Nostalgia is one of those things that is almost impossible to stay immune to, especially when it comes to movies and games that we grew up with. This is exactly the card that the creators of Terminator 2D: No Fate obviously played, aware of the fact that Terminator 2: Judgment Day, despite its cult status, never really got a proper video game worthy of its name. There were various attempts, licenses and interpretations, but there was no game that could convey the spectacle of the film. 35 years later, this injustice is finally being corrected.
| Initial price | Reviewed version | Reviewer copy |
| 30€ | PlayStation | Provided by publisher |
For the older team and hardcore Terminator fans, this game will be a true nostalgia paradise. It could be said that it is a 2D postcard of the best scenes from the cult film. You go through levels that directly refer to key moments from the film, with certain decision-making possibilities in the story. You thus have choices that can lead to additional levels and alternate endings, which avoids feeling like a mere reenactment of the movie.
The game does not insist on controlling only one character, so the perspective often changes. In most levels we assume the role of Sarah Connor, while in others we are in the skin of the T-800, and occasionally John Connor appears in the apocalyptic year 2029.
Terminator 2D: No Fate is the best because its gameplay is never static. It’s basically a classic “run and gun” experience with an emphasis on precise and timely controls. But the game doesn’t stop at that formula alone. Almost every level brings a change in rhythm, so e.g. one moment you’re smashing bikers in a beat ’em up bar as a T-800, the next you’re quietly sneaking through hospital corridors with Sarah Connor. There are also classic vehicle chases where you have to react in time to survive. It is this variety that keeps the game fresh and prevents it from falling into monotony.
The difficulty levels within the story mode offer something for everyone. The lowest option, Easy Money, allows for unlimited attempts and removes the time pressure, which is ideal for those who want to primarily experience the story. But Problemo is the recommended middle and provides a balanced challenge, while at difficulties like Hasta la Vista the rules change seriously. The enemies are more cleverly placed and the environments are more dangerous, so every shot is crucial. Boss battles, of which there is at least one per level, further develop depending on the selected difficulty and require adjustment of tactics.
In addition to the story mode itself, the game also offers a solid selection of additional modes that are designed for replayability. After the alternative ending, ie. after the second playthrough, additional modes are unlocked, among which Boss Rush stands out, in which you face all the bosses in turn. There’s also Mother of the Future, focused solely on Sarah Connor, and Infinite Mode with endless waves of enemies that last until you make a mistake.
The game certainly offers a variety of game modes, but it should be remembered that they basically boil down to the same levels that are repeated and slightly adjusted depending on the difficulty or the selected mode. I finished the story mode on normal difficulty in about forty minutes (!), and it took that long for the alternative ending that unlocks additional modes. For this reason, compared to the price of 30 euros, it is difficult to escape the impression that this is an overpriced adventure.
It’s also a shame that this game doesn’t have any possibility of co-op mode, which is common for this genre. It’s not that maybe all of that would fit with the story because it would lose the authenticity of the film, but I’m sure that some individual mode could be added for that.
Terminator 2D is visually and sonically a retro bomb. The pixel art is detailed and legible, the animations are good, and the enemies and characters are expressive enough to easily convey the atmosphere of Terminator in 2D form. The music relies on melodies reminiscent of the original soundtrack and follows the pace of the action well, while the sound effects of gunfire and explosions further emphasize the arcade character of the game. Nothing revolutionary, but just enough to keep the experience in the tone of the source material.
Terminator 2D: No Fate functions above all as a sincere tribute to the film that marked the nineties. It can be seen that the main task was to faithfully capture the spirit of Terminator 2 and translate it into a short and intense arcade action. If you’re a fan of the series and looking for a fast-paced, challenging Doomsday-inspired 2D adventure, this is most likely for you. Admittedly, rather at a discount than at full price, so for now feel free to tell her: “Hasta la Vista, baby”.