Terminator video games
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The Terminator is a 1984 science fiction action film and was followed by two sequels. The three films feature the concept of a "terminator", specifically the titular character, virtually unstoppable cyborg assassins who are sent back from the year 2029 by a race of artificially intelligent computer-controlled machines bent on the extermination of mankind. The Terminator's mission is to prevent Sarah Connor's son from forming a resistance against the machines. The first film became a pop culture phenomenon leading to various computer and video games. The games are either based directly on the movies or are heavily involved in the film's Expanded Universe.
[edit] The Terminator (DOS)
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A DOS computer Action-adventure game based on the first movie. Developed and published by Bethesda Softworks in 1990, it was the first officially licensed game based on the Terminator film series.
This game was written in 100% assembly and takes up more than 35000 lines. The game contains approximately 20000 3D objects. It was developed using Turbo Assembler and Turbo Debugger with all debugging being done remotely. It was created on a variety of 286 and 386 computers. All graphics were created on IBMs and Amigas using DPIII and DA. More than 700 frames of animations were created. The delta mode compression yielded a 100 to 1 ratio.
You take on the role of Kyle Reese and protect Sarah Connor from the cyborg sent back in time to kill her, or become the Terminator and eliminate Kyle and Sarah. Either way, the player chases his opponent through Los Angeles buying or stealing weapons and equipment while attempting to eliminate his enemy and avoid the police.
The game takes place within a huge (roughly 10 miles by 6 miles) 3-D rendered area of central Los Angeles. The game area runs roughly from Beverly Drive to Central Ave (lengthwise), and from Mulholland Drive to National Blvd (vertically). A game map is included in the box for reference. Though the buildings and their placement within the world is generic, and highways/overpasses have been removed, the streets and their layout are largely accurate. The game also includes some landmarks, such as Dodger Stadium, Griffith Park, and the Silver Lake Reservoir.[1]
[edit] The Terminator (1992 video game)
A video game first released in 1992 based on the popular 1984 film of the same name. It was coded by Probe Software. The Sega CD version was released by Virgin Software and was noted for its musical score by Tommy Tallarico, Bijan Shaheer, Joey Kuras and TeknoMan. This music is generated in Q Sound. The objective is identical to the movie, which involves future soldier Kyle Reese going through the Time Displacement equipment located inside a Skynet base in the year 2029 A.D. to go back in time to Los Angeles 1984 to protect Sarah Connor from the Terminator.
The Terminator is an action shooter game. The main character, Kyle Reese, traverses through levels that closely parallel the movies environment. In all levels, the main character has a jump and has various weapons throughout the game. The first level takes place in the future and the main character has hand grenades, timed bombs, and a machine gun as weapon choices. The later levels take place in modern settings and the primary weapon is a shotgun only. The final level takes place inside the Cyberdyne factory, where you battle the Terminator alone. The objective of this level is to lead the Terminator into a compactor which destroys him.
The game was ported to all the Sega video game consoles available at the time. The Sega CD release was an entirely revamped game which had all-new levels, art and music.
[edit] The Terminator 2029
A DOS action-adventure game developed and published by Bethesda Softworks in 1992. Based on the film series the player assumes the role of a member of John Connor's Special Operations Group. The objective of the game is to destroy Skynet. Although the game is played from a first-person perspective, gameplay is restricted to four directions as turning spins the player around by 90 degrees.
The Deluxe CD Edition of The Terminator 2029 includes the original game along with the Operation Scour expansion pack, giving a total of 34 missions. This edition also includes 330MB of additional mission briefings and character speech, as well as featuring new gameplay music.
[edit] The Terminator (SNES)
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A Side-scrolling, shooter developed by Gray Matter and published by Mindscape in 1993 for the Super NES.
[edit] RoboCop versus The Terminator
Also known as Robocop Vs. Terminator and Robocop Vs. the Terminator is a video game released for a number of platforms and based on the RoboCop and Terminator franchises.
