The Terminator

From Sega Retro

n/a

Terminator MD title.png

The Terminator
System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Sega Master System, Sega Game Gear
Publisher: Virgin Games
Developer:
Genre: Action

















Release Date RRP Code
Sega Master System
EU 		MK-27025-50
Sega Master System
AU
Sega Master System
BR 		027320
Sega Game Gear
US 		$39.9939.99[5] T-70048
Sega Game Gear
EU 		T-70048-50
Sega Game Gear
EU
(Classic)

The Terminator is a game that was released in 1992 by Virgin Interactive and Probe Entertainment Limited for the Sega Mega Drive, Sega Master System and Sega Game Gear video game systems. It is based on the 1984 film of the same name.

The game focuses on a soldier named Kyle Reese who was sent back in time from the future to protect a woman named Sarah Connor. A cyborg from the future is also sent back in time to assassinate Sarah Connor. While the games have the same themes and identical amount of stages, the Mega Drive version differs from the Game Gear and Master System versions in terms of stage design, enemy layout etc. Generally speaking, the 8-bit versions put a bigger focus on platforming.

Gameplay

The game is a side scrolling shooter with objectives that vary level to level. Level 1 sets Kyle in the future in search of a time machine. Level 2 has Kyle searching for Sarah in present time while Level 3 has him reuniting with her after a brief separation. The final level features a deadly confrontation with the Terminators endoskeleton. The first level features three weapons while the levels after that have only one. Players have a 5 health points which deplete with each hit from enemies taken. This is replaced by a percentage bar in the Game Gear and Master System versions.

In the Sega Mega Drive version there are also selectable difficulty levels which affect gameplay. The difficulty level affects item placement in stage 1 (easy gives you the rifle earlier) and the drop rate of health items. On higher difficulty levels, drop rates are so low that luck plays a big part in clearing the game, as the game is designed in a way that taking damage is unavoidable.

B throws bombs or fires the rifle. C jumps. If you collect plantable bombs, A plants one. (replaced by an automatically planeted on in the Game Gear and Master System versions). In the 8-bit versions, Kyle can die by falling from high places. Health is restored by collecting randomly dropped bottles in the 16-bit version, while there is no way to restore health in the 8-bit versions aside from clearing a stage. The game has no lives and no continue system.

Score is awared for defeating enemies. However, in all versions, enemies spawn infinitely, making the score counter pointless.

Levels

TTerminator1 MD.png Los Angeles, 2029 AD
Players have three weapons at their disposal in this level: Timed Explosives, Grenades, and a Machine Gun. Enemies include Armored Tanks, Hunter Killers, and Terminators. The objective is to destroy a reactor and head into the Time Machine before an explosion ensues.
TTerminator2 MD.png Los Angeles, 1984
This level takes place on the streets of Los Angeles. Enemies include police officers, helicopters, firebomb hurlers, and the Terminator. The level ends in the Tech Noir disco.
TTerminator3 MD.png West Palm Police Station
This level takes place in the police station as Reese tries to escape from captivity. The enemy list is the same as the previous level. The level ends after Kyle reaches Sarah Connor.
TTerminator4 MD.png The Final Confrontation
This level takes place in Cyberdyne's factory. Kyle must confront the Terminator's endoskeleton form. The level ends when Kyle leads the Terminator into a machine press.

Trivia

  • The Sega Mega Drive version contains unused music tracks and animation quality is inconsitent. This hints that the game was rushed out in an unfinished state. The fact that a Sega Mega-CD version exists that is much richer in content and reuses certain sounds, fonts etc. as well as crediting "Dave Perry" behind the original concept (Dave aka David Perry was the programmer of the Mega Drive version) further fortifies that.
  • The game doesn't perform a region check and thus runs on every region hardware.

