Hello gaming community! I’m Mike Tucker, the design director and programmer over at Bitmap Bureau. We’re buzzing with excitement as we announce our latest project, Terminator 2D: No Fate, an officially licensed 2D action side-scroller set to hit PS5 and PS4 on September 5!
Our team has poured every ounce of passion into this game, combining heart-pounding arcade gameplay with captivating pixel art—the kind of elements that make us fall in love with gaming. This is our debut into the world of licensed games, and we wanted to ensure we honored the iconic legacy of Terminator 2.
Imagine this game as a heartfelt tribute to the epic arcade games of the ’80s and ’90s. It’s the kind of T2 side-scroller many of us dreamt of playing back in the day. In this thrilling experience, you’ll step into the shoes of Sarah Connor, John Connor, and the T-800, battling through arcade-style missions that weave through and expand the story of Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
Focusing first on Sarah Connor, we’ve always been in awe of her as an action hero, so it felt essential to do justice to her character in our game. We captured her agility and paranoia through reactive, melee-driven gameplay. Sarah can slide right into her enemies to launch direct attacks, a nod to her fearless nature. And for a touch of nostalgia, her laser sight, reminiscent of the iconic Miles Dyson moment, freezes her in place but ups her damage output significantly.
Next up, let’s talk John Connor. Designing the Future War missions with him at the helm of the Resistance was an exhilarating task. Although T2 only gives us glimpses of his leadership, we had a blast fleshing out his role. With an emphasis on strategic combat, John’s gameplay offers a mix of mid-to-long-range options, including a plasma rifle and pipe bombs. While he’s less agile than Sarah, he’s got a nifty tactical roll to shake off incoming threats.
Now, onto one of cinema’s powerhouses—the T-800. We’ve captured his formidable presence by emphasizing his deliberate movements, showcasing his immense strength through acts like a powerful shoulder barge. While not as quick, his toughness means he can take quite a beating before conceding defeat. Bringing iconic scenes to life, like his bar brawl and the thrilling motorcycle chase with the T-1000, was an absolute joy.
And who could forget the T-1000? One of the silver screen’s most legendary villains, Robert Patrick’s chilling portrayal was a key inspiration. His haunting, deliberate walk and relentless pursuit were elements we diligently recreated. Infusing his liquid metal powers into vibrant pixel art was a daunting task, yet our animators exceeded expectations, ensuring every encounter with him is nothing short of intense.
Working on a project tied to such a revered film feels like a privilege. The characters of Terminator 2 hold a special place in cinematic history, and we’ve strived to capture that magic, hoping players will feel the same excitement we did while creating this experience.
So, mark your calendars—Terminator 2D: No Fate is launching on PS5 and PS4 this September 5. We can’t wait for you to dive in!