The Besties Terminator Time Travels to Save '90s Garbage Games
19 snips
Jan 16, 2026 The hosts dive into the retro revival of Terminator 2D: No Fate, discussing its success in evoking the nostalgia of '90s cash-grab games. They reflect on the shortcomings of the original SNES title while praising how the new game captures that essence without sacrificing quality. Conversations about the evolution of licensed games reveal both the good and the bad, with standout examples like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Peter Jackson’s King Kong bringing hope for future adaptations. The episode wraps up with recommendations for retro gems and insights into modern gaming trends.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Faithful Retro Recreation Wins On Vibe
- Terminator 2D No Fate deliberately recreates the feel and variety of early '90s licensed 2D games across short, distinct sections.
- The game's charm comes from tight, confident design that swaps genres frequently to mirror the film's scenes.
Sneaking Into Terminator 2 As A Kid
- Justin recalls seeing Terminator 2 as his first R-rated movie and sneaking into it after buying tickets for another film.
- That memory frames his nostalgia for movie tie-in games that let kids experience adult films indirectly.
Short, Varied Levels Make Nostalgic Hits
- The podcast highlights a subgenre of short, deliberately paced side-scrolling action games exemplified by Blackthorne.
- These games deliver varied, satisfying bites of mechanics without filler, creating a strong nostalgic appeal.
