While the game was well received by critics, the PC releases of Eidos's popular—but only superficially similar—Tomb Raider franchise overshadowed and crippled Treyarch's sales figures. In large part this was due to what are widely viewed as very difficult controls, challenging gameplay, and a steep learning curve for novice players.
Die by the Sword also offered deathmatch and cooperative multiplayer play in its arena mode, where players could stage fights with up to three other players. The lack of a match-making service precludes any significant online community, which when combined with a poor online interface relegates the title to local games only.
The official expansion pack Limb from Limb, released December 31, 1998, added another main quest for single player enthusiasts, enhanced multiplayer through a selection of significantly more creative arenas, and introduced new playable characters such as the Minotaur.
Read more about Die By The Sword: Swordfighting, Hit Locations, The Arena, Cast, Trivia