Hello everyone, I’m Mike Tucker, the design director and programmer over at Bitmap Bureau. Our team is absolutely buzzing to announce that Terminator 2D: No Fate, our officially licensed 2D action side-scroller, is set to drop on September 5th for both PS5 and PS4!
We’ve put all our energy and creativity into this project, channeling what we love about pulse-pounding arcade gameplay and captivating pixel art. With this being our first licensed game, our goal was to pay proper homage to the iconic legacy of Terminator 2.
I personally see Terminator 2D: No Fate as a heartfelt homage to those killer arcade games from the ’80s and ’90s. My aim was to deliver the T2 side-scroller we all wished we had during those early days. Players can step into the shoes of Sarah Connor, John Connor, and the T-800 through thrilling arcade-style missions that not only bring the Terminator 2: Judgment Day story to life but also expand its epic tale.
Speaking of Sarah Connor, she’s always been a favorite of ours, a bona fide legendary action hero. Playing as her had to be something special, so we dedicated ourselves to capturing her essence in gameplay. Sarah is designed to be quick on her feet, responsive, and an expert in hand-to-hand combat. Her moves are a reflection of her steadfast resolve and extensive training. She even comes equipped with a laser sight, inspired by the unforgettable Miles Dyson scene. This feature locks players in place but delivers a substantial power boost.
The development process was particularly exciting when it came to creating the Future War missions starring John Connor. An adult John takes charge as the Resistance leader—a glimpse we only got in the original T2, but now we’ve had the chance to dive deeper into his narrative. His gameplay is all about strategic engagements from a distance, wielding a plasma rifle, pipe bombs, and various ammo types. While he might not be as nimble as Sarah, John is armed with a tactical roll to dodge incoming threats.
Moving on to the T-800, it’s hard to match the cinematic presence this character brings. To underscore his raw power, we designed him with deliberate, heavy movements. His explosive shoulder barge is particularly noteworthy. Although he’s not the fastest, the T-800 is built to endure plenty of hits. Crafting his sequences was a real thrill, especially when recreating iconic scenes like the Corral bar brawl and that unforgettable motorcycle escape from the T-1000.
When talking about legendary villains, the T-1000 can’t be overlooked. Robert Patrick’s chilling performance—the menacing pace and relentless speed—was something we felt compelled to capture. Bringing his shape-shifting liquid metal skills into the pixel art realm was a tough task, but our animators nailed it. When you face him in-game, you’ll definitely feel the intensity.
This project has been an incredible privilege. Connecting such an adored film with a new medium is no small feat, and we’ve poured our hearts into it. We hope you enjoy exploring these characters as much as we enjoyed giving them new life.
Mark your calendars for September 5th when Terminator 2D: No Fate arrives on PS5 and PS4.
