The Terminator (1990 VG)

The Terminator (VG) (1990)

The Terminator is a DOS computer First-Person-Shooter game based on the 1984 movie of the same name. Developed and published by Bethesda Softworks in 1990, it was the first officially licensed game based on the Terminator film series, and probably the first open world "sandbox style" game ever produced, predating the first game in Grand Theft Auto series for 7 years.

The game takes place within a huge (roughly 10 miles by 6 miles) 3D rendered area of central Los Angeles, roughly from Beverly Drive to Central Ave (horizontally), and from Mulholland Drive to National Blvd (vertically). A game map is included in the box for reference. Though the buildings and their placement within the world are quite generic, and highways/overpasses have been mostly removed, the streets and their layout are largely accurate. The game also includes some LA landmarks, such as Dodger Stadium, Griffith Park, and the Silver Lake Reservoir.

It is also an only game adaptation of the movie, in which you can choose whether to play as Kyle Reese (default choice in other game adaptations) or the T-800 Terminator.

Handguns

AMT Hardballer .45 Longslide

Terminator's signature AMT Hardballer Longslide, while not appearing as an in-game weapon is featured heavily in cut-scenes (some of which are original animations produced for the game) and on a game cover.

AMT Hardballer Longslide with laserlock sight as used in the film - .45 ACP

T-800 Terminator is aiming his AMT Hardballer in a cutscene.

Severely damaged Terminator with an AMT Hardballer.

Terminator killing Sarah Connor.

AMT Hardballer featured on "Game Over" screen.

Beretta

Probably based on Beretta 92 a generic automatic handgun simply dubbed Beretta is a main automatic handgun in the game, which could be stolen or purchased in an assortment of weapon shops all over Los Angeles.

Beretta 92F (Early Model) - 9x19mm (Other side showing "92F" on slide) Other than the slim grip covers (the 92F is slightly different with a gloss black plastic, versus the 92FS) the pistol is difficult to tell apart from a 92FS. The only real proof is the year a movie was made and whether or not the 92FS existed yet.

"Beretta" is seen in the middle of the screen, near the unidentified revolver.

Revolver

Readyily available at the weapons shop is a rather generic revolver, which is a less detailed weapon in the game.

Revolver is seen in the middle of the screen.

Revolver seen in possession of Kyle Reese.

Submachine Guns

IMI Uzi

The only firearm from the movie which re-appears in a playable portion of the game is Uzi.

IMI Uzi with stock removed - 9x19mm

Uzi is seen on the right in the weapon shop.

Uzi seen in possession of Kyle Reese.

Rifles

AK-47

A rather unrealistic choice for Los Angeles in both 1984 (a year in which the game is set) and 1990 (a year in which it was released) AK-47 is seen readily available in the weapon shop and may be used in-game.

Type I AK-47, hybrid stamped/milled receiver with prototype slab sided magazine - 7.62x39mm

AK47 is seen in the weapon shop.

AK47 is seen in possession of T-800.

M16

Also availaible is a simplified and still recognizable M-16 rifle.

The original M16, the first version, firing in a 20-round magazine, adopted in large numbers by the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam. This has the original 3-prong flash hider. It would later be replaced by the upgraded M16A1 - 5.56x45mm

M16 is seen in the weapon shop.

Other

"General Dynamics RSB-80 plasma gun"

The General Dynamics RSB-80 Plasma Gun used by the Infiltrator Terminator re-appears on the main menu screen of the game.

Main Menu Screen of the game.