The Terminator

About

The Terminator is a DOS shooter that translates the 1984 Arnold Schwarzenegger film into a side-scrolling action game. You play either human soldier Kyle Reese or the titular cyborg, fighting through post-apocalyptic wastelands and 80s Los Angeles. Gunplay mixes platforming and run-and-gun mechanics with pixelated explosions and basic AI enemies. The two distinct campaigns offer different objectives but similar core gameplay, duck, shoot, reload, repeat. A rudimentary plot mirrors the movie’s timeline, though the focus stays on rapid firefights and dodging metallic assassins. This relic of early 90s gaming leans hard into its source material’s brutality and simplicity. While graphics and controls feel dated by modern standards, fans of retro shooters appreciate its no-frills execution. The choice to play as hero or villain adds replay value, though both paths follow linear level designs. Community forums note it’s more of a tech curiosity than a masterpiece, but a solid time capsule for those nostalgic for Bethesda’s early work. The game’s cult status persists among fans who enjoyed its unapologetic 80s action vibe frozen in time.

Storyline

Loosely follows the events of the film.