Don't believe the (bad) hype. Open your mind to a very underratred game.
Strong points: great variety of foes, weapons and ambients, soundtrack, plot, level design, atmosphere, level up system.
Weak points: Sidekicks poorly implemented A.I., bland dialogue in cutscenes, limited save game system (eliminated in patch 1.2, though).
Yes, sometimes the sidekicks can be a pain. Sometimes I let them behind and shoot the bad guys myself, and after I pick the companions again.
Fortunately, most part of the game you have only one sidekick. But after a while, you get used to control them and to be honest I started enjoying have them around, some commmentaries from them are actually funny to hear. Be sure to have patch 1.2, because then the sidekicks can use the hosportal in Japan levels and the life fountain in Greece episode to heal themselves. In close spaces the sidekicks normally are more than a nuisance than help, but in more open spaces they can be quite helpfull.
The gem based save game system is another weak point, but fortunately patch 1.2 lets the player save anywhere.
The story is cool and interesting, all your actions are very story-driven. The dialogue certainly could be better, but I like to think that Daikatana's cinematics are kind of a fun B movie.
One thing that I really like about Daikatana is how much variety the game has. Four completely distinct looking episodes, 25 unique weapons and tons of different enemies. This adds much to the game experience, for the game never gets dull or repetitive, like many shooters do.
The weapons are all amusing, and some are really cool, like the discus of daedalus and the mages' scepters in Norway episode.
The level desing for most levels is very nice and offer different things to explore. Some levels are very linear, others need some exploration, like the lovely and well elaborated Acropolis. The architecture in Greece is impressive. In fact, the good art direction of the game needs some praise.
The level up system is a neat addition, because in the end it gives you the feeling that you got quite powerful throughout your adventures.
The atmosphere of the game is unmatched by many shooters. The feeling of each place and historic period is unique, and the excellent soundtrack adds much to it.
The graphics were OK for the year 2000, when it was released, but the effects and, mainly, the almost real looking skies were awesome.
Overall, Daikatana is a fun and enjoyable game. In fact, it is one of the shooters I had most fun playing. Free yourself of prejudice and biased press reviews and give Daikatana a chance. :)