Hey folks, I’m Mike Tucker, the design director and programmer at Bitmap Bureau. I’m really excited to share some big news with you on behalf of our team: “Terminator 2D: No Fate,” an officially licensed side-scrolling action extravaganza, is set to launch on September 5 for both PS5 and PS4!
Our team has poured its heart and soul into this project, working tirelessly to deliver fast-paced arcade gameplay and mesmerizing pixel art—elements that define the games we love. As our debut licensed game, we aimed to faithfully honor the legendary Terminator 2’s legacy.
To me, Terminator 2D: No Fate is a nostalgic nod to the thrilling arcade games of the ’80s and ’90s. I’ve always wanted to craft a T2 side-scroller that could have been a childhood classic. Players can dive into arcade-style missions featuring Sarah Connor, John Connor, and the T-800, reliving the epic events of Terminator 2: Judgment Day while exploring new storylines.
Let’s talk Sarah Connor. Our crew is full of die-hard fans of the movie, and Sarah is one of the greatest action icons ever. We wanted to capture that essence in her gameplay, making her agile and responsive, reflecting her intense training and constant vigilance. She’s formidable in close combat, with moves like a daring slide to take down foes, truly showcasing her bravery. We even gave her a laser sight, a nod to that unforgettable scene with Miles Dyson, which locks her in place but ramps up her attack damage significantly.
Now, onto John Connor. Creating the Future War levels where players control an adult John was genuinely thrilling. T2 only teases us with John’s leadership, so it was a blast to flesh out his backstory. His combat is more strategic, using a mix of mid-to-long-range attacks with a plasma rifle, pipe bombs, and multiple ammo types. While not as nimble as Sarah, John can execute a slick tactical roll to dodge enemy blows.
As for the T-800, this character is iconic, renowned for his strength and gravitas. We wanted to make sure his presence was felt in the game, showcasing his hefty, powerful movements, like his crushing shoulder barge. While he might be a bit slower, his resilience is unmatched, enduring a lot before buckling under pressure. We relished bringing memorable scenes to life, like the Corral bar skirmish and the intense motorcycle chase with the T-1000, all in a slick 2D format.
And who could forget the T-1000? This antagonist is one of the most memorable bad guys in movie history, and capturing Robert Patrick’s menacing performance was paramount. His signature, chilling stride and relentless pursuit had to translate into pixel art, which was no small feat. Our animators truly captured his menacing aura, giving players an experience that mirrors the on-screen tension when facing him.
For us, being part of a project linked to such an esteemed film has been incredibly rewarding. The characters from Terminator 2 are cinema legends, and we hope players experience as much enjoyment playing them as we did bringing them to life. Mark your calendars: “Terminator 2D: No Fate” arrives on PS5 and PS4 on September 5.
