New Terminator-based retro-action game launches on Steam after 3 delays, alongside a 10% launch discount and promising reviews

Terminator 2D: No Fate has finally hit Steam on December 12, 2025, putting an end to a bumpy road marked by three delays from its original September launch window. Bitmap Bureau's pixel-art tribute to Terminator 2: Judgment Day is packed with arcade-style action across platforms, with Reef Entertainment handling publishing duties. Priced at $30 ($27 with a 10% launch discount), the game recreates multiple iconic movie moments in short, intense levels.​

The project announced in early 2025 was initially targeting a September 5 release on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox, Switch, and Steam. However, developers soon pushed it to October 31 for extra polishing, a day-one patch, and physical copy production amid supply hurdles. Then, a second delay to November 26 followed, which was because of global trade disruptions that affected manufacturing. The final adjustment to December 12 was to make sure that digital and physical drops are synchronized, as Bitmap Bureau stated they were "almost there" despite fan impatience.

Core gameplay is very reminiscent of Contra and Metal Slug in a side-scrolling run-and-gun format. Players switch between Sarah Connor, John Connor, and the T-800 across linear stages from the movies - like the nightclub shootout, steel mill chase etc. Each level caps at about three minutes. Players get to play with 8-directional shooting, sliding dodges, grenades, melee punches, and vehicles. The 16-bit visuals are backed by a synth-heavy soundtrack. There are hidden collectibles and traps as well.

As per fresh Steam reviews, controls are smooth. On top of that, the game is Steam Deck (curr. $840 for the 1TB/OLED variant) verified. Critics like Eurogamer call it "brief but beautiful," with special praise for its tight action despite the one-hour easy-mode clear time. Understandably so, gripes center on brevity and its somewhat high cost. Switch and console reviews are also pretty similar. Regardless, Terminator 2D: No Fate looks to be a pretty nostalgic $20-30 filler for Terminator fans. You can check the Steam store page for the game here.