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 cyberdynes factory. Kyle must confront the Terminators endo skeleton 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

  • Terminator MD US PrintAdvert.jpg

    Mega Drive US print advert

  • Mega Drive FR print advert

  • Terminator FR PrintAdvert.jpg

    FR print advert

  • Terminator ES PrintAd 1992-09.jpg

    ES print advert 1

  • JuegateloTodo ES PrintAd 1992-12.jpg

    Mega Drive ES print advert

  • Hyperreal5 MD SMS UK PrintAd.jpg

    UK print advert

  • Hyperreal8 MD SMS UK PrintAd.jpg

    UK print advert

Mega UK 01.pdf¦page#2-3¦Mega Drive/Master System UK print advert in Mega (UK) #1: "October 1992" (1992-09-17)

Physical scans

Mega Drive version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
91 №127, p20/21[6]
81 №11, p54-56[7]
84 №31, p50/51[8]
87 №1
92 №9, p28/29
90
86 №12, p50/51
86 №30, p167[9]
63 №5, p95
71 №12, p89
75 №16, p86/87
60 №6, p46-48
43 №21, p84-86[10]
87 №32, p22/23
92 №8, p32-34[11]
89 №18, p68
42 №2/92, p19[12]
84 №7, p58/59[13]
84 №33, p26/27[14]
Sega Mega Drive
 78
Based on
19 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
60
[15]
Consoles + (FR)
81
[7]
Cool Gamer (RU)
60
[16]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
91
[6]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
78
[17]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
41
[18]
FX (UK)
90
[19]
Game Power (IT)
90
[20]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
84
[8]
GamesMaster (UK)
87
[21]
Game Zone (UK) PAL
79
[22]
Hobby Consolas (ES)
90
[23]
Joypad (FR) PAL
86
[24]
Joystick (FR) PAL
86
[9]
Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK) PAL
63
[25]
Mega (UK)
71
[26]
Mega (UK) PAL
75
[27]
Mega Fun (DE) PAL
61
[28]
MegaTech (UK) PAL
60
[29]
Micromanía (segunda época) (ES)
77
[30]
Mean Machines (UK)
43
[10]
Mean Machines Sega (UK)
43
[31]
Play Time (DE)
72
[32]
Power Up! (UK)
68
[33]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
87
[34]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
92
[11]
Sega Pro (UK)
89
[35]
Sega Force (SE)
42
[12]
Sega Force (UK) PAL
84
[13]
Supergame (BR) NTSC-U
87
[36]
Supersonic (FR)
77
[37]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
79
[38]
VideoGames & Computer Entertainment (US) NTSC-U
40
[39]
Video Games (DE)
53
[40]
Zero (UK)
84
[14]
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[41]
82 №11, p110/111[42]
83 №10, p40
80
92 №12, p82/83
92 №31, p152
68 №2/56
82 №21, p88/89[43]
79 №22, p110/111[44]
81 №32, p24
90 №8, p32-34[11]
90 №8, p54/55[45]
80 №34, p37[46]
Sega Master System
 84
Based on
13 reviews
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Computer & Video Games (UK)
90
[41]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
82
[47]
Game Power (IT)
87
[20]
Game Zone (UK)
83
[48]
Hobby Consolas (ES)
80
[49]
Joypad (FR)
92
[50]
Joystick (FR) PAL
92
[51]
Micromanía (segunda época) (ES)
68
[52]
Mean Machines (UK) PAL
82
[53]
Mean Machines Sega (UK)
82
[54]
Player One (FR)
79
[55]
Play Time (DE)
74
[56]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
81
[57]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
90
[11]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
90
[58]
Sega Force (UK) PAL
90
[45]
Supersonic (FR)
90
[59]
Video Games (DE)
66
[60]
Zero (UK)
80
[46]
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[61]
82 №3, p120[62]
70 №29, p115[63]
87 №36, p62
92 №13, p64
80 №1, p56/57
87 №11, p76[64]
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
[65]
Game Mania (UK)
81
[66]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
90
[5]
GamesMaster (UK) PAL
84
[2]
Joypad (FR)
84
[67]
Joystick (FR) PAL
82
[61]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
82
[62]
Player One (FR)
70
[68]
Play Time (DE)
70
[69]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
87
[70]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
92
[71]
Sega Pro (UK)
91
[72]
Sega Zone (UK) PAL
80
[73]
Sega Force (UK) PAL
87
[64]
Video Games (DE)
65
[74]
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
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. ↑ 6.0 6.1 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
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 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
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 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
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 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
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 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
