Bitmap Bureau and Reef Entertainment’s new Terminator game is a retro throwback. Not only is it a faithful adaptation of the classic 1991 James Cameron movie, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, but it features gorgeous pixel art and plays like the 2D action games of yesteryear. It winds up being a wonderful mix, as it winds up becoming a stellar way to reexperience one of the best action movies ever made with plenty of variety and replayability.
Contra and Metal Slug fans will feel right at home playing Terminator 2D: No Fate, as when you’re playing as Sarah Connor or future John, you’ll find yourself blasting your way through enemies. There’s a nice level of depth to the gunplay, as you can aim up and down as well as straight ahead, which plays into a lot of the game’s boss fights. A variety of weapon power-ups, plus health packs, keep the game feeling satisfying and sometimes punishing (depending on the difficulty level you’re on).
It’s not all on foot, though. There are a number of vehicle stages, which allow you to relive the iconic highway chase and John’s dirtbike chase. These are fast-paced levels that will test your reflexes in a fun way that shakes up the game. In fact, variety is one of the game’s strong suits, as some stages will have you focused more on stealth, such as when you’re dealing with the deadly T-1000,x who can instantly kill you. Of course, you’ll occasionally get to play as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator, which provides a wonderful power fantasy as the biker bar brawl plays like a beat ’em up.
Beating the game doesn’t take too long — it’s based on a two-hour movie after all, but it has a great presentation and lots of replayability. There are several alternate stages to unlock, and you can even play alternate paths by making a few choices throughout the story mode. There’s also a surprising number of additional modes, ranging from an arcade mode that will test your skills with zero continues to a boss rush. The gameplay is polished enough to keep you coming back for more, well after the credits wrap the first time.
Terminator 2D: No Fate Review: Final Verdict
While there’s been no shortage of Terminator 2 video games, Bitmap Bureau manages to meaningfully add to the franchise’s legacy with a polished, fun action game. Filled with variety and memorable stages that allow you to relive the best parts of the film, Terminator 2D: No Fate winds up being a blast from start to finish. With multiple modes and difficulties, there’s plenty of replayability and reasons to go back in after rolling credits.
SCORE: 8.5/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 8 equates to “Great.” While there are a few minor issues, this score means that the art succeeds at its goal and leaves a memorable impact.
Disclosure: The publisher provided a PlayStation 5 copy for our Terminator 2D: No Fate review. Reviewed on version 1.000.000.