Production credits

Mega Drive version

"The Terminator" was published by Virgin Games, Inc
Developed in the UK for Virgin by Probe Software Limited, England

  • Programmed by David Perry
  • Artwork by Nick Bruty
  • Additional Artwork by Hugh Riley
  • Interludes Artwork by Saul Marchese
  • Sprite Animation by Tony Shorten
  • Screenplay Adaption by Neil Young
  • Music by Matt Furniss
  • Music Driver by Shaun Hollingworth
  • Quality Assurance by Fergus Mc Govern
  • Produced for Probe Software by Neil Young
For Virgin Games...
  • Executive Producer: Dr. Stephen H. Clarke-Willson
  • Produced for Virgin Games by Lyle J. Hall II
  • Quality Assurance by Lyle J. Hall II, Andy Green, Ian Mathias
  • Manual by Cathie A. Bartz

"The Terminator" is a James Cameron Film
"The Terminator" (C) 1984 Cinema '84
A Greenberg Brothers Partnership.
All Rights Reserved

  • Licensed by Hemdale Film Corporation
  • Sublicensed by Bethesda Softworks

"The Terminator" TM Designates a trademark of Cinema '84 - A Greenberg Brothers Partnership.

Master System version

"The Terminator" was published by Virgin Games
Developed in the UK for Virgin by Probe Software Limited, England

  • Programmed by Mark Knowles
  • Audio by Krisalis Software
  • Music by Matt Furniss
  • Interlude and Credit Sequences: Brian Rogers
  • Designed for Probe Software by Neil Young, Dominic Wood, Mark Knowles
  • Product Quality Assurance by Andy Green, Ian Mathias, Darren Lloyd
  • Produced for Virgin Games by Ian Mathias
  • Produced for Probe Software by Neil Young

"The Terminator" (C) 1984 Cinema '84
 Greenberg Brothers Partnership
All Rights Reserved

  • Licensed by Hemdale Film Corporation
  • Sublicensed by Bethesda Softworks

"The Terminator" TM Designates a trademark of Cinema '84 Greenberg Brothers Partnership

Magazine articles

Main article: The Terminator/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

  • Mega Drive FR print advert

  • Terminator ES PrintAd 1992-09.jpg

    ES print advert 1

  • JuegateloTodo ES PrintAd 1992-12.jpg

    Mega Drive ES print advert

Logo-pdf.svg
Mega Drive print advert in GamePro (US) #29: "December 1991" (1991-xx-xx)
also published in:
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Mega Drive/Master System print advert in Computer & Video Games (UK) #130: "September 1992" (1992-08-15)
also published in:
  • Mega (UK) #1: "October 1992" (1992-09-17)[11]
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Mega Drive/Master System print advert in Computer & Video Games (UK) #132: "November 1992" (1992-10-15)
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Print advert in Mega Force (FR) #8: "Juillet/Août 1992" (1992-07-07)
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Print advert in Mega Force (FR) #8: "Juillet/Août 1992" (1992-07-07)
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Print advert in Mega Force (FR) #10: "Octobre 1992" (1992-xx-xx)
also published in:
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Physical scans

Mega Drive version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
91 №127, p20/21[14]
81 №11, p54-56[15]
84 №31, p50/51[16]
87 №1
92 №9, p28/29
90
86 №12, p50/51
86 №30, p167[17]
63 №5, p95
71 №12, p89
75 №16, p86/87
60 №6, p46-48
43 №21, p84-86[18]
87 №32, p22/23
92 №8, p32-34[19]
89 №18, p68
42 №2/92, p19[20]
84 №7, p58/59[21]
84 №33, p26/27[22]
Sega Mega Drive
 78
Based on
19 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
60
[23]
Consoles + (FR)
81
[15]
Cool Gamer (RU)
60
[24]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
91
[14]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
78
[25]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
41
[26]
FX (UK)
90
[27]
Game Power (IT)
90
[28]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
84
[16]
GamesMaster (UK)
87
[29]
Game Zone (UK) PAL
79
[30]
Hobby Consolas (ES)
90
[31]
Joypad (FR) PAL
86
[32]
Joystick (FR) PAL
86
[17]
Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK) PAL
63
[33]
Mega (UK)
71
[34]
Mega (UK) PAL
75
[35]
Mega Fun (DE) PAL
61
[36]
MegaTech (UK) PAL
60
[37]
Micromanía (segunda época) (ES)
77
[38]
Mean Machines (UK)
43
[18]
Mean Machines Sega (UK)
43
[39]
Play Time (DE)
72
[40]
Power Up! (UK)
68
[41]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
87
[42]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
92
[19]
Sega Pro (UK)
89
[43]
Sega Force (SE)
42
[20]
Sega Force (UK) PAL
84
[21]
Supergame (BR) NTSC-U
87
[44]
Supersonic (FR)
77
[45]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
79
[46]
VideoGames & Computer Entertainment (US) NTSC-U
40
[47]
Video Games (DE)
53
[48]
Zero (UK)
84
[22]
Sega Mega Drive
 73
Based on
35 reviews

