Terminator 3: The Redemption

Terminator 3: Redemption has some strong moments, but they?re overshadowed by one-track play mechanics.

What an apt title: After the dreadful Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Redemption salvages some of the franchise?s dignity with occasional arresting action sequences. But the enjoyment is only in fits?Redemption is prisoner to events from the movie and repetitive play mechanics.

?Terminate This.?

You play as the Terminator, a near-indestructible robot with a simple mission: protect two people who eventually become the saviors of the human race from a more advanced Terminator, the T-X. The T-X is the primary nemesis in the game and is usually hot on your heels?whether it?s in a helicopter or behind the wheel of a gigantic mobile crane.

The combat engine is arresting as your Terminator is given some cool hand-to-hand fighting moves, techniques, and combos, but much of the game follows a simple two-note track and lacks diversity. Activities include running and shooting, driving and shooting, walking and shooting, and driving to a certain point within a limited period of time.

The scenes from the movie are covered in interactive form, but as they looked engaging on the silver screen, some of their playable incarnations aren?t as enjoyable. The game is at its best when it veers from the celluloid plot and into original levels?stuff that has the Terminator fighting his fellow machines in the future. Plus, some of the levels are ridiculously difficult and require constant replays and much trial-and-error.

?Talk to the Hand.?

It?s a shame the gameplay doesn?t match the visuals that are razor sharp and loaded with shiny surfaces?such as Terminators?and lively explosions. The audio takes a lower rung, with monotonous music, and although Arnold Schwarzenegger?s actual voice and likeness were used, his one-liners couldn?t sound more uninspired (you can fire them off at will with the touch of a button).

The Terminator is one of those franchises that?s never been done justice in interactive form, and although Redemption has its moments, it merits a cautionary rental. Redemption gives some luster back to the Terminator name, but not much.

Also available on the PlayStation 2 and GameCube.

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