Terminator 2D: NO FATE – Everything You Need to Know

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While the iconic film Terminator 2: Judgment Day brought futuristic cyborgs to life, Terminator 2D: NO FATE takes a different approach, grounding its action firmly in the 1990s with a modern arcade feel. The game uses detailed pixel art to capture the intensity, story, and explosive moments of T2, creating a visually striking experience that’s also a loving tribute to the original. So, get ready – here are 15 things you should know before you start playing!

Three Iconic Characters

In NO FATE, you’ll alternate playing as Sarah Connor and the T-800 as they fight the dangerous T-1000 and try to prevent Cyberdyne from destroying humanity. The game also features a thrilling campaign set in the future, where you lead John Connor and the Resistance in a desperate war against the Machines.

Memorable Scenes and Setpieces

As a huge Terminator 2 fan, I was blown away by Terminator 2D: NO FATE! The game really throws you right into the movie with fifteen action-packed levels. They recreated all the iconic scenes – everything from Arnold’s fight to that incredible chase with the T-1000 involving a tow truck and a helicopter. And the final showdown at the steel mill? Just as intense as I remember! Studio Bitmap Bureau totally nailed the feeling of desperation and constant pressure that makes T2 so thrilling, as you’re always fighting to hold back the T-1000’s relentless attacks.

Future War Levels Tell Untold Story

The fight between John Connor and Skynet’s robots happens in a futuristic world. While Terminator 2 showed glimpses of the war fought by the Resistance, it remained largely unseen. NO FATE plunges you directly into that conflict with original missions. The game expands on the established Terminator story, exploring new and previously untold aspects of the lore, moving beyond simple references to the films.

NO FATE’s Story Follows the Movie

Even if you ignore the potential for future sequels, Terminator 2D: NO FATE closely follows the plot of the original movie. However, it’s not a simple recreation. The game features multiple endings that change based on your choices and how you play. These different conclusions don’t alter the established story, but are meant to encourage replayability. It will be interesting to see how far Bitmap Bureau takes these alternate endings – will they just offer different ways to escape, or will the final battles with the T-1000 unfold in new ways? Perhaps your actions could even change the ultimate fate of humanity.

Gameplay Brings Variety

Bitmap Bureau cleverly uses the movie’s story to create distinct gameplay for each level. The T-800’s fight in the Corral feels like a classic beat ’em up, Sarah Connor’s escape from the hospital focuses on stealth, and John Connor’s battles in the Future War combine fast-paced shooting with precise platforming. Car chases involve both driving and shooting, and boss fights require good timing and learning enemy patterns. This isn’t just about variety – by blending different game styles, NO FATE genuinely captures the feel of T2’s most memorable scenes, successfully turning the movie’s action into sharp, pixelated gameplay.

Multiple Enemy Types

NO FATE features a surprisingly large number of enemies, including rowdy punks, security personnel, police officers, various machines, and the relentless T-1000, whose shape-shifting abilities and liquid metal blades will keep you on edge. As John fights through a post-apocalyptic future, he’ll face classic T-800s like the one made famous by Arnold Schwarzenegger, flying Skynet drones, and the massive, four-legged HK Centurion Hunter Killer – a huge robot inspired by early 90s designs and never before seen in the films.

Each Character Brings Distinct Playstyles

In NO FATE, each of the three playable characters offers a distinctly different gameplay experience, not just a cosmetic change. Playing as the T-800 focuses on strength with weapons like heavy machine guns and powerful charges. Sarah and John, on the other hand, are quick and agile, utilizing sliding, rolling, grappling, and pipe bombs. Sarah excels in close-quarters combat, while John prefers to fight from a distance. Compared to the Terminator, both Sarah and John have more complex moves that require fast reactions and strategic thinking rather than just raw power.

Levels Hide Secrets

NO FATE is a side-scrolling game where exploring pays off. While resources are limited, you can find hidden weapons, useful items, secret paths, and checkpoints. These extras will help you stay alive, avoid enemies, and complete each level.

Classic Arcade Style is the Game’s Story Mode

NO FATE’s core gameplay is a fast-paced, arcade-style experience, reminiscent of classic coin-op games. Each level challenges you to achieve a high score by completing specific objectives – like stealthily eliminating enemies or going in with explosive force. The story unfolds through captivating cutscenes shown between levels, giving you a complete and engaging narrative.

Customisations Tailor the Experience

As a fan, I’m really excited about how customizable NO FATE is! You can play it however you want, whether you’re up for a super tough, old-school challenge or something a little more relaxed. There are tons of difficulty options, and you can even tweak the controls to make it feel like a classic arcade game. Plus, they’ve included a cool CRT filter that makes the game look like you’re playing it on an old TV – it really adds to the retro vibe!

Difficulty Modes are More Than Easter Egg Namesakes

The difficulty levels in NO FATE – Easy Money, No Problemo, and Hasta La Vista – playfully reference iconic lines from the Terminator movies, but offer more than just a fun nod to the past. Easy Money is perfect for new players, offering unlimited time and continues so they can enjoy the story without getting frustrated. No Problemo and Hasta La Vista recreate the feel of classic arcade games, increasing the challenge with tougher obstacles, smaller targeting areas, brief invincibility periods, and stricter time limits – demanding skill and focus. For those seeking a truly grueling experience, the Judgment Day difficulty unlocks after completing one of the game’s side modes.

More Game Modes Mix Up The Action

Arcade Mode plays like Story Mode, but without the cutscenes, and remixes levels to focus on achieving high scores. Boss Rush Mode is exactly what it sounds like – a series of back-to-back boss fights. Infinite Mode challenges you to survive against endless waves of enemies. Level Training lets you replay individual levels to improve your skills or practice completing them quickly. For speedrunners, Mother of the Future is a collection of Sarah’s stealth missions, and completing this mode unlocks the extremely difficult Judgment Day difficulty setting.

Cheats Menu

Here’s a fun challenge: if you beat the game NO FATE on the hardest setting, you’ll unlock a collection of cheat codes. While we don’t know exactly what they’ll be, we anticipate things like unlimited ammo, extra lives, and automatic firing will become available.

Soundtrack Respects Original Score

The iconic score from Terminator 2, originally composed by Brad Fiedel, is brilliantly reimagined here. Dice Ryu Sykes takes the familiar themes and sounds from the movie and transforms them into a powerful blend of orchestral and industrial music. It’s energetic music, ideal for intense gaming sessions or just enjoying at home.

Release Date, Platforms, and Physical Editions

After several postponements, Terminator 2D: NO FATE is now available worldwide! You can play it on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC through Steam. The game comes in three physical editions you can pre-order: the Day One Edition, the Collector’s Edition, and an Online Exclusive Edition sold only at Reef Entertainment’s online store. Different editions include extras like reversible covers, posters, tokens, and special steelbook cases.

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2025-12-12 20:13