Terminator 2D: No Fate

Did You Know?

• The game was originally scheduled for October 31, 2025, but was delayed due to global trade and tariff changes affecting component shipments for Day One and Collector's Editions.
• It was then set for November 25, 2025, but delayed again to complete physical editions.

Gameplay

The game begins by revisiting events of Terminator 2: Judgment Day as a 2D side-scrolling game. A feature called "No Fate" activates on subsequent playthroughs, allowing the player to make different choices that unlock new scenarios, secret levels, and remixed weapon loadouts. For example, during Sarah Connor's infiltration of Cyberdyne HQ, a player's choice can lead to fighting with a pistol and punches or going "guns blazing" with an assault rifle alongside the T-800's minigun.

Story

In 1994, Sarah Connor trains her son John for his future role as Resistance leader. Thieves raid their Texas training ground and kidnap John; after killing them, Sarah evacuates John to a safehouse and raids a Cyberdyne Systems lab in San Francisco, heavily damaging it. She sees the first prototype terminator, is arrested, and committed to Pescadero State Hospital. These events trigger a possible future where humanity wars with Skynet. In 1995, the T-1000 and a resistance-affiliated T-800 are sent to intercept John; John is rescued by the T-800, and they rescue Sarah. The story diverges into three paths based on two key decisions. In one path, events closely follow the film: Sarah arms explosives to destroy the L.A. Cyberdyne building, the Connors recover the 1984 Terminator's remains, Dyson is mortally wounded by L.A.P.D. S.W.A.T., the T-1000 is destroyed in the steel mill, and the T-800 sacrifices himself. The story ends with John destroying Skynet's security in 2029 and reprogramming a T-800 to protect his younger self. In another path, Sarah orders the T-800 to assassinate Dyson, is briefly arrested for murder, breaks out, arms explosives, but cannot retrieve the 1984 remains. After destroying the T-1000, John runs away in disgust, Judgment Day occurs, and by 2029 John is captured. An elderly Sarah frees him with the T-800's aid, volunteers to raid Skynet's Time Displacement Equipment facility, and both Connors reconcile while reprogramming the T-800 for the 1995 mission.

Reception

Critics have praised the game's trailer as a "love letter" to the Terminator series. Giant Bomb's Dan Ryckert rated it two and a half stars out of five, commending the fan service and variety of play styles but faulting its short length given the price. Eurogamer called it a stylish, nostalgic action platformer that's enjoyable yet very brief. IGN's Luke Reilly described it as a "wonderfully realized tribute" with perfect music, exquisite pixel art, and clever Easter eggs, while also noting its short runtime. The Guardian's Rick Lane thought the film-based sections felt restrictive and less fun, but found the original levels more engaging.