In the future, human soldiers of John Connor's resistance force against the machines are fighting a losing war against Skynet and its robot forces. Discovering that one of the foundation technologies for Skynet is the cybernetics technology used in the creation of cyborg police officer RoboCop, Flo, a resistance soldier, is sent back in time to destroy RoboCop and stop Skynet from being built. However Skynet learns of the time travel attempt and sends Terminators to stop Flo.
In the game, the player controls RoboCop, who may move across the screen, jump, fire and exchange weapons. RoboCop starts with the Auto-9 which has unlimited ammunition. Other weapons may be more powerful and carry unlimited ammunition as well. Beginning the game on a mission of law enforcement, RoboCop soon meets up with Flo and must engage in battle against Terminators, the forces of OCP and several obstacles. Upon discovering one of the Terminators has infiltrated the OCP building, RoboCop plugs himself into a console to reprogram the security, only to fall into a trap and be digitized. After his body is disassembled and used for building Skynet, RoboCop watches Skynet come to power before using his digitized mind to seize control of an abandoned robotics factory, rebuild himself, and begin to destroy Skynet in the future.
[edit] The Terminator: Rampage
A DOS based first-person shooter developed and published by Bethesda Softworks in 1993. The game originally appeared on 3.5" floppy and later on CD-ROM. The gameplay is similar to Wolfenstein 3D, although it also features some elements of a dungeon crawl.
The premise behind the game is that Skynet has sent a computer core containing its core programming into the past, shortly before its ultimate defeat at the hands of John Conner's rebellion. The computer core (known as the Meta-Node) arrives at Cyberdyne Systems headquarters, and proceeds to take over the building and begin manufacturing an army of terminator robots. Players take the role of a rebel commando sent into the past by John Conner to destroy the Skynet computer core and eliminate the threat of Skynet once and for all. To do so, players must explore the various floors of the Cyberdyne building, fighting off Skynet robots while assembling the pieces of a prototype plasma rifle, the only weapon capable of harming the computer core.
The game's levels are grid-based 3D mazes, similar in design to Wolfenstein 3D. Players explore each level searching for the stairs lead up to the next level, with the game's final boss (the Skynet computer core) located at the top of the building. The game contains dungeon crawl elements, as the nature of the game's maze-like levels will sometimes require players to back-track between levels in order to access previously inaccessible areas of a level. Exploration of the game's levels is required to finish the game, as the player must collect and assemble various scattered pieces of a plasma rifle, which is the only weapon capable of harming the game's final boss.
[edit] The Terminator: Future Shock
A first-person shooter computer game, based in the fictional Terminator universe. It was released by Bethesda Softworks in 1995. It was one of the first computer games to use full 3D graphics and totally free mouse-look in a FPS game [2]. The mouse-look allows players to aim at and continually shoot the moon in the sky on the levels that take place outside. The game will display the word 'ow!' in red a few times, then the moon will fall from the sky.
Along with the usual information and credits, the game manual comes with many illustrations, including an artist's image of the game design team dressed corresponding to some of their personality traits and pet projects, such as designer Robert Stoll sporting his prototype railgun.
Future Shock is played in the first person perspective at all times. Each level in the game requires the player to solve a number of objectives before continuing to the next level, while fighting enemy robots with a wide variety of guns and grenades. Another obstacle in each level is the harsh terrain, as many areas contain too much radiation for the player character to remain alive. The terrain is navigated in three ways, 'on foot', in a jeep with a mounted cannon, or in a HK fighter (an aerial combat robot).
Future Shock had no multiplayer component. A multiplayer feature was finally available in the sequel, The Terminator: SkyNET, which featured a deathmatch mode.
In The Terminator: Future Shock, one plays a human who escapes entrapment by the Terminators. After escaping hostile enemy territory in the first mission, the player meets with John Connor, the leader of the resistance. From that point on, one plays as a resistance fighter. The setting is Los Angeles in the year 2015. SkyNet's uprising in 1990 has left most of humanity dead, with control in SkyNet's hands. All around is death and decay, scattered with remnants of a past society shattered.