The Terminator

Mega Drive, US
TTerminator md us cover.jpg
Cover
TTerminator md us cart.jpg
Cart
TTerminator md us manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, EU
TTerminator md eu cover.jpg
Cover
TTerminator md eu cart.jpg
Cart
Mega Drive, SE (Rental)

Master System version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
90 №127, p22/23[49]
82 №11, p110/111[50]
83 №10, p40
80
92 №12, p82/83
92 №31, p152
68 №2/56
82 №21, p88/89[51]
79 №22, p110/111[52]
81 №32, p24
90 №8, p32-34[19]
90 №8, p54/55[53]
80 №34, p37[54]
Sega Master System
 84
Based on
13 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Computer & Video Games (UK)
90
[49]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
82
[55]
Game Power (IT)
87
[28]
Game Zone (UK)
83
[56]
Hobby Consolas (ES)
80
[57]
Joypad (FR)
92
[58]
Joystick (FR) PAL
92
[59]
Micromanía (segunda época) (ES)
68
[60]
Mean Machines (UK) PAL
82
[61]
Mean Machines Sega (UK)
82
[62]
Player One (FR)
79
[63]
Play Time (DE)
74
[64]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
81
[65]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
90
[19]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
90
[66]
Sega Force (UK) PAL
90
[53]
Supersonic (FR)
90
[67]
Video Games (DE)
66
[68]
Zero (UK)
80
[54]
Sega Master System
 83
Based on
19 reviews

The Terminator

Master System, EU
Terminator SMS EU Box.jpg
Cover
Terminator SMS EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, BR
Terminator SMS BR Box Back.jpgNospine.pngTerminator SMS BR Box.jpg
Cover
Master System, AU

Terminator SMS AU Cart.jpg
Cart

Game Gear version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
81 №131 (Go!), p20/21[3]
90 №37, p84[5]
84 №1, p92[2]
84 №16, p142
82 №35, p194[69]
82 №3, p120[70]
70 №29, p115[71]
87 №36, p62
92 №13, p64
80 №1, p56/57
87 №11, p76[72]
Sega Game Gear
 84
Based on
11 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Computer & Video Games (UK)
81
[3]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
80
[73]
Game Mania (UK)
81
[74]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
90
[5]
GamesMaster (UK) PAL
84
[2]
Joypad (FR)
84
[75]
Joystick (FR) PAL
82
[69]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
82
[70]
Player One (FR)
70
[76]
Play Time (DE)
70
[77]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
87
[78]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
92
[79]
Sega Pro (UK)
91
[80]
Sega Zone (UK) PAL
80
[81]
Sega Force (UK) PAL
87
[72]
Video Games (DE)
65
[82]
Sega Game Gear
 82
Based on
16 reviews

The Terminator

Game Gear, US
Terminator GG US Box Back.jpgNospine.pngTerminator GG US cover.jpg
Cover
Terminator GG US Cart.jpg
Cart
The Terminator GG US Manual.pdf
Manual
Game Gear, EU
Terminator GG EU backcover.jpgNospine.pngTerminator GG EU cover.jpg
Cover
Terminator GG EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Game Gear, EU (Classic)
Terminator GG EU Box Top Classic.jpg
Terminator GG EU Box Back Classic.jpgTerminator GG EU Box Spine Classic.jpgTerminator GG EU Box Front Classic.jpgTerminator GG EU Box Spine2 Classic.jpg
Terminator GG EU Box Bottom Classic.jpg
Cover
Terminator GG EU Cart.jpg
Cart

