The Terminator franchise has often excelled in portraying the gripping future war scenarios, which have also inspired some of its best video games. Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance, an RTS based on the recent movie, attempts to immerse players in the post-apocalyptic battleground, pitting them against the relentless machines in the aftermath of nuclear devastation. However, the fusion of the future war concept with a gritty real-time tactics format falls short due to disjointed gameplay mechanics and mismatched campaign design.

At its core, Defiance offers a series of narrative-driven battles interspersed with army management segments, set in the post-Judgment Day landscapes of the United States and Northern Mexico. While the characters and storyline serve their purpose adequately, they often veer into clichés, with a few entertainingly exaggerated voices adding some charm. Despite this, the focus remains on the engaging RTS battles, which manage to maintain a realistic, detailed, and perilous atmosphere.

Combat encounters against the machines are appropriately intense, with enemies exhibiting familiar traits of aggression and resilience. However, the game’s balance suffers from certain inconsistencies, particularly in infantry and armored combat. Infantry warfare benefits from detailed mechanics but is hindered by cover system issues, making outdoor engagements cumbersome. Conversely, vehicle combat offers satisfying interactions but lacks strategic depth, ultimately feeling disconnected from the overarching gameplay experience.

The game’s difficulty curve is steep and often feels artificially inflated, leading to trial-and-error gameplay rather than strategic military engagement. The reliance on micromanagement and the absence of mid-mission unit replacements contribute to frustrating gameplay experiences, especially on higher difficulties. Additionally, mission design flaws, such as scripted sequences and inconsistent rules, detract from the overall enjoyment and immersion.

Outside of battles, the army management aspect feels underutilized, with limited options for customization and progression. The lack of procedural or side missions diminishes the significance of army-building, resulting in a system of false choices and wasted resources. Furthermore, the campaign structure suffers from poorly executed story-driven missions and a lack of variety in multiplayer skirmishes, ultimately undermining the game’s replay value and longevity.

In summary, Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance offers glimpses of its potential but falls short due to its flawed execution and inconsistent gameplay mechanics. While it succeeds in capturing moments of intense warfare and strategic decision-making, these elements are overshadowed by design inconsistencies, frustrating difficulty spikes, and lackluster campaign structure. As a result, while the game may appeal to fans of the franchise, it ultimately fails to deliver a compelling and cohesive gameplay experience.