[edit] SkyNET
A DOS FPS action game designed by Todd Howard, Morton Mørup and John Pearson. It was developed and published by Bethesda Softworks using XnGine and released in 1996. Known as The Terminator: SkyNET in Europe, is based on the Terminator film series. It was originally an expansion, and became the sequel to The Terminator: Future Shock, also developed by Bethesda Softworks.
SkyNET is played in the first person perspective at all times, and was one of the first FPS games to use the now standard control setup with the keyboard controlling movement while the mouse controls the direction in which the player is looking. Each of the eight levels in the game requires the player to solve a number of objectives before continuing to the next level, while fighting enemy terminators with a wide variety of guns and grenades. Another obstacle in each level is the harsh terrain, as many areas contain too much radiation for the player character to remain alive. The terrain is navigated in three ways, 'on foot', in a jeep with a mounted cannon, or in an HK fighter (a modified terminator robot that flies). Before each mission, you are given a briefing via a full motion video cutscene. Computer controlled opponents include:
SkyNET features a deathmatch mode, which allows players to fight in a number of maps as either a human or a terminator. The level can be customized in the following ways:
SkyNET is driven by Bethsoft's Xngine, which was one of the first game engines to have the following features:
- Full 3D perspective
- Real-time light sources
- Full texturing
While the majority of the game uses textured polygons to display levels and structures, many of the items, weapons, and level decorations are still shown using older sprite technology.
SkyNET is playable in both 320x200 and 640x480 display resolutions. If The Terminator: Future Shock is installed on the computer, then it can be launched to play in these resolutions as well. Originally Future Shock was only playable in 320x200.
[edit] T2: The Arcade Game
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A light gun arcade game developed by Midway in 1991 . The game was ported to Amiga, DOS, Game Boy, Sega Game Gear, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Sega Master System, Super NES by Acclaim/LJN and Virgin. The game is loosely based on Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The home console versions are called T2: The Arcade Game to avoid conflict with the platform games.
[edit] Terminator 2: Judgment Day
An Action/Adventure, beat 'em up that was released on NES developed by Software Creations and published by LJN, Flying Edge. It is based on the film of the same name.
The game consists of five levels. Level 2 is an isometric racing game; all the other levels are side-scrolling beat 'em ups.
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[edit] Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Game Boy)
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An action-adventure game developed by B.I.T.S. and published by LJN. It was released for the Game Boy in 1991. Based on the film of the same name.
The game was rated by G-BOY magazine as its number one game. GameBusters had this to say about it: "Few film conversions ever reach the standard of this superb game. Very few are as tough to beat".
[edit] Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Ocean Software)
A platform game with top-down perspective levels that was published by Ocean Software based on the earlier NES version by LJN. The game was released in 1991 for the Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, DOS, ZX Spectrum. The game is loosely based on the film of the same name.
The story of the game falls inline with the movie Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The objective is to save the leader of the Human Resistance, John Connor, and his mother, Sarah, from the T-1000, a mimetic poly-alloy Terminator, bent on killing them both.
The game was ported to numerous hardware platforms with the contents of the levels being very similar and consistent. Versions of the game for the aging Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum featured very primitive graphics compared to the other platform releases.
[edit] Terminator 2: Judgment Day (pinball)
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A pinball game designed by Steve Ritchie and released by Williams Electronics in 1991.
T2 was known as one of the first pinball games to feature a dot matrix display (actually it was the first Williams WPC machine that was designed with a DMD in mind, but, due to the long design phase, Gilligan's Island was released earlier). It was also the first game to feature an autoplunger (replacing the traditional plunger), as well as a ball-firing cannon. Finally, T2 was the first game to feature a video mode.
The playfield design was based on Ritchie's 1980 classic, Firepower.
A follow up to this game is Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines featuring a very similar playfield design and rulesheet.
