On April 3, 2006, millions of digital horses donned armor, and gamers experienced what would later be called a “microtransaction.” Those who survived this era were soon confronted with new gaming nightmares: season passes, live service models, always-online single-player, loot boxes, pay-to-win mechanics, and rushed “ship-now-fix-later” updates. The team behind Terminator 2D: No Fate, Bitmap Bureau, has clearly seen this future—and they aren’t fans. Their game is a deliberately nostalgic sidescroller, designed to transport players straight back to the 16-bit era of the ’90s, recreating the ultimate T2 experience we never got. Short by today’s standards but overflowing with love for James Cameron’s iconic sci-fi masterpiece, Terminator 2D is both a time machine and an exceptional movie tie-in. In a chaotic gaming world, it feels like the most sane choice.
The main story mode of Terminator 2D—which closely follows the events of T2 with a few added detours—can be completed in about an hour. That said, it took me several attempts to actually finish it. While this is extremely brief by today’s standards, it stays true to an era when games often felt longer because you had to replay much of the content multiple times just to reach the ending.
I admire the format even though I don’t have the time, patience, or sugar-enhanced reflexes of a jobless 12-year-old.
This philosophy is deeply ingrained in Terminator 2D, and even though I no longer have the time, patience, or lightning-fast reflexes of a 12-year-old with no responsibilities, I can still appreciate the design. Burning through continues on a tricky encounter was frustrating, and starting over is never fun—but overcoming punishing sections that previously defeated me felt incredibly satisfying. My only gripe is the nine-continue limit; once you hit that cap, extra continues turn into bonus points. Failing on the final level stings a bit more, knowing a few extra attempts could have made all the difference.
Given Terminator 2D’s short length, I’m reluctant to dive too deeply into exactly how and when its mechanics shift—discovering that on your own is part of the fun. What I can say is that it never feels like a one-speed sidescroller. The game introduces small tweaks that often require you to adjust your approach. One moment you might be blazing through a Skynet-ravaged future in a Contra-inspired run-and-gun section, and the next you’re sneaking through Pescadero State Hospital for the Criminally Insane, practicing light stealth to avoid the T-1000. While the suspense fades on repeat visits due to the scripted nature, the first encounter is genuinely tense, enhanced by T2’s iconic music and the T-1000’s knack for appearing out of nowhere.
Both the visuals and the sound of Terminator 2D are amazing.
The music in T2 is used brilliantly throughout, carrying much of the game’s atmosphere instead of voice acting, with dialogue delivered via on-screen text. A standout moment is the power metal rendition of T2’s main theme, which really hits hard. Another treat is the cleverly placed licensed track in the biker bar that had me grinning like a cybernetic organism in a fully stocked weapons bunker—just make sure to hit that jukebox.
That said, there are a few missed opportunities in Terminator 2D. For example, the biker bar beat ’em up could have logically returned in a level like the mall, where the T-800 battles security on his way to meet John, potentially building up to a shotgun showdown with the T-1000. Instead, this iconic moment is reduced to a brief still screen before the motorcycle chase, which feels like a missed chance given its significance in the movie.
It’s also curious that the T-800 blasting cop cars outside Cyberdyne Systems only appears in alternate-ending runs, not in a standard playthrough. Even stranger is that the T-800 is sidelined entirely during the showdown at the steel foundry with the T-1000—you only catch glimpses of the battle while playing as Sarah. While these glimpses offer some fun fan service, it would have been great to actively participate. This sidelining may be linked to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s likeness not appearing in the game, even though Linda Hamilton, Robert Patrick, Edward Furlong, and Michael Edwards are featured.
I’m not sure if the T-800’s mild marginalization has anything to do with the absence of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s likeness.
The T-800 does get a taste of minigun action if you explore the decision options unlocked after completing the main story. These choices branch the narrative toward new, Terminator 2D–2D-specific endings. While they offer some fresh twists on previously completed levels, they don’t dramatically change the experience.
Finishing these alternate paths unlocks bonus modes like Boss Rush and Mother of the Future, which focus solely on Sarah. Still, they’re mostly just slightly altered replays of Story Mode—something I’ve already spent plenty of time doing. There’s also an “Arcade Mode,” essentially Story Mode without continues, which doesn’t appeal much and feels unclear in purpose—are we meant to imagine going to a literal arcade with pockets full of quarters?
Ultimately, T2 is already a flawless film with a perfect ending, so any deviations in the game are naturally going to feel a bit unsatisfying—an unfortunate lesson Terminator: Dark Fate reminded us of in its first five minutes.
Verdict
Terminator 2D: No Fate is fully committed to being a faithful homage to the 16-bit era. This dedication comes with a very short runtime, and I’m not convinced the extra modes Bitmap Bureau added will keep me returning—but that doesn’t diminish how brilliantly it captures the spirit of one of cinema’s greatest movies. While the game arguably underuses its greatest asset, the titular Terminator, it remains a consistently entertaining and rewarding experience, filled with perfect music, stunning pixel art, and clever Easter eggs. More than just the best Terminator 2 game ever, it may be the finest way to revisit the ’90s without needing to hitch a ride through time in a glowing ball of electricity. Trust me.
