Terminator 2D: NO FATE Reviews
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.
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.
A classic 90's film turned in a classic 90's side scrolling shooter, with a few lashings of modern techniques, what's not to love?
The actual act of playing through iconic events like Arnie’s bar brawl, the T-1000’s helicopter chase, and others hasn’t been made all that intriguing. A fact that also isn’t helped by how most are over all too quickly. Ultimately, it makes for a fun hit of 1990s nostalgia every long-time Terminator 2 will enjoy getting to chew on. As for whether this always makes for the best game, though? Negative.
Although the runtime is short and the movement feels a little too close to games of that era, the range of options available provides plenty of incentive to revisit the game. The result is a strong package and a heartfelt ode to a bygone era.
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.
Even without the Terminator license, this would be just a very well-executed old-school side-scrolling shooter. With the touchstones of the film to work with, though, Bitmap has delivered an experience that finally does proper justice to one of the greatest blockbuster films of all time.
Thanks to its retro-styled visuals and old-fashioned gameplay, Terminator 2D: No Fate genuinely feels like a blast from the past, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. While it's rather short and it's disappointing that there's no voice acting, it perfectly captures the essence of the classic film and remains fun to play throughout.
Terminator 2D: No Fate is a tight 2D action game that keeps you moving and shooting without wasting your time. Combat stays easy to follow even when enemies start piling up, and quick retries make learning tough sections less frustrating. Not every idea hits the same way, and the game does not last long. Still, it sticks to its old-school formula and plays best when you treat it as something to jump into, improve at, and replay.
Terminated 2D: No Fate is a perfect tribute to the film adaptation of Terminator, as well as to the pixel art video games released in the 1990s. Those who want to relive the events of Terminator 2 will find No Fate to be an arcade title ready to throw you into the fight against Skynet. Probably, with a few more mechanics, the title developed by Bitmap Bureau could have really left its mark.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Terminator 2D: NO FATE nails the 16-bit aesthetic and musical nostalgia of Judgment Day with authentic grit. However, its fleeting runtime, silent cutscenes, and steep price point make this a brief nostalgia trip best reserved for die-hard fans rather than general action enthusiasts.
illed 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.
Terminator 2D: NO FATE is a gorgeous, fun time, with all the positives and negatives of 90s arcade games. The inclusion of alternate story paths helps the title from feeling too repetitive. Any fan of the franchise would do well to check this one out.
Terminator 2D: No Fate is a love letter to arcades and a sincere tribute to one of the greatest action classics in cinema. Without trying to reinvent the wheel, the game delivers pure fun, precise challenges, and a delightful dive into nostalgia. Its retro visuals and creative expansion of the story captivate both veteran players and newcomers alike. Despite a few dated elements, the overall experience is engaging and highly satisfying. A worthy return to the style that defined generations.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review