References

  1. ↑ File:SegaPro UK 10.pdf, page 7
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 File:GamesMaster UK 001.pdf, page 92 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:GamesMaster UK 001.pdf_p92" defined multiple times with different content
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 File:Go UK 12.pdf, page 20 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:Go UK 12.pdf_p20" defined multiple times with different content
  4. ↑ File:GamePro US 036.pdf, page 94
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 File:GamePro US 037.pdf, page 86 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:GamePro US 037.pdf_p86" defined multiple times with different content
  6. ↑ Sega Visions, "Winter 1991/1992" (US; 1991-xx-xx), page 9
  7. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "January 1992" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 49
  8. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "March 1992" (US; 1992-xx-xx), page 5
  9. ↑ GamePro, "May 1992" (US; 1992-xx-xx), page 101
  10. ↑ GamePro, "July 1992" (US; 1992-xx-xx), page 111
  11. ↑ Mega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-17), page 2
  12. ↑ Mega Force, "Novembre 1992" (FR; 1992-11-09), page 2
  13. ↑ Mega Force, "Décembre 1992" (FR; 1992-1x-xx), page 2
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 File:CVG UK 127.pdf, page 20 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:CVG UK 127.pdf_p20" defined multiple times with different content
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 File:ConsolesPlus FR 011.pdf, page 54 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:ConsolesPlus FR 011.pdf_p54" defined multiple times with different content
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 File:GamePro US 031.pdf, page 52 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:GamePro US 031.pdf_p52" defined multiple times with different content
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 File:Joystick FR 030.pdf, page 167 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:Joystick FR 030.pdf_p167" defined multiple times with different content
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 File:MeanMachines UK 21.pdf, page 84 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:MeanMachines UK 21.pdf_p84" defined multiple times with different content
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 File:SegaPro UK 08.pdf, page 32 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaPro UK 08.pdf_p32" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaPro UK 08.pdf_p32" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaPro UK 08.pdf_p32" defined multiple times with different content
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 File:SegaForce SE 1992 02.pdf, page 19 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaForce SE 1992 02.pdf_p19" defined multiple times with different content
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 File:SegaForce UK 07.pdf, page 60 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaForce UK 07.pdf_p60" defined multiple times with different content
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 File:Zero UK 33.pdf, page 26 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:Zero UK 33.pdf_p26" defined multiple times with different content
  23. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 240
  24. ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 221
  25. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "March 1992" (US; 1992-xx-xx), page 28
  26. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 106
  27. ↑ FX (UK) (+6:20)
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Game Power, "Luigio/Agosto 1992" (IT; 1992-0x-xx), page 64
  29. ↑ GamesMaster (UK) "Series 1, episode 1" (1992-01-07, 24:00) (+6:20)
  30. ↑ Game Zone, "July 1992" (UK; 1992-06-24), page 28
  31. ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Septiembre 1992" (ES; 1992-0x-xx), page 40
  32. ↑ Joypad, "Septembre 1992" (FR; 1992-0x-xx), page 50
  33. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "January 1993" (UK; 199x-xx-xx), page 95
  34. ↑ Mega, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-19), page 89
  35. ↑ Mega, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-12-16), page 87
