The Best Game That Was Never Made: Terminator

Written by Lance Darnell

Editor's note: I know that I'd check it out if someone made it. Would you? Now, if only someone would make Cudgel of Xanthor. -Jason

When I walked out of the theater on a hot July night in 1991, all I could think about was how cool Terminator 2 was. I was 13 at that time, about the same age as John Connor in the film, but even at that age, I came up with an idea for a great Terminator video game, and to this day no one has made it.

The Premise

You're a Terminator T-800, the same model as Arnold in Terminator 2. You were sent to the past to eliminate several Resistance fighters while they're young. Your primary target is John Connor, but his whereabouts are unknown.

The Location

The entire game takes place in and around a condensed version of Los Angeles.

The Gameplay

The game is in first person, yet you're in an open environment such as in Grand Theft Auto. The game presents almost information to you through the HUD that the Terminator films made so popular and iconic. Just like in games such as Metroid Prime, the player can use a scan feature that examines people, items, weapons, and vehicles.

Just like in Grand Theft Auto 4, you can access the Internet, the phone book, and other sources of information to attain the whereabouts of your targets.

Weapons consist of guns, but the game also has hand-to-hand combat similar to The Chronicles of Riddick. Due to the strength of your character, you can pick up and use any weapon that you find.

The Enemies

Besides police, the army, and perhaps armed militia, the main enemy in the game is the other Terminator that's protecting John Connor.

The Big 'Holy Shit' Moment

So you have killed all 12 targets and found John Connor, killed his Terminator protector, his mom, and completed all of your missions. What's next? Fucking Judgment Day! Imagine the nuclear holocaust happening IN-GAME! Because you're a Terminator, you survive -- but you lose what is left of your living flesh. The game then changes, and you now receive missions from Cyberdyne, such as fighting resistance fighters, infiltrating their bases, and piloting those cool vehicles!

The Creator

I would give this game to Warren Spector to create. He's proved himself again and again to be a visionary, and he could work magic with this formula.

Thanks for reading, and if you think this game would kick ass, tell me!

Comments (17)

It definitely has the potential for greatness. In fact, the whole Terminator premise has potential for a great game, too bad it really hasn't been done yet. But I would definitely make this game if given the opportunity.

J. Cosmo Cohen , August 06, 2009

That game was already made by Bethesda.
Check it out if you are able to track down a copy. I still have my original. It runs great in DOSbox and is a blast to play.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Terminator_(DOS)

M. James Short , August 06, 2009

@M.Short - That game is nothing like what I described!!!!

Lance Darnell , August 06, 2009

"The Gameplay:

The game is in first person, yet you are in an open environment such as in GTA. Almost all information is presented to you through the HUD that the Terminator films themselves made so popular and iconic. Just like in games such as Metroid Prime, a scan feature can be used that will examine people, items, weapons, and vehicles.

Just like in GTA4, you can access the internet, phone book, and other sources of information to attain the whereabouts of your targets.

Weapons will consist of guns, but also hand-to-hand combat similar to Riddick. Due to the strength of your character, any weapon you find can be picked up and used."

The gameplay which you described is exactly what The Terminator is. Everything you listed is in that game.

M. James Short , August 06, 2009

I'm all for it! being the bad guy is the best fun!

Christopher Quach , August 06, 2009

@M.Short - I will admit that some of the features do cross over, but I am not talking about a game from 1990, I am talking about making this game today. I think you are stretching by making the comparison, for that game is obviously not amazing!!! I will give you this: the "spirit" is the same..

Lance Darnell , August 06, 2009

@Jason - Thanks for cleaning it up and adding links!!!

Lance Darnell , August 11, 2009

Great Idea, Lance. This game would definitely beat the hell out of all previous Terminator games.

Brian Shirk , August 11, 2009

I've never understood the Deus Ex attraction. But, to be fair, I only played it recently. The tutorial is grueling and uninformative. I felt like I was jumping into and A D&D; game with any primer. THe milieu was enticing, despite the fact that I dislike Shadowrun and the Matrix, and I really tried to get into it. But, I'm not sold on Warren Spector's clout.

That said, Terminator is an easy transition from film to game. Warren Spector or otherwise you're right...

Why hasn't this happened.

James DeRosa , August 12, 2009

@ James - Thanks Dude! And before your wariness of Spector takes over too much, he also did System Shock and the Thief series. He is also a very intelligent and thoughtful man.

Lance Darnell , August 12, 2009