Something is intriguing about “Terminator: Resistance” that keeps me unsure about how I feel about it. On one hand, it’s a straightforward shooter with repetitive RPG mechanics and overly familiar environments.
On the other hand, it’s an enjoyable shooter set in an oppressive world that feels true to the franchise. I was hoping “Terminator: Resistance Annihilation Line” DLC would help me decide – it didn’t.
The DLC is set in the middle of the main game’s story, where you play as Jacob. It kicks off with a dreamlike sequence that dives into Jacob’s past and inner struggles, setting up emotional stakes for the story. Jacob’s fears and longing for a father figure come into play early, providing a deeper look at his character as the story progresses over a few hours.
Once the action starts, you learn that John Connor has tasked you to help in the Annihilation Line—a zone already overtaken by machines. You team up with characters like Kyle Reese and Ferro to uncover why this mission matters. The revelations in the story aren’t groundbreaking, as they must fit within the original 2019 storyline, but they’re engaging enough to keep you invested.
Fan Service Overload
If you’re not already a fan of the franchise, this DLC might feel overwhelming. It’s packed with references and Easter eggs, which hardcore fans may appreciate, but for others, it might feel like too much. While the fan service adds nostalgia, it sometimes leaves the content feeling shallow.
The pacing, however, is a strong point. The DLC moves quickly, throwing you into intense battles in slightly open environments filled with enemies, explosions, and occasional side missions. It’s not deeply thought-provoking but provides consistent action.
Atmosphere vs. Gameplay
The “Terminator” franchise, including this game, often battles between being a fun action game and capturing the series’ darker, more intense tone. While the graphics and gameplay aren’t groundbreaking, the atmosphere helps compensate. The repetitive environments still manage to convey the hopelessness of the world, balanced with the “cool factor” of battling Terminators.
Unfortunately, the AI is weak, making it easy to exploit cover mechanics or retreat for safety. This undermines the fear the story aims to create but adds a sense of casual fun. This blend of difficulty and action might not fully satisfy either hardcore or casual audiences, but it finds a middle ground.
Performance Issues
I tested the game on two setups: a Ryzen 7 5800h with an RTX 3060 laptop and a Ryzen 5 3600 with a GTX 1660 Super desktop. Despite its dated graphics, performance was inconsistent, often jumping from smooth to choppy without reason. While playable, these issues are noticeable and disappointing given the hardware.
Graphically, the game feels stuck in 2014, with blurry textures, unrefined physics, and unimpressive lighting. It’s functional but lacks the polish expected in modern games.
Accessibility Shortcomings
Accessibility options are limited. While the game offers subtitles and basic gamma adjustments, it lacks features like colorblind mode or advanced controls for players with specific needs. The grey-heavy aesthetic might also pose challenges for some players. These omissions are unfortunate, especially for fans looking for a more inclusive experience.
Final Thoughts
“Terminator: Resistance Annihilation Line” is a mixed bag. It delivers fast-paced action and a nostalgic atmosphere but struggles with weak AI, dated graphics, and accessibility gaps. Fans of the franchise may enjoy the Easter eggs and lore, but casual players might find it lacking depth.