  36. ↑ Mega Fun, "08/92" (DE; 1992-08-18), page 23
  37. ↑ MegaTech, "June 1992" (UK; 1992-05-20), page 46
  38. ↑ Micromanía (segunda época), "Noviembre 1992" (ES; 1992-1x-xx), page 77
  39. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 142
  40. ↑ Play Time, "11/92" (DE; 1992-10-07), page 92
  41. ↑ Power Up!, "Saturday, September 26, 1992" (UK; 1992-09-26), page 1
  42. ↑ Sega Power, "July 1992" (UK; 1992-06-04), page 22
  43. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 68
  44. ↑ Supergame, "Setembro 1992" (BR; 1992-09-xx), page 32
  45. ↑ Supersonic, "Septembre 1992" (FR; 1992-xx-xx), page 10
  46. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 26
  47. ↑ VideoGames & Computer Entertainment, "September 1992" (US; 1992-0x-xx), page 58
  48. ↑ Video Games, "9/92" (DE; 1992-08-26), page 58
  49. ↑ 49.0 49.1 File:CVG UK 127.pdf, page 22 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:CVG UK 127.pdf_p22" defined multiple times with different content
  50. ↑ File:ConsolesPlus FR 011.pdf, page 110
  51. ↑ File:MeanMachines UK 21.pdf, page 88
  52. ↑ File:PlayerOne FR 022.pdf, page 106
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 File:SegaForce UK 08.pdf, page 54 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaForce UK 08.pdf_p54" defined multiple times with different content
  54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 File:Zero UK 34.pdf, page 37 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:Zero UK 34.pdf_p37" defined multiple times with different content
  55. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 160
  56. ↑ Game Zone, "August 1992" (UK; 1992-07-xx), page 40
  57. ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Septiembre 1992" (ES; 1992-0x-xx), page 44
  58. ↑ Joypad, "Septembre 1992" (FR; 1992-0x-xx), page 82
  59. ↑ Joystick, "Octobre 1992" (FR; 1992-xx-xx), page 152
  60. ↑ Micromanía (segunda época), "Enero 1993" (ES; 199x-xx-xx), page 57
  61. ↑ Mean Machines, "June 1992" (UK; 1992-05-28), page 110
  62. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 136
  63. ↑ Player One, "Juillet/Août 1992" (FR; 1992-07-10), page 110
  64. ↑ Play Time, "12/92" (DE; 1992-11-04), page 87
  65. ↑ Sega Power, "July 1992" (UK; 1992-06-04), page 24
  66. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 72
  67. ↑ Supersonic, "Juillet/Août 1992" (FR; 1992-xx-xx), page 19
  68. ↑ Video Games, "8/92" (DE; 1992-07-22), page 98
  69. ↑ 69.0 69.1 File:Joystick FR 035.pdf, page 194 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:Joystick FR 035.pdf_p194" defined multiple times with different content
  70. ↑ 70.0 70.1 File:MeanMachinesSega03UK.pdf, page 120 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:MeanMachinesSega03UK.pdf_p120" defined multiple times with different content
  71. ↑ File:PlayerOne FR 029.pdf, page 107
  72. ↑ 72.0 72.1 File:SegaForce UK 11.pdf, page 76 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaForce UK 11.pdf_p76" defined multiple times with different content
  73. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 171
  74. ↑ Game Mania, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 70
  75. ↑ Joypad, "Janvier 1993" (FR; 199x-xx-xx), page 142
  76. ↑ Player One, "Mars/Avril 1993" (FR; 1993-03-10), page 115
  77. ↑ Play Time, "3/93" (DE; 1993-02-10), page 109
  78. ↑ Sega Power, "November 1992" (UK; 1992-10-01), page 62
  79. ↑ Sega Pro, "November 1992" (UK; 1992-10-08), page 58
  80. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 75
  81. ↑ Sega Zone, "November 1992" (UK; 1992-10-28), page 56
  82. ↑ Video Games, "10/92" (DE; 1992-09-30), page 129



RoboCop and Terminator franchise games for Sega systems
Sega Mega Drive
 The Terminator (1992) | T2: The Arcade Game (1992) | RoboCop 3 (1993) | Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1993) | RoboCop Versus The Terminator (1993)
Sega Master System
 The Terminator (1992) | T2: The Arcade Game (1993) | RoboCop 3 (1993) | Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1993) | RoboCop Versus The Terminator (1994)
Sega Game Gear
 The Terminator (1992) | T2: The Arcade Game (1993) | RoboCop 3 (1993) | Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1993) | RoboCop Versus The Terminator (1994)
Sega Mega-CD
 The Terminator (1993)
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