Terminator 2D: NO FATE Review

A love letter to Terminator 2, this 2D side-scrolling retro shooter delivers stylish fan service, sharp pixel art, and uneven gameplay, my full review.

There are very few films that I can say truly shaped my taste in pop culture, but Terminator 2: Judgment Day sits right at the top of that list. I’ve watched it more times than I can count. I know the lines by heart. I still get chills when the T-800 steps out of the biker bar, and I will always argue that it’s one of the most perfectly paced action films ever made. As such a huge fan, I was excited to see a 2D take with Terminator 2D: NO FATE. I didn’t just want a good game; I wanted something that understood why T2 still matters more than 30 years later.

I’ve played my fair share of Terminator games over the decades, from forgettable licensed efforts to a few surprisingly ambitious ones. Either they leaned too hard into generic shooting, or they forgot that T2 isn’t just about explosions. It’s about choice, and humanity wrapped inside an unstoppable sci-fi action shell. Going into Terminator 2D: NO FATE, I felt cautiously optimistic. A 2D, arcade-inspired take felt like a smart angle. Still, nostalgia is a dangerous thing, and I was curious to see whether this game could balance reverence with modern expectations.

Terminator 2D: NO FATE Details

Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Reviewed on: PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2

Developer: Bitmap Bureau

Publisher: Reef Entertainment

Genre: 2D action shooter / arcade-style run-and-gun

Available game modes: Story Mode, Arcade Mode, Challenge variants

ESRB Rating: M (Mature) 18+

A Pixelated Remix of Judgment Day

What immediately stood out to me about Terminator 2D: NO FATE is how it retells the story of T2 while remixing it just enough to feel interactive rather than redundant. You’ll jump between familiar perspectives. Playing as Sarah Connor, John Connor, and the T-800, all while reliving iconic moments from the film. The mall chase, the escape from Cyberdyne, and the future war sequences are all here, and for someone like me who knows this movie inside and out, that’s half the appeal.

A Fast Ride to No Future

One drawback from the experience is that the game moves fast. Major story beats fly by at a pace that assumes you already understand the context. If this is your first exposure to Terminator 2’s story, I genuinely think you’d be a little lost. Certain emotional turns and character motivations aren’t fully explained, and some scenes feel like highlight reels rather than fully fleshed-out narrative moments. As a lifelong fan, I didn’t mind; I filled in the gaps automatically, but I could see newcomers feeling disconnected.

Excellent Fan Service

Where the game succeeds is in its fan service. The nods are everywhere: dialogue references, background details, and subtle visual callbacks that made me smile constantly. It feels like the developers deeply respect the source material, even if the storytelling occasionally sacrifices clarity for momentum. I appreciated that it doesn’t just copy the film scene-for-scene either. There are added sequences and expanded future-war moments that give the game its own identity while remaining true to the core themes of fate and resistance.

Locked, Loaded, and Occasionally Frustrated

From a gameplay standpoint, Terminator 2D: NO FATE is exactly what it promises: a classic 2D shooter with arcade DNA. You move left to right, blast waves of enemies, and juggle a rotating arsenal of pistols, shotguns, automatic weapons, and futuristic tech pulled straight from the Terminator universe. Power-ups are scattered throughout levels, encouraging exploration and aggressive play.

When everything clicks, it feels great. Mowing down enemies as the T-800, soaking up damage, and laying waste with heavy weaponry delivers that T2 sci-fi fantasy I wanted. Playing as Sarah feels more tactical, forcing smarter positioning and timing. This variety helps keep the campaign engaging, even when level structures start to feel familiar.

Directional Aiming and Navigating Issues

In terms of gameplay, the biggest issue is the directional aiming. Shooting up, down and at an angle with precision can be awkward. I found this especially frustrating during hectic encounters where enemies attack from multiple elevations. There were moments where I felt like I lost a life not because I made a bad decision, but because the controls didn’t quite respond the way I expected. Vertical movement in particular feels slightly stiff, which can turn platform-heavy sections into frustrating slogs. Unfortunately, the mechanics didn’t always keep up with the action.

Gorgeous 16-Bit Carnage on Every Platform

Visually, Terminator 2D: NO FATE looks fantastic. The pixel art is stunning, detailed, and dripping with atmosphere. Whether I played on PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch 2, performance was rock solid. I genuinely couldn’t spot any meaningful differences between platforms. Frame rates were smooth, animations crisp, and load times minimal across the board.

The 16-bit-inspired art style doesn’t just feel nostalgic; it feels deliberate. Environments are packed with detail, from neon-lit future battlefields to grimy urban interiors. Enemy sprites are expressive and instantly recognizable, especially for fans of the franchise. The game successfully captures the feel of classic arcade shooters without looking cheap or outdated, this is retro done right.

Synths and Pure Fan Service

The audio design is another area where Terminator 2D: NO FATE absolutely shines. The soundtrack features synth-heavy remixes inspired by Brad Fiedel’s iconic score, and as a longtime fan, hearing those familiar themes reimagined in an arcade format genuinely gave me goosebumps. Most importantly, the audio feels like it belongs in the Terminator universe. It’s not just background noise; it’s part of the identity of the game. For fans like me, this level of care goes a long way.

Final Thoughts on Terminator 2D: NO FATE

Terminator 2D: NO FATE is a game clearly made by people who love Terminator 2 as much as I do. It understands the tone, respects the legacy, and delivers a stylish, fast-paced experience that feels tailor-made for fans. While the gameplay isn’t flawless and the storytelling can be a bit rushed, the overall package is still enjoyable.

I walked away feeling nostalgic, and occasionally annoyed, but satisfied. This is a game I’d happily revisit in short bursts, especially in Arcade Mode, and one I’d recommend to anyone who grew up loving T2. It may not redefine the genre, but it earns its place in the Terminator canon.

Terminator 2D: NO FATE – Pros

+Excellent pixel art and visual style

+Strong fan service and respectful use of the license

+Fantastic synth-heavy soundtrack

Terminator 2D: NO FATE Cons

-Awkward directional aiming

-Story pacing assumes prior knowledge of the film

-Some platforming sections feel stiff

Overall Assessment of Terminator 2D: NO FATE

Gameplay: 6/10

Graphics: 9/10

Sound: 8/10

Lasting Appeal / Replayability: 6/10

Overall Rating of Terminator 2D: NO FATE - 29/40 = 73%

The developer provided a copy of the game to conduct this review.

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About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina

Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!

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