Terminator 2D: No Fate for Review

Terminator 2D: No Fate for review

Terminator 2, one of the greatest action films of all time, is revered as a masterpiece by film fans around the world. Perfect pacing, iconic settings and unforgettable characters helped the film cement its place in the annals of film history. While it remains an undisputed classic on the silver screen, the franchise has struggled to achieve the same success in the interactive medium. Bitmap Bureau aims to change that by revisiting the iconic film and developing a game in the style of the era. Will this adaptation finally capture the intensity of Doomsday, or is it the perfect fit? Terminator the game still has a future that can't exist modified?

Terminator 2D: No Fate is a retelling of the film, focusing on key moments that are translated into levels based on their cinematic counterparts. While the game sticks to the original narrative in these segments, it also branches out with additional, entirely new episodes set in both the future and the past. The alternate path system allows you to make choices at several key points, changing or adding scenes depending on your decision. While its presentation and storytelling feel traditional and very much in line with '90s games, there's something surprisingly resonant about its execution. A double dose of nostalgia pulls you in and keeps you hooked throughout the short viewing time.

The future is uncertain

The gameplay is reminiscent of games from that era, in which you have to dodge and jump away from projectiles while firing a constant stream of bullets. While it sticks to conventions, it also expands on aspects by adding a cover system that allows you to hide behind a wall before jumping out and opening fire on your opponent. This mechanic is a great addition to the genre, helping to add another layer of combat.

Bitmap Bureau changes the gameplay to make each level unique. Although it is a shooter at its core, some of the events in the film have different sub-genres, making each moment stand out. For example, the famous scene at Pescadero State Hospital, where Sarah tries to escape while the T-1000 pursues her, turns from a run-and-gun scene into a stealth-oriented action sequence. Instead of shooting everything in sight, you should hide in the closets, wait for the guards to look away, and then go in and destroy them. While the stealth mechanics are basic, they fit the arcade style and effectively translate the iconic cinematic moment into gameplay. This variety continues throughout as the game moves into arcade shootouts, epic chase sequences, and even a side-scrolling beat-em-up segment.

Boss battles are the highlight of most levels, subjecting large opponents to deadly attacks that require tactical combat. Because the game clearly signals attacks, combat feels fair and requires you to move quickly while maintaining focus on your weapon. Since most of these segments lie outside the film's narrative, it would have been nice to see more creativity in these sections. Most of them are quite simple and resemble battles from other games in this genre.

Choose your weapon

Story mode is a full-fledged gameplay with different difficulty levels. The simple option has an unlimited number of continues, while others have a limited number and collectibles that can be expanded. Additionally, enemies deal more damage as you progress, and the game introduces time limits on levels. The normal difficulty level provides a suitable challenge, while the harder options are ideal for genre veterans. Arcade mode lets you fight the war to the end to earn the most points, while Endless mode is the ultimate test of endurance to see how long you can fend off the endless horde. Add in Boss Rush mode and speedrunning competition, and you've got plenty of gameplay variations that will keep you busy for hours on end.

The overall presentation is wonderful and will resonate with gamers of the era. Each character model reflects its likeness through 16-bit design, and this spirit permeates the levels and settings, bringing the entire gameplay experience to life in style. The iconic theme also returns, cleverly reworked with a chorus that helps capture the tone and atmosphere of the film in a way that will resonate with fans. While the developers stick to this retro approach well, it also extends to the main character's movements. While the animation isn't bad, it does feel a bit stiff and perhaps too similar to games of the era.

See you baby

Terminator 2D: No Fate is a faithful reimagining of the classic game, reimagined as 2D action with a '90s feel. Bitmap Bureau captures iconic moments and adapts them naturally to the genre, while also presenting original pieces that complement the narrative. The team tailors the gameplay to each scenario, creating an experience that effectively mirrors its cinematic counterpart. While the runtime is short and the action feels too close to games of the era, the range of options available provides plenty of incentive to return to the game. The result is a powerful composition and a heartfelt ode to a bygone era.

***PlayStation 5 code provided by the publisher***