Terminator 2D: No Fate

Terminator 2D: No Fate is a wonderfully realised tribute to one of the single greatest movies ever made, punctuated with pitch-perfect music, exquisite pixel art, and brilliant Easter eggs.

The bar might be on the floor, but Terminator 2D: No Fate establishes itself as the definitive Terminator 2 video game, created with love and appreciation for both the movie and 16-bit era.

You can smash through Terminator 2D: No Fate's story mode in less that the runtime of the movie, but that doesn't stop this side-scrolling action platformer from being a perfectly presented tribute to 90s nostalgia.

Terminator 2D: No Fate is a nostalgic throwback to the time when Terminator 2: Judgement Day was released, and it feels very authentic to that. The shooting and action carry this game, making it feel like it was a tie-in released alongside the movie, but the short length and repetitive nature of it may weigh on some people and cause some questioning of its price tag. Regardless, even if you have never watched any of the Terminator movies, you may come away enjoying what this game is in its short spurts.

Interestingly, half of what makes Terminator 2D fun is its painstaking reproduction of the movie on which it's based. Were it to have no relationship to a beloved IP, it would likely be criticised for its brevity, linearity, and general simplicity. Once fully beaten, you won't likely return to it for anything except a nostalgia hit, but T2 fans and 16-bit diehards will feel well-served by its detailed reminiscence.A great deal of the game's charm is derived from its novelty factor, and it's that novelty, in conjunction with some clever ideas and impressive authenticity, that should inform your purchasing decision.

"Terminator 2D: NO FATE" consciously avoids the temptation of AAA and brings the Terminator back to its arcade roots: a well-paced 2D run-and-gun game that stays faithful to the spirit of T2 and is filled with familiar references. The game is short and simple, but with a clear identity, thoughtful level design, and genuine love for the franchise, it revives the feeling of discovering a "lost cartridge."

While the whole thing is a blast to play, it’s an extremely short game, with a high-score table, branching narrative and harder difficulty settings offering at least some replay value.

A wonderfully crafted, retro-inspired take on the arcade-style side-scrolling shooter, based on the Terminator 2: Judgment Day movie. It's a must-try for fans of the genre.

Bitmap Bureau delivers one of the best recent Terminator adaptations, with direct action, punchy sound, and love for the film, although it starts ending just as it becomes most fun.

Terminator 2D: No Fate doesn't offer any groundbreaking solutions, but it is a very well-crafted adaptation of the film. However, you can complete the entire game in just... 38 minutes.