Terminator 2 (8-bit video game)

Last updated
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Terminator 2 NES cover art.jpg
Developer(s) Software Creations
Publisher(s) LJN (NES)
Flying Edge (other versions)
Series Terminator
Platform(s) Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Gear, Master System
ReleaseNES
  • US/UK: February 1992
Master System
  • UK: November 1993
Game Gear
  • US: December 1993
Genre(s) Action
Mode(s) Single-player

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is an action game released for several 8-bit consoles, including the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and Sega's Game Gear and Master System. It is based on the 1991 film of the same name. The NES version was developed by Software Creations and published by LJN in February 1992. The Sega versions were published in late 1993, by Flying Edge.

Contents

Gameplay

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a side-scrolling action game with a T-800 Terminator as the player character. [1] The NES version includes five levels based on the film. The first level is set at a truck stop, where the player must beat up truckers and acquire a motorcycle and gun. [2] [3] [4] The second level is played from a diagonal overhead perspective, as the T-800 flees on motorcycle from a semi-truck, driven by the T-1000. Driving through a flood channel, the player must avoid debris while simultaneously using the gun to shoot at the oncoming truck, keeping it back a safe distance. [2] [3] [4] [5]

The player then searches for Sarah Connor in a mental hospital, encountering staff members and the T-1000. [6] The player loses energy if they kill any hospital employees, and instead must crouch down and shoot them in the leg, disabling them. [2] The player then travels to Cyberdyne Systems to plant explosives and destroy the facility. [4] A final battle ensues between the two Terminators in a steel mill. [2] [3] [4] The Sega versions omit the motorcycle level. [7]

Development and release

LJN acquired the rights to a Terminator 2 video game after reading the film's script. The company said that the film license offered an array of gameplay possibilities and lasting popularity. [8] The game was developed by Software Creations and published by LJN for the NES. [1] LJN also published a version for the Game Boy. The company believed that players who owned an NES were also the same people who would own a Game Boy. Therefore, LJN chose to make the NES version a completely different game, offering players a variety. [8]

The NES version was released in February 1992, in the U.S. and U.K. [9] [6] Flying Edge published the Sega versions. The Master System version was released in the U.K. in November 1993, [10] followed by the U.S. release of the Game Gear version one month later. [7]

Reception

The NES version was praised for its graphics and sound. [2] [3] [6] GamePro wrote that it "packs good looks and a great challenge". [4] Steve Jarratt of Total! felt that the gameplay had a lack of originality. [3] Paul Rand of Computer and Video Games found it "reasonably enjoyable" despite offering "nothing new or innovative". [2] Reviewers for Mean Machines considered it inferior to the Game Boy version of Terminator 2, concluding, "Possibly the greatest film licence ever is wasted on a fun, but ultimately shallow game". [6]

The gameplay in the Sega versions was also criticized for a lack of originality. [10] [15] Rob Pegley of Sega Power stated that the "vast majority of the gameplay is coma-inducing". [13] Sega Pro found it to be outdated and "tedious in the extreme", [16] and criticized the lack of features, such as skill levels or multiplayer. The magazine concluded that it was a "dull, uninteresting game that lacks vitality and new ideas. [...] Even on the MS this is poor". [15] Sega Master Force felt that the game was released too late after the film. [10]

The Sega versions were also criticized for their graphics [10] [15] [16] [7] and sound. [10] [13] [16] [7] [14] Sega Pro noted the presence of flickering characters in both versions. [15] [16] GamePro, in its review of the Game Gear version, wrote that the graphics "are small and poorly defined. You can't see any detail in the characters, and very few in the backgrounds. Telling the Cyberdyne labs apart from the hospital is pretty hard". [7] VideoGames, reviewing the same version, wrote, "The characters are a bit small, and there isn't that much variety throughout it. The music will also get on your nerves after a while". [17] Sega Pro criticized the "scratchy" music and stated that the sound "consists of white-noise every time you hit someone". [16]

In a later review for AllGame, Christopher Michael Baker offered praise to the NES version for its graphics and music, although he criticized the difficulty. [5]

Related Research Articles

<i>Batman Returns</i> (video game) 1992 video game

Batman Returns is a 1992 beat 'em up video game for various platforms based on the film of the same name. The Sega console versions were published by Sega while the NES and Super NES versions were developed and published by Konami. The MS-DOS and Amiga versions were also published by Konami, but were developed by Spirit of Discovery and Denton Designs respectively. An Atari ST version by Konami was also advertised, but never released. There is also an Atari Lynx version, published by Atari Corporation.

