Summary
- Release Year: 1996
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: DOS
- Developers: Bethesda Softworks
- Publishers: Bethesda Softworks
The Terminator: SkyNet (1996): A Classic FPS That Still Holds Up Today
The Terminator: SkyNet is a first-person shooter (FPS) game developed by Bethesda Softworks and released in 1996. It is the sequel to Terminator: Future Shock, and the last game in Bethesda’s Terminator franchise. SkyNet was originally developed as an expansion pack to Future Shock, but was eventually released as a standalone product.
SkyNet features an updated version of the Xngine, which allows for play in the sharper 640×480 resolution. The game also features a new single-player campaign and a new multiplayer deathmatch component.
Single-Player Campaign
The single-player campaign in SkyNet takes place over seven missions, which are broken into various sections and “levels.” The story follows a group of Resistance fighters who are trying to stop the machines from launching a recovered nuclear weapon.
The locations in SkyNet are more varied and interactive than those featured in Future Shock. Players will battle their way through the basement of the Cyberdyne building, a sinking nuclear submarine, and a variety of other locations.
Driving and flying levels return from Future Shock, as do the mission briefings, which are now handled entirely in FMV.
Multiplayer Deathmatch
The multiplayer deathmatch component in SkyNet allows for up to eight players over a LAN and two players over IPX. The levels are contained recreations of sections or ideas in the single-player game, such as a block of cityscape, a shattered freeway, or an open valley.
Vehicles are available in most levels, and unlike in single-player, can be entered and exited freely. Players also have the option to play as a Terminator, with reduced movement speed, a little more toughness, and the classic red-tinted vision with information overlays.
Critical Reception
The Terminator: SkyNet received generally positive reviews from critics upon release. The game was praised for its updated graphics, new single-player campaign, and multiplayer deathmatch component. However, some critics found the game to be too similar to Future Shock and not innovative enough.
Legacy
The Terminator: SkyNet is considered to be a classic FPS game by many fans of the genre. The game’s updated graphics, varied locations, and intense action sequences still hold up today. SkyNet is also notable for being one of the first FPS games to feature a fully realized multiplayer deathmatch component.
System Requirements
- Processor: Pentium 90 MHz or faster
- RAM: 8 MB
- Hard Drive Space: 50 MB
- Video Card: 2 MB VRAM
- Sound Card: Sound Blaster compatible
- Operating System: Windows 95
Conclusion
The Terminator: SkyNet is a classic FPS game that still holds up today. The game’s updated graphics, new single-player campaign, and multiplayer deathmatch component make it a must-play for fans of the Terminator franchise and FPS games alike.
Additional Information
- The Terminator: SkyNet was originally developed as an expansion pack to Terminator: Future Shock. However, it was eventually released as a standalone product.
- The game features an updated version of the Xngine, which allows for play in the sharper 640×480 resolution.
- The single-player campaign takes place over seven missions, which are broken into various sections and “levels.”
- The multiplayer deathmatch component allows for up to eight players over a LAN and two players over IPX.
- The game received generally positive reviews from critics upon release.
- SkyNet is considered to be a classic FPS game by many fans of the genre.
Sources
- The Terminator: SkyNet on Wikipedia
- The Terminator: SkyNet on MobyGames
- The Terminator: SkyNet review on GameSpot
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
