Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Terminator delivers classic side-scrolling action that will feel immediately familiar to fans of 8- and 16-bit era platformers. You take on the role of Kyle Reese, navigating a series of post-apocalyptic future stages before making your way to 1984 Los Angeles. Each stage challenges you with a mix of precise platforming and relentless shooting segments. Enemy placements demand quick reflexes, whether you’re dodging incoming gunfire or leaping across crumbling walkways.

Interwoven between the foot-based levels are high-octane car chase sequences, where you must outrun the Terminator’s relentless pursuit. These sections introduce a welcome change of pace: you control a speeding vehicle, dodging obstacles and returning fire to slow your mechanical nemesis. While some players may find the vehicle controls a bit stiff, the tension of being hunted keeps each chase exciting.

Controls are generally responsive, with separate buttons for jumping, shooting, and ducking. However, the difficulty curve can spike unexpectedly—especially in later stages where enemies swarm in greater numbers and timed jumps become more demanding. Despite occasional frustration, the challenge encourages mastery and rewards persistence, making each cleared level feel like a genuine accomplishment.

Graphics

The Terminator’s visuals capture the gritty essence of its source material, using a muted color palette that underscores the bleak future and sun-baked streets of 1984 Los Angeles. The pixel art for enemies and environments is well-defined, with the Terminator itself rendered as an imposing silhouette that looms over background cityscapes. You’ll notice details like flickering neon signs and crumbling concrete pillars that help paint a world on the brink of destruction.

Backgrounds transition smoothly between the desolate, war-torn future and the more recognizable city streets of the past. Future levels feature barren landscapes dotted with skeletal machinery, while L.A. stages showcase police stations, factories, and suburban homes. This visual variety keeps each stage feeling distinct, even as the core gameplay remains constant.

Animations are surprisingly fluid for the era, from Kyle Reese’s running and shooting motions to the Terminator’s mechanical head-turning during chase sequences. Explosions, muzzle flashes, and other effects are simple but effective, adding moments of visual spectacle without overtaxing the hardware. Overall, the graphics strike a good balance between atmosphere and clarity, ensuring you always know where to land and which enemies to prioritize.

Story

The Terminator game adheres closely to the plot beats of the 1984 film, beginning with Kyle Reese’s desperate mission in a post-apocalyptic future and culminating in the showdown at the Cyberdyne factory. Each level represents a key plot point: locating Sarah Connor, surviving the police station shootout, and finally confronting the unstoppable Terminator. While the game doesn’t feature extensive dialogue or voiceovers, the narrative is conveyed through brief inter-level text sequences that set the scene.

These story snippets are concise but effective, giving context to your objectives and reminding players of the film’s stakes. Fans will appreciate familiar lines and scenario setups, while newcomers can still follow along with the straightforward, action-driven plot. The lack of cinematic cutscenes may disappoint those hoping for a more immersive retelling, but the game compensates by focusing on tight, goal-oriented level design.

Although the story is linear, occasional branching paths in certain levels encourage exploration. You might discover a hidden doorway leading to extra health packs or an alternate route that skips a group of enemies. These small surprises add replay value and deepen your connection to the world, making you feel more invested in Kyle Reese’s quest to save humanity’s future.

Overall Experience

The Terminator offers a nostalgic trip for retro gamers and movie fans alike. Its blend of challenging platform action, thrilling car chases, and faithful adaptation of the film’s narrative makes for an engaging package. While its difficulty may deter casual players, those who enjoy mastering patterns and overcoming tough bosses will find plenty to like.

The game’s pacing strikes a good balance between adrenaline-pumping sequences and brief moments to catch your breath. Sound effects are punchy, with gunfire and explosions providing satisfying feedback, though the musical score is minimal. This sparse audio approach actually works in the game’s favor, heightening the tension during chase scenes and giving the Terminator’s footsteps that much more impact.

In the end, The Terminator stands out as a solid example of licensed gaming from its era. It isn’t flawless—some control quirks and difficulty spikes are hard to ignore—but its faithful storytelling and varied level design make it a memorable experience. If you’re looking for an action-packed platformer with a cinematic pedigree, Kyle Reese’s fight against Skynet’s ultimate assassin is well worth your time.

Retro Replay Score

5.2/10