Terminator 2: Judgment Day is more than just a classic film, it’s a cultural landmark. Translating something so iconic into a video game is no small task, especially when expectations are sky-high. For this review, Anime0t4ku and Batty teamed up to experience Terminator 2D: No Fate, each bringing their own perspective as long-time fans of the franchise, with Anime0t4ku playing the Nintendo Switch version and Batty playing the Steam version.
Visual Presentation and Atmosphere
Anime0t4ku’s perspective:
From the opening moments, Terminator 2D: No Fate makes a strong impression. The pixel art is exceptionally detailed, blending modern techniques with a clear 16-bit influence. Character sprites are expressive, animations are fluid, and the environments do a great job of evoking the look and feel of the movie. Whether recreating iconic locations or depicting the bleak future war, the game consistently captures the Terminator atmosphere.
The game also includes an optional CRT filter to enhance the retro presentation. While it is a nice addition and does not look bad by any means, it feels fairly basic. More options or variations would have been welcome, as the current implementation does not quite reach the level of the best CRT filters seen in other retro-styled releases.
Batty’s perspective:
The pixel art in this game, for cutscenes, the game intro, and more, is very well done. I am not sure what techniques were used, perhaps drawing over movie frame stills for some of this artwork. Nonetheless, the presentation is 100 percent spot-on, and that goes for the backgrounds, bosses, and character sprites as well. The level of violence on display is certainly “Rated R,” like the movie, but pushed a bit further. Blood is plentiful and detailed, and the game does not shy away from certain taboos, such as shooting guard dogs.
It is very clear that developer Bitmap Bureau (Final Vendetta, Xeno Crisis) knew the assignment and took extra care to make everything as visually faithful as possible. Art Director and pixel artist Henk Nieborg has really outdone himself here.
Gameplay and Combat
Anime0t4ku’s perspective:
Gameplay strikes a solid balance between fast-paced action and more deliberate, tense encounters. Combat has a satisfying weight to it, encouraging players to stay alert rather than rush forward blindly. I really like how the gameplay evolves from level to level, with the story mode naturally shifting between on-foot action, vehicle-focused sections, close-quarters combat, more shooting-heavy future war scenarios, and even moments that emphasize stealth. These quieter sections add tension and variety, breaking up the action in a way that feels purposeful rather than gimmicky. Enemy placement keeps the pressure high, and boss encounters are framed in a cinematic way that reinforces the game’s connection to its source material.
Batty’s perspective:
Gameplay-wise, I found the game to be very solid. Controls are responsive and snappy on the Steam/PC release, and each character plays a little differently. All levels are very well designed, with some offering entirely different gameplay styles, such as vehicle sections or basic beat ’em up sequences. However, most of the game focuses on action, platforming, and shooting.
These sequences borrow heavily from The Terminator on Sega CD, Robocop vs. Terminator on Mega Drive/Genesis, Contra, Elevator Action Returns, and Sunset Riders, with a dash of modern sensibilities. The result is extremely pleasing, smooth character movement, tight jumping and platforming controls, eight-way directional shooting, and excellent weapon power-ups in the future sequences, including spread shots, homing fire, and grenades.
Story Direction and Alternate Routes
Anime0t4ku’s perspective:
Rather than simply retelling Judgment Day scene by scene, No Fate takes a more interesting approach. The core story remains respectful to the film, but the game introduces alternate paths that explore new ideas without undermining the original narrative. These deviations feel purposeful and clearly designed to expand the Terminator universe rather than rewrite it.
Batty’s perspective:
Similar to Anime0t4ku, I found the alternate paths and story sequence additions to be beneficial and faithful to the feel of the first two movies. A good example is the sequence where future John Connor, properly rendered to resemble his T2: Judgment Day actor, speaks with a shadowed Kyle Reese about traveling back in time to protect Sarah Connor while reprogramming the T-800, Model 101.
Personal Experiences
Anime0t4ku’s perspective:
Terminator 2 is my favorite movie of all time, so I went into Terminator 2D: No Fate with very high expectations. Visually, the game completely delivers. It looks amazing and immediately feels like T2 brought to life in pixel form. What impressed me most is how well the game understands the movie. All the right elements are there, from tone to pacing, without feeling like a checklist of references.
The alternate story route was a genuine highlight for me. Instead of feeling forced or unnecessary, it felt refreshing and thoughtfully implemented. I also really appreciated how the game expanded on the future war. These added story elements provided more context and depth without compromising the story of the movie itself. It felt less like a reinterpretation and more like an extension of a world I already love.
Batty’s perspective:
I am a bigger fan of the original The Terminator, but I consider T2 to be an excellent road trip and action movie hybrid, and easily my second favorite film in the franchise. My expectations for this game were high as well, as I spend most of my gaming time playing classics on MiSTer FPGA or faithful modern retro titles on PC. I played the game on Steam/PC in Story Mode on the default “No Problemo” difficulty for this article.
Sound and Music
Anime0t4ku’s perspective:
The sound design is another area where Terminator 2D: No Fate shines. While the game features music inspired directly by the movie, it does not rely on those tracks alone. Alongside familiar themes, players are treated to remixed versions of iconic cues as well as entirely original compositions created specifically for the game. This mix keeps the experience feeling authentic without becoming repetitive or overly reliant on nostalgia.
Sound effects are equally strong, with weapons, machines, and explosions carrying a satisfying sense of weight. Combined with the varied soundtrack, the audio design elevates the tension and atmosphere, reinforcing the feeling that this is both a respectful adaptation of T2 and a game with its own identity.
Batty’s perspective:
Aurally, this game is exceptional. Composer Lee Mintram (Featurecast) has clearly done his homework, and the compositions on display are extremely faithful to Brad Fiedel’s original T2 score, with a healthy pinch of Tommy Tallarico’s musical flair from the Sega CD Terminator game. Sound effects are punchy and very well balanced. Gunshots crack sharply, and explosions sit correctly in the deeper bass ranges of the audio spectrum.
Final Thoughts
Anime0t4ku’s perspective:
Terminator 2D: No Fate succeeds because it treats its source material with respect. It understands why Terminator 2 is such a cornerstone of the franchise and builds upon that foundation rather than relying on nostalgia alone. With strong visuals, thoughtful storytelling choices, and engaging gameplay, it stands out as one of the rare movie-based games that truly gets it right.
Anime0t4ku’s Score : 9.5/10
Batty’s perspective:
Bitmap Bureau has really outdone themselves with this game and the license. Terminator 2D: No Fate is clearly a passion project, made with an incredible amount of love and care. It feels like the T2 console game we always wanted but never got. In many ways, it feels like an excellent Sega CD Terminator 2 game that only existed in the best possible timeline, far better than the canceled Genesis/Mega Drive version ever could have been, and that is the highest praise I can give.
Batty’s Score: 8.5/10
Terminator 2D: No Fate is available now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
So this seems definitely one to play!
Graphically this one really hits it with me, modern pixelly games are a big big plus.