Terminator 2D: No Fate seemed to come out of nowhere last year and got us extremely excited. Not only because it looked like the Terminator 2 game we should’ve had way back when, but mostly because Bitmap Bureau was developing it, the track record for the UK-based retro developers is excellent. From the insanely amazing Mega Drive shooter, Xeno Crisis, which is one of the system’s greatest games, to the immense high quality of beat ’em-up Final Vendetta, Bitmap Bureau is always right on the money. Terminator 2D: No Fate is out now on Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox, and PC, priced at $30. There are also several physical editions to collect from various retailers.
So, even though we are very late to the party, we’ve played through the entirety of Terminator 2D: No Fate on Steam to bring you our thoughts. Firstly, the main portion of the game is set directly alongside the film, taking most of the best scenes and recreating them into arcade levels featuring lots of different mechanics. You also play as different characters, starting as Sarah Connor, before eventually controlling John in both the present and future, and of course, the iconic T-800 itself. What makes this first playthrough great is how extra parts of the story, only explained in passing in the film, such as Sarah training John up, become extra parts of the game.
Right from the off, Terminator 2D: No Fate puts you right back into the excitement of the movie. The intro features some beautiful pixel art alongside the classic T2 theme music. You know that you’re in for a treat, and after a short practice screen that introduces the game’s basic mechanics, the first level begins. While most of the levels in the game are scenes directly in the film, some take place in other areas that are only spoken about in the dialogue or act as extra scenes.
No matter if the level is from the film or an extra section, eachone has been brilliantly crafted. They’re all varied as you take control of different characters from the film. Some levels you’re playing as John Connor in the future, as he leads the resistance against the machines, others you play as Sarah Connor escaping the T1000 or rescuing John from a kidnapping. Other levels are auto-scrolling ones, where you control a vehicle or have to take down the T1000 in a helicopter, as examples.
The controls in Terminator 2D: No Fate are spot on; every character controls perfectly, and it’s just fun blasting the bad guys, exploring the levels, and taking on the bosses. What makes Terminator 2D: No Fate even better is how you can choose how the story plays out in the harder difficulty levels. These choices directly impact the ongoing story, and we see some alternate universe versions of the plot. These choices also determine the levels that will appear as you play through. This creates some longevity and gives a big reason to replay through the game a few times to make sure you see everything on offer.
Another standout aspect of this game is the variety in the boss battles. Each one feels like a set piece and serves up well-thought-out attack patterns. The ycan also be very tough to take down and just like the good old days of arcade gaming, will take some trial and error to survive. Don’t be surprised if you use plenty of game overs and have to start the game again. Again, not having infinite continues or lives in Terminator 2D: No Fate is a real plus point and keeps to Bitmap Bureau‘s ethos of creating genuinely difficult arcade titles.
The main story mode is fairly easy to finish, although it only includes most of the levels and weak enemies and bosses. The real challenge is in the modes unlocked after the first playthrough. Also, to unlock all the modes, you’ll need to replay the story and choose the different paths as described above. Overall, Terminator 2D: No Fate is a quality arcade game with excellent graphics, sound, playability, and longevity that will please fans of the film as well as those who enjoy a tough challenge. Highly recommended and certainly one of the best games of last year.