Arnold Schwarzenegger provided voices for the game.
[edit] Terminator 2: Judgment Day (16 bits)
An action-adventure game developed by [[B.I.T.S.],.Probe Entertainment, Arc Developments and published by Flying Edge, LJN for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Super NES, Sega Game Gear, Sega Master System. respectively in 1993. Based on the film of the same name.
One plays as the T-800 sent back in time to 1994 in order to protect John and Sarah Connor from the T-1000. There are two gameplay types: side-scrolling and driving. During the side-scrolling levels, the player's objective is to locate and retrieve all future objects (gray boxes with a flashing light on top) and complete all objectives for that mission. Once all objectives are completed, the player goes back to the beginning of the level to finish the mission. Between the side-scrolling levels are the driving levels. During the driving levels, the player's objective is to drive to the next mission location while avoiding pursuers.
In the side-scrolling levels, the T-800 has 100% health to begin with, but gets 50% health from the secondary power supply if its health drops to 0%. If the secondary power supply drops to 0%, the T-800 dies and the game ends. In the driving levels, the T-800 has 100% vehicular health, but the game ends if the health reaches 0%.
Starting with Level 3, the T-1000 will appear (or Level 2 if the alarm is tripped or too much time is spent there). The T-1000 attacks using a pistol and arms morphed into stabbing weapons. The T-1000 will mold back into shape if shot, but it will be temporarily incapacitated if it suffers enough damage. The T-1000 does not appear in levels 6 and 7.
The T-800 must also protect John Connor starting with Level 3, and Sarah Connor starting with Level 4. If either one loses all of their health, they will start dying, and the T-800 must heal them by ducking down over them and transferring some of its health to them. If they are left alone for too long, they die and the game ends. However, Sarah Connor wields a pistol for extra defense. Neither one appears in levels 5 or 6.
Both versions have different musical instrumentation, different sound effects, and some minor graphical and control differences, but are otherwise identical.
[edit] Terminator 2: Judgment Day - Chess Wars
A chess/strategy game developed by IntraCorp and published by Capstone Software for DOS platforms in 1993. Based on the Terminator film series.
As the name suggests, Terminator 2: Judgment Day - Chess Wars is a chess game based on the film Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Characters from the movie act as chess pieces, along with several terminators not seen in the films. Battles do not take place on the chess board but in futuristic battlefield settings.
The player can choose from several game types and difficulty settings. The game rates the player based on the United States Chess Federation scale.
[edit] The Terminator: Dawn of Fate
An action game developed by Paradigm Entertainment and published by Infogrames. It was released in 2002 for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox.
This game is based before and during the events that lead up to Kyle Reese being sent through the time displacement equipment, to protect Sarah Connor.
The story introduces players to Skynet models not previously seen and introduces hybrid human/cyborg soldiers created by Skynet.
The character of Perry, mentioned in the first Terminator film, appears as a major playable character in the game.
[edit] The Terminator (mobile game)
A shoot 'em up developed by In-Fusio and Cybiko. It was released by In-Fusio in 2003 for the Mobile phone platforms BREW, ExEn and J2ME.
[edit] Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (video game)
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A PlayStation 2, Xbox, Game Boy Advance and mobile phone game. Developed by Black Ops Entertainment and published by Atari. The first-person shooter, shoot'em up, action and puzzle games were released in 2003. Based on the Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. A version was released for the Game Boy Advance on November 18, 2003 it was an isometric shooter. A puzzle game was also released for mobile phones. The game was also going to be launched for GameCube but was canceled for that console.
The game was followed by by a sequel in 2004, Terminator 3: The Redemption.
