"Terminator 3: War of the Machines" is a rather peculiar shooter - nothing groundbreaking, but decent enough to kill a few evenings with. Don't expect a real story here; it's clear from the start: you didn't come to watch a movie - you came to shoot. What you get is a set of maps where you capture and defend points, all in a future setting where humans and machines are still duking it out for survival.
Before each match, you choose a character, each with their own style and weapons. Some run around with assault rifles, others with heavy machine guns or rocket launchers, while a few get to wield sniper rifles or even play as machines. At some point, you can even control a Terminator with Arnold Schwarzenegger's iconic face. He's more of a cosmetic nod than a game-changer, but hey - it's Arnie. You can also hop into vehicles and drive from point to point if you're in the mood.
Graphics-wise, for 2003, it holds up okay. Nothing outstanding, but it captures the atmosphere. Gloomy ruins, ash-filled skies, decaying cities, and deadly machines roaming the land and air - it all channels the signature "Terminator" vibe from Cameron's films. The level design isn't exactly varied, but it fits the tone - you feel that the world has truly taken a hit.
This isn't a cult classic or a particularly memorable title. It won't make any "Best Action Games of All Time" lists (probably not even the top 50). But if you just want to blast some robots (or humans, depending on your team), it does the job. Especially if you're a fan of the "Terminator" universe - which, for me, was the main reason I gave it a go. Childhood nostalgia and all that.
Verdict: a decent little action game from its time. Don't expect fireworks or a deep narrative, but if you're craving a bit of post-apocalyptic fun, it's worth checking out.
6 out of 10.
