The Terminator is a platformer where the player controls Kyle Reese as he travels back in time from 2029 to protect Sarah Connor from the unstoppable killing machine known as the Terminator. The game consists of 10 levels, taking place in different locations such as post-apocalyptic Los Angeles and the present day 1984.
Gameplay involves navigating through levels set in both the future and the past, with Reese armed with a gun and grenades to fight against enemies including Terminators, HKs, and punks. The game also features boss battles with the Terminator, who must be driven back without being completely destroyed until the final showdown.
Between levels, small digitized clips from the film advance the storyline, while the CD-based soundtrack provides a range of music from heavy rock to electronic tunes.