[edit] Terminator 3: War of the Machines
A first-person shooter game for Windows. Developed by Clever's Games and published by Atari in 2003. The game is set in 2029, when Skynet (robots) and Tech-Com (human) forces are battling for the world. You can join the Skynet terminators, or the human resistance. The multiplayer is provided through GameSpy. It was not well received, and was called a "bad imitation of Battlefield 1942".[1]
The game received very little support from either Atari or Clevers. There was not one dedicated online server set up and many people who purchased the game were notified that their CD-KEY was invalid when they tried to join or host a mulitplayer game. Many people considered the full retail version of the game to be a mere 'beta' of what it should have been and it became obvious that its release was rushed to coincide with that of the Terminator 3 DVD. Moreover, more attention had been paid to the Tech-Com side rather than Skynet. This caused many of the online games to be unfair and the vast majority of the players joined the Tech-Com side, outnumbering Skynet.
[edit] Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (pinball)
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A pinball game manufactured by Stern Pinball for release in 2003. It is based on the movie of the same name.
This game marked Steve Ritchie's return to pinball, following 1995's No Fear: Dangerous Sports.
The playfield design is similar to Terminator 2: Judgment Day, with the exception of the ball cannon on the right side, which is replaced by the RPG minigame in the backbox.
Arnold Schwarzenegger provided voices for the game.
The purpose in the game is to light the following features to engage in a "Final Battle" (the wizard mode) with the T-X:
- Super Jackpot: Earn Super Jackpot during regular multiball.
- RPG: Complete all three RPG modes.
- Assault: Receive all command center awards to access "Assault", a four-ball multiball mode.
- Max Escape: Shoot the right orbit until collecting the maximum escape value.
- Payback Time: Reach the maximum security level by alternatively shooting the left and right ramp, until both ramps are maxed out, and "Payback Time" starts.
[edit] Terminator 3: The Redemption
A video game based on the Terminator series, more specifically the film Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. It was released by Atari in 2004 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Nintendo Gamecube.
According to video clips from IGN, the Heads Up Display for the Terminators in The Sarah Connor Chronicles would be based on the Terminator HUD from this game. Rumors have been spread that the HUD will be very advanced, but how this will be achieved is not yet disclosed.
With the commercial failure of Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Atari was hard-pressed to create another Terminator game based on the third movie. The sub-title Redemption is said to reflect the "redemption" of the Terminator's mission half-way through the story, and also to reflect a redemption for the Terminator franchise.
[edit] The Terminator: I'm Back!
A Shoot 'em up Mobile phone game developed and published by In-Fusio in 2005.
[edit] Terminator Revenge
A mobile phone platform game developed and published by In-Fusio in 2006. The action takes place in the year 2020. The player assumes the role of a terminator in the Machine Army. The objective of the game is to "seek and destroy the scientist who stole parts of the Skynet code".
[edit] Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins (video game)
An action game being developed by Halcyon Games for release in 2009 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii and PC.
Terminator 4: The Video Game (working title) is an upcoming video game to be released around Summer 2009, to coincide with the release of the upcoming film Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins. Exact platform plans have not been confirmed, but it is expected for release across all next-generation consoles. [3] It has been in development for several months, by the studio The Halcyon Company, who also now owns the right to the Terminator series, and will be producing the film. The company recently opened up a games studio, called Halcyon Games so that they would be able to oversee the development of the game itself. Peter Levin, a former Disney executive, will head up Halcyon Games as acting CEO. The CEO revealed that Halcyon decided to develop the game internally rather than contract another studio to create the game.[4]
[edit] References
- ^ The Terminator at MobyGames
- ^ Logan Booker, The Genesis of a Genre, Atomic: Maximum Power Computing issue 46, November 2004, p.47
- ^ Terminator Game slated for 2009
- ^ Terminator Owner Opens Game Studio
[edit] External links
- Justin E. H. Smith's satirical essay about playing Terminator 2: Judgment Day, originally published in the magazine N+1.
- The Terminator at MobyGames
- The Terminator 2029 at MobyGames
- The Terminator: Rampage at MobyGames
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day at MobyGames
- RoboCop versus The Terminator at MobyGames
- Terminator 3: War of the Machines at MobyGames
- The Terminator: Dawn of Fate at MobyGames
- Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines at MobyGames
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