The story follows the main character as he attempts to stop a rogue machine from taking over Los Angeles. The Terminator, a cyborg sent back in time to kill the leader of a military unit that will develop a deadly weapon, has broken free and is now wreaking havoc on the city.
Gameplay involves navigating through levels set in different locations around Los Angeles, such as streets, buildings, and underground tunnels. The main character must fight against hordes of Terminators using various weapons, including guns, rockets, and a shotgun. The goal is to defeat the rogue Terminator and prevent it from carrying out its mission.