Hello everyone! I’m Mike Tucker, and I’m both the design director and programmer over at Bitmap Bureau. Today, I’m beyond excited to share some big news from our team: Terminator 2D: No Fate, an officially licensed 2D action side-scroller, is set to launch on September 5 for both PS5 and PS4!
We at Bitmap Bureau are passionate about what we do, and we’ve dedicated ourselves to creating a game that features adrenaline-pumping arcade gameplay paired with visually stunning pixel art—elements that truly make gaming special for us. With this being our first licensed title, we aimed to honor the legacy of Terminator 2 in every way possible.
When developing Terminator 2D: No Fate, we wanted to pay homage to the arcade classics of the ’80s and ’90s. Our aim was to craft the side-scrolling T2 adventure that we always wished we had growing up. In this game, players take on the roles of Sarah Connor, John Connor, and the T-800 across various exciting arcade-style missions. These missions not only retell the tale of Terminator 2: Judgment Day but also expand on its iconic storyline.
Now, let’s talk about Sarah Connor. As huge fans of the original film, our team was particularly keen on bringing Sarah Connor to life as one of the all-time great action heroes. We put a lot of effort into ensuring her gameplay feels both authentic and thrilling. Sarah is quick and intuitive, reflecting her intense training and ever-present paranoia. Her close-combat skills shine as she fearlessly dives into enemies, and her laser sight—an homage to the memorable Miles Dyson scene—locks players in place while delivering enhanced damage.
When developing the Future War missions, we expanded the story of John Connor, now leading the Resistance. This part of the game really allowed us to flex our creative muscles, taking the scant glimpses of John’s leadership in T2 and building on them. His gameplay focuses on strategic combat from mid-to-long ranges, wielding a plasma rifle, pipe bombs, and featuring three types of ammunition. While he may lack Sarah’s agility, he makes up for it with a tactical roll that helps him evade danger.
Then there’s the T-800, whose on-screen presence is legendary. In our game, we made sure that his movements echo his weight and power, such as through his formidable shoulder bashes. While he’s not the fastest, his durability more than makes up for it, allowing him to land heavy damage before being taken down. Creating his sections was a dream—iconic moments like the bar brawl and the motorcycle chase from the T-1000 have been seamlessly integrated into our 2D arcade style.
Speaking of iconic characters, we couldn’t forget the T-1000. As one of cinema’s notorious villains, capturing the essence of Robert Patrick’s chilling performance was key. Our animators faced the challenge of bringing his fluid metal abilities to life through pixel art, and they nailed it. Players will certainly feel the tension when facing off against this relentless foe.
It’s truly an honor to be connected to a film held in such high regard. Terminator 2’s characters are cinematic legends, and we hope players will enjoy stepping into their shoes as much as we’ve loved creating them.
Don’t forget—Terminator 2D: No Fate arrives on PS5 and PS4 this September 5. Get ready for some unforgettable gaming!
