a powerful melee tool but also levels up over time, rewarding players who choose to close the gap on foes.

The level design spans four distinct time periods—far-future Japan, ancient Greece, Dark Ages Norway, and near-future USA—offering both visual variety and strategic shifts. In ancient Greece, narrow stone corridors and open courtyards force a more cautious advance against hoplite-style enemies, while in the near-future levels you’ll navigate sleek tech complexes swarming with laser turrets. Each environment feels handcrafted, with hidden passages and secret rooms that encourage exploration and replay.

Adding complexity to each mission are Hiro’s AI-controlled allies. These companions can cover your flank, clear rooms, and even revive you if downed, but they also demand protection. Escorting them through traps or tight corridors introduces a layer of tension: you can’t simply rush ahead, and sometimes backtracking to save a fallen partner is the difference between success and a frustrating restart. This mechanic keeps the gameplay from becoming a mindless run-and-gun.

Graphics

Built on the Quake II engine, Daikatana’s visuals felt cutting-edge at release, though they show their age today. Textures are blocky by modern standards, but the art direction compensates with strong color palettes and thematic consistency. Far-future Japan’s neon-lit streets glow against dark skies, and the Greek levels feature weathered stone walls etched with ancient murals. Enemies appear distinct in each era, from armored samurai drones to mythic centaur warriors.

The game’s use of lighting and effects is noteworthy. Dynamic flickering torches in the Norwegian levels cast long, ominous shadows, while laser fire and explosion effects in the near-future stages dazzle the senses. Occasional slowdown can occur when multiple enemies converge with particle effects, but overall the frame rate remains stable, preserving the pace of the action. Cutscenes interspersed between episodes are rendered in crisp pre-rendered video, maintaining immersion and bridging gameplay segments with narrative flair.

Although texture resolution and polygon counts can’t compare to modern shooters, Daikatana’s aesthetic still holds up when judged on atmosphere and level variety. Each time period feels lived-in, and environmental storytelling—like scattered clan banners in feudal Japan or toppled statues in Greece—deepens the sense of journeying through time. Fans of retro shooters will appreciate the care taken in designing memorable locales even within the constraints of late-90s hardware.

Story

At its heart, Daikatana tells the tale of Hiro Miyamoto, a martial arts instructor on a quest to reclaim the legendary Daikatana sword from the villainous Kage Mishima. The narrative kicks off with urgency: Mishima’s misuse of the sword’s time-travel power has unleashed a plague that threatens humanity. This premise provides clear motivation for each episode, and the switch between eras underscores the global scale of the threat.

Narration unfolds through a mix of on-screen text and fully voiced cutscenes, giving life to Hiro’s companions and the various enemies you face. While some dialogue delivery feels stilted by today’s standards, the character motivations remain straightforward: protect your allies, recover the sword’s shards, and foil Mishima’s schemes in each timeline. Moments of humor and camaraderie between Hiro and his AI teammates break up the tension, though the plot sometimes stalls in lengthy text sequences.

The time-travel mechanic is more than a gimmick—it allows the story to explore cultural and historical touchstones. Ancient Greece levels involve uncovering Mishima’s dealings with oracles, while the Dark Ages stage pits you against raiders drawn to the sword’s power. Each episode ties back to the central narrative of restoring balance across time. Though the overarching plot follows a linear path, side secrets and hidden lore fragments reward players who explore every corner.

Overall Experience

Daikatana remains a fascinating curiosity in FPS history: a game that promised revolutionary ideas and delivered a solid, if uneven, shooter experience. Its greatest strengths lie in environmental variety, weapon diversity, and the novelty of a leveling sword. The addition of AI companions injects challenge and emotional stakes, while the time-travel premise keeps the campaign fresh across multiple episodes.

However, modern players should be prepared for dated visuals, occasional pacing issues in storytelling, and the classic difficulty spikes of late-90s shooters. AI pathfinding can sometimes falter, leaving companions stranded or triggering unwanted restarts. Yet these frustrations are balanced by the joy of re-exploring familiar levels with upgraded gear or plunging into the adrenaline rush of multiplayer deathmatches that still draw niche communities today.

For enthusiasts of retro shooters or fans of John Romero’s design legacy, Daikatana offers a unique blend of ambitious storytelling and traditional FPS mechanics. While it may not revolutionize the genre by today’s standards, its inventive use of the Daikatana sword, time-travel settings, and cooperative AI play make it a memorable—and at times exhilarating—journey through the ages. Prospective buyers should view it as a piece of gaming history that still packs enough action and creativity to entertain dedicated players.

Retro Replay Score

5.5/10