The Machine War: A History of Terminator Games

The Terminator franchise has seen almost as many video game adaptations as it has time travel plot holes. From the punishingly difficult 8-bit era to the polished modern shooters, the road has been bumpy.

The 8-Bit Struggles

The original NES game is legendary for all the wrong reasons. Developed by Bethesda (yes, that Bethesda), it was notoriously difficult and confusing. Players were dropped into a map with little instruction and swarmed by enemies. It captured the bleakness of the future war, but perhaps too well.

The Arcade Glory Days

Terminator 2: Judgment Day - The Arcade Game changed everything. This on-rails light gun shooter was a staple in arcades throughout the 90s. Who can forget grabbing that mounted gun and blasting T-800s alongside a friend? It was fast, loud, and incredibly fun.

The Modern Renaissance

For years, Terminator games were mediocre movie tie-ins. Then came Terminator: Resistance. Developed by Teyon, it was a love letter to the first two films. It wasn't a AAA blockbuster, but it had heart. It nailed the atmosphere, the music, and the plasma weapons.

The Fan Community

Interestingly, some of the best Terminator experiences today come from the fan community. Passionate developers are creating games that big studios wouldn't dare to make. One such project is the impressive "Terminator 2D", which reimagines the franchise as a side-scrolling action platformer.