<i>Paperboy</i> (video game) 1985 video game

Paperboy is an arcade action game developed and published by Atari Games and Midway Games, and released in 1985. The player takes the role of a paperboy who delivers a fictional newspaper called The Daily Sun along a suburban street on his bicycle. The arcade version of the game featured bike handlebars as the controller.

<i>Sonic the Hedgehog 2</i> (8-bit video game) 1992 platform game

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a 1992 platform game developed by Aspect and published by Sega for the Master System and Game Gear. It is the sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) and follows Sonic as he attempts to find the Chaos Emeralds to save his friend Miles "Tails" Prower from Dr. Robotnik. Like the first Sonic the Hedgehog, players run through levels at high speeds while collecting rings and defeating enemies. Although it shares the same title with Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for the Sega Genesis and their releases coincided, the games have little in common and share no levels.

<i>Terminator 2: Judgment Day</i> (arcade game) 1991 video game

Terminator 2: Judgment Day or T2 is a light gun shooter video game based on the film of the same name, produced by Midway Manufacturing Company for video arcades in 1991. Developed in tandem with the movie, several actors from the film reprise their roles for the game and are featured as part of the game's photorealistic digitized graphics. The game's plot largely follows that of the film, casting up to two players as the T-800 "terminator" cyborg from the film, sent back in time to protect John Connor from assassination by the T-1000 terminator. A success in arcades, home conversions of the game were released by Acclaim Entertainment for various platforms under the title of T2: The Arcade Game in order to avoid confusion with the numerous tie-in games also based on the movie.

<i>Hook</i> (video game) Video game based on the eponymous 1991 film

There have been several video games based on the 1991 film Hook. A side-scrolling platform game for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Game Boy was released in the United States in February 1992. Subsequent side-scrolling platform games were released for the Commodore 64 and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) later in 1992, followed by versions for the Sega CD, Sega Genesis, and Sega's handheld Game Gear console in 1993. An arcade game was also released in 1993.

<i>Spider-Man and the X-Men in Arcades Revenge</i> 1992 video game

Spider-Man and the X-Men in Arcade's Revenge is a video game first released for the Super NES in 1992 by LJN. It was later released for the Genesis and Game Gear as well as the Game Boy. The game features Marvel Comics characters Spider-Man and the X-Men as they battle their captor, the villainous Arcade.

<i>The Jungle Book</i> (video game) 1994 video game

Disney's The Jungle Book is a series of platform video games based on the 1967 Disney animated film of the same name. The game was released by Virgin Interactive Entertainment in 1994 for the Game Boy, NES, Master System, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Sega Game Gear, Super NES, and PC, and a remake for the Game Boy Advance was released in 2003 to celebrate the film's sequel, The Jungle Book 2. While gameplay is the same on all versions, technological differences between the systems forced changes – in some case drastic – in level design, resulting in six fairly different versions of the 'same' game. This article is largely based upon the Genesis version.

<i>Joe & Mac</i> 1991 video game

Joe & Mac, also known as Caveman Ninja and Caveman Ninja: Joe & Mac, is a 1991 platform game released for arcades by Data East. It was later adapted for the Super NES, Mega Drive/Genesis, Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy, Amiga, Zeebo, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

<i>RoboCop 3</i> (video game) 1991 video game

RoboCop 3 is a video game based on the 1993 film of the same name. Amiga, Atari ST and DOS versions were developed by Digital Image Design beginning in September 1990, and published by Ocean Software in December 1991. The Digital Image Design version includes multiple gameplay styles. During 1992 and 1993, other versions consisting of side-scrolling platform gameplay were released for the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, NES, Super NES, Game Gear, Master System, and Sega Genesis.

<i>The Lion King</i> (video game) 1994 video game

The Lion King is a platform game based on Disney's The Lion King animated film of 1994. The game was developed by Westwood Studios and published by Virgin Interactive Entertainment for the Super NES and Genesis in 1994, and was ported to MS-DOS, Amiga, Game Gear, Master System, and Nintendo Entertainment System. The Amiga, Master System, and NES versions were only released in the PAL region. It is the final licensed NES game worldwide. The game follows Simba's journey from a young cub to the battle with his evil uncle Scar as an adult.

<i>Alien 3</i> (video game) 1992 video game

Alien 3 is a run and gun video game based on the 1992 film of the same name. The game was released for the Sega Genesis and Amiga in 1992, with additional versions being released in 1993 for the Commodore 64, Game Boy, Game Gear, Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), and Master System.

