Fans waiting to blast through the future war in Terminator 2D: No Fate will need to hang on a little longer. Developer and publisher Reef Entertainment has announced that the long-awaited side-scrolling action game has been delayed once again — this time to December 12, 2025 — for both its digital and physical editions.
In a statement released this week, Reef thanked players for their patience, confirming that the physical components for all collector’s editions have finally arrived. The team now needs time to assemble and package everything before launch.
“We know you’ve waited longer than expected,” the studio wrote. “The physical components for all editions have now finally arrived, following ongoing delays that pushed us off our previous schedules… We never want to disappoint our community. Our goal has always been to deliver the game you deserve, and we’re almost there.”
We’ve been excited about this release since it was announced, so a few more weeks shouldn’t be a problem.
Physical-first approach
Interestingly, the delay has nothing to do with code or content. Instead, it’s the physical editions that have slowed things down — an increasingly common issue in the collector-heavy retro space.
Here’s a look at the game with Mike Tucker, lead programmer and designer.
As we’ve seen with publishers like Limited Run Games and Mega Cat Studios, fans of nostalgic titles want more than just a download; they want to hold the box, the art, and even the cartridge. For a game so heavily inspired by 16-bit classics, that tactile connection feels especially appropriate.
A modern retro take on Terminator
Terminator 2D: No Fate has attracted attention for its bold approach to one of sci-fi’s most beloved franchises. Rather than a modern 3D shooter, Reef is going back to basics — or rather, back to the 1990s — with a run-and-gun side-scroller that channels the energy of Contra and Metal Slug.
That’s an ambitious direction, especially given the uneven history of Terminator tie-ins on classic systems. From the famously difficult Terminator 2: Judgment Day arcade port to the SNES shooters that never quite nailed the pacing, No Fate looks like the first modern attempt to make the license genuinely fun to play in 2D.
Reef Entertainment, based in the UK, has made clear that its goal is to blend cinematic storytelling with tight retro action. Recent previews have shown sharp pixel art, chunky explosions, and some surprisingly atmospheric lighting — all supported by an original soundtrack designed to echo Brad Fiedel’s iconic 1984 score.
You could be mine
So yes, the wait continues — but this time for the right reasons. If the finished game can deliver the same energy as its marketing suggests, Terminator 2D: No Fate could be one of 2025’s standout retro-inspired releases.
For now, mark your calendars for December 12, 2025, when No Fate finally arrives on both digital storefronts and as a fully fledged collector’s package for those who still believe good games deserve a place on the shelf.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