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 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
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 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
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 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
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 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
  15. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 240
  16. ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 221
  17. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "March 1992" (US; 1992-xx-xx), page 28
  18. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 106
  19. ↑ FX (UK) (+6:20)
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Game Power, "Luigio/Agosto 1992" (IT; 1992-0x-xx), page 64
  21. ↑ GamesMaster (UK) "Series 1, episode 1" (1992-01-07, 24:00) (+6:20)
  22. ↑ Game Zone, "July 1992" (UK; 1992-06-24), page 28
  23. ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Septiembre 1992" (ES; 1992-0x-xx), page 40
  24. ↑ Joypad, "Septembre 1992" (FR; 1992-0x-xx), page 50
  25. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "January 1993" (UK; 199x-xx-xx), page 95
  26. ↑ Mega, "September 1993" (UK; 1993-08-19), page 89
  27. ↑ Mega, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-12-16), page 87
  28. ↑ Mega Fun, "08/92" (DE; 1992-08-18), page 23
  29. ↑ MegaTech, "June 1992" (UK; 1992-05-20), page 46
  30. ↑ Micromanía (segunda época), "Noviembre 1992" (ES; 1992-1x-xx), page 77
  31. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 142
  32. ↑ Play Time, "11/92" (DE; 1992-10-07), page 92
  33. ↑ Power Up!, "Saturday, September 26, 1992" (UK; 1992-09-26), page 1
  34. ↑ Sega Power, "July 1992" (UK; 1992-06-04), page 22
  35. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 68
  36. ↑ Supergame, "Setembro 1992" (BR; 1992-09-xx), page 32
  37. ↑ Supersonic, "Septembre 1992" (FR; 1992-xx-xx), page 10
  38. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 26
  39. ↑ VideoGames & Computer Entertainment, "September 1992" (US; 1992-0x-xx), page 58
  40. ↑ Video Games, "9/92" (DE; 1992-08-26), page 58
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 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
  42. ↑ File:ConsolesPlus FR 011.pdf, page 110
  43. ↑ File:MeanMachines UK 21.pdf, page 88
  44. ↑ File:PlayerOne FR 022.pdf, page 106
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 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
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 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
  47. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 160
  48. ↑ Game Zone, "August 1992" (UK; 1992-07-xx), page 40
  49. ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Septiembre 1992" (ES; 1992-0x-xx), page 44
  50. ↑ Joypad, "Septembre 1992" (FR; 1992-0x-xx), page 82
  51. ↑ Joystick, "Octobre 1992" (FR; 1992-xx-xx), page 152
  52. ↑ Micromanía (segunda época), "Enero 1993" (ES; 199x-xx-xx), page 57
  53. ↑ Mean Machines, "June 1992" (UK; 1992-05-28), page 110
  54. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 136
  55. ↑ Player One, "Juillet/Août 1992" (FR; 1992-07-10), page 110
  56. ↑ Play Time, "12/92" (DE; 1992-11-04), page 87
  57. ↑ Sega Power, "July 1992" (UK; 1992-06-04), page 24
  58. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 72
  59. ↑ Supersonic, "Juillet/Août 1992" (FR; 1992-xx-xx), page 19
  60. ↑ Video Games, "8/92" (DE; 1992-07-22), page 98
  61. ↑ 61.0 61.1 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
  62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 File:MeanMachinesSega03UK.pdf, page 120 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:MeanMachinesSega03UK.pdf_p120" defined multiple times with different content
  63. ↑ File:PlayerOne FR 029.pdf, page 107
  64. ↑ 64.0 64.1 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
  65. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 171
  66. ↑ Game Mania, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 70
  67. ↑ Joypad, "Janvier 1993" (FR; 199x-xx-xx), page 142
  68. ↑ Player One, "Mars/Avril 1993" (FR; 1993-03-10), page 115
  69. ↑ Play Time, "3/93" (DE; 1993-02-10), page 109
  70. ↑ Sega Power, "November 1992" (UK; 1992-10-01), page 62
  71. ↑ Sega Pro, "November 1992" (UK; 1992-10-08), page 58
  72. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 75
  73. ↑ Sega Zone, "November 1992" (UK; 1992-10-28), page 56
  74. ↑ 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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