<i>Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Action Game</i> 1989 video game

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Action Game was published in 1989 by Lucasfilm Games, based on the film of the same name. The game was released for the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, Atari ST, Amiga, IBM PC, MSX, Master System, NES, Game Boy, Sega Genesis and Game Gear.

<i>Paperboy 2</i> 1991 video game

Paperboy 2 is a sequel to the arcade video game Paperboy. It was released in 1991–1992 for Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, MS-DOS, Game Boy, Game Gear, Genesis, Nintendo Entertainment System, Super NES, and ZX Spectrum. While Paperboy debuted in arcades and was subsequently ported to personal computers and consoles, the sequel was only released for home systems.

<i>The Incredible Crash Dummies</i> (video game) 1993 video game

The Incredible Crash Dummies is a side-scrolling action game produced by Flying Edge based on the line of toys of the same name developed by Tyco Toys, and released in North America, Japan and Europe.

<i>Terminator 2</i> (computer game) 1991 video game

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a 1991 action video game developed by Dementia and published by Ocean Software. It is based on the 1991 film of the same name, and was released in Europe for Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, DOS, and ZX Spectrum. It is a sequel to The Terminator, itself based on the 1984 film of the same name. The game features several gameplay styles such as driving, fighting, and puzzle-solving.

<i>Jurassic Park</i> (Game Gear video game) 1993 video game

Jurassic Park is a 1993 platform game developed and published by Sega for the Game Gear. Another version, with identical gameplay, was also released for the Master System. The game is based on the 1993 film of the same name. It was praised for its graphics, but criticized for its short length and easy gameplay.

<i>The Terminator</i> (Sega video game) 1992 video game

The Terminator is a 1992 video game published for several Sega consoles, including the Sega Genesis, the Master System, and the portable Game Gear. It is based on the 1984 film of the same name. The game was developed by Probe Software and published by Virgin Games. The Terminator was praised for its graphics and sound, but criticized for its gameplay.

<i>Terminator 2</i> (Game Boy video game) 1991 video game

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a 1991 action-adventure game developed by Bits Studios and published by LJN. It is based on the 1991 film of the same name, and was released for the Game Boy. It was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and music.

<i>Terminator 2</i> (16-bit video game) 1993 video game

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a 1993 action game developed by Bits Studios for two 16-bit game consoles: the Sega Genesis and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). It was published by Acclaim Entertainment through subsidiary companies: Flying Edge for the Genesis, and LJN for the SNES. It is based on the 1991 film of the same name, and features side-scrolling and driving levels. It received generally negative reviews.

References

  1. 1 2 Baker, Christopher Michael. "T2: Judgment Day - Overview". AllGame. Archived from the original on 16 November 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Rand, Paul (February 1992). "Terminator 2: Judgment Day". Computer and Video Games. No. 123. p. 28.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Jarratt, Steve (March 1992). "Terminator 2". Total. No. 3. pp. 3, 16–17.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "Nintendo Pro Review: Terminator 2". GamePro. No. 32. United States. March 1992. p. 28.
  5. 1 2 3 Baker, Christopher Michael. "T2: Judgment Day - Review". AllGame. Archived from the original on 16 November 2014.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 "Nintendo Review: Terminator 2". Mean Machines. No. 17. United Kingdom. February 1992. pp. 68–70.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "Game Gear ProReview: Terminator 2". GamePro. No. 54. United States. January 1994. p. 198.
  8. 1 2 Riley, Mike (July 1991). "LJN Brings the Terminator to the Nintendo". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 24. United States. pp. 88–90.
  9. ↑ "NES Games" (PDF). Nintendo. p. 13. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 September 2008.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Terminator 2: Judgment Day". Sega Master Force. No. 6. United Kingdom. December 1993. pp. 24–25.
  11. ↑ "Hasta La Vista, Baby". Video Games (in German). Germany. June 1992. p. 95.
  12. ↑ "Terminator 2: Judgment Day". Sega Magazin (in German). No. 7. Germany. June 1994. p. 24.
  13. 1 2 3 Pegley, Rob (February 1994). "T2: Judgment Day". Sega Power. No. 51. United Kingdom. pp. 62–63.
  14. 1 2 Mortlock, Dean (April 1994). "T2: Judgment Day". Sega Power. No. 53. United Kingdom. pp. 44–45.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 Hill, Mark (December 1993). "Review: T2". Sega Pro. No. 26. United Kingdom. p. 68.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Terminator 2: Judgment Day". Sega Pro. No. 26. United Kingdom. December 1993. p. 71.
  17. 1 2 "Terminator 2". VideoGames. No. 60. United States. January 1994. p. 88.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.