X-Kaliber 2097's American soundtrack was arranged by electronic/industrial music group Psykosonik. Psykosonik's soundtrack became an unusually prominent part of the game's marketing, and was often plugged in marketing blurbs. The soundtrack is also mentioned on the game packaging, and has its own section in the game manual.

The Japanese version features music by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Hayato Matsuo, as well as a completely different storyline and script (with different names for every character) than the one that was given in the English localization of the game.

Slash/Gear

The main protagonist and the current owner of the legendary sword, X-Kaliber. His goal is bring peace and order to the world. Many of his enemies, especially Raptor, wish to acquire his sword for their own dastardly purposes. In the original Japanese version of the game, Gear is a prisoner serving a homicide sentence, chosen to carry out the New York mission by the US Government.

Alix/Cynthia

Slash's female partner. Alex is taken hostage by Raptor as a bargaining chip for X-Kaliber. Later, Alex becomes a vessel for Krux's consciousness. Alex is freed when Krux was defeated.

Raptor/Zieg Dyne

The warlord ruler of Neo New York. He has terrorized the city into submission and imposes order with the aid of the Morphs, a mysterious race of powerful, monstrous beings. He claims to be the brother of Slash and even carries his own mystic sword, though this weapon was inferior when compared to X-Kaliber. Unknown to all but himself, Raptor has secured the aid of an alien gangster named Krux.

Kane/Cocktail

Raptor's lieutenant. Cocktail is the only person privy to Raptor's secret plans. He also deals with the many criminal elements under Raptor's control. In combat, Cocktail uses his cane like a sword and can throw his hat like a flying blade (similar to Oddjob of the James Bond movies).

Tattoo/Tattoo Man

A large green-skinned humanoid with a tattoo of a rose on his chest. He carries a large sword and can sprout vines from his rose tattoo as a form of offense. A steel mask covers the lower half of his face. Tattoo serves Cocktail as a chief enforcer and assassin. He bears a slight resemblance to Blanka of Street Fighter II fame.

Chainsaw/TT

An android that looks human at first, but later his robotic nature becomes obvious as he takes damage in combat (similar to the Terminator). Chainsaw carries a large machine gun in his human appearance, but his right arm becomes a real chainsaw later in combat.

Dr. Blast/Dr. Mad

An insane scientist who serves as Raptor's chief scientist. Dr. Blast performs research on the Morphs, seeking better ways for them to serve Raptor's needs. When he encounters Slash, Dr. Blast carries a sample of experimental insect DNA serum. When he consumes this sample, he mutates into a human-sized amalgamation of several insects including a mosquito, a dragonfly, and a spider.

Spuke/Creapy

Krux's lieutenant. A pale blue-skinned humanoid with long blonde hair wearing a jester's costume. He claims that Slash's sword, X-Kaliber, once belonged to Krux and intends to retrieve it.

Krux

An alien crime lord from outer space. He makes a deal with Raptor to secure his aid in taking over the world. In fact, the Morphs are from Krux's retinue. Krux's ultimate goal is to capture every resource on Earth for his own selfish purposes, to use up or destroy as he pleases.