Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines has an expanded storyline based on the movie of the same name. In 2032, you play as the T-850 model 101 Terminator, controlled by Skynet. You are captured and reprogrammed to help the human resistance, while also being ordered to take over the Skynet base in Los Angeles and Hollywood. Once the base is secured, you're sent back in time to protect Kate Brewster's younger self and John Connor from the T-X, a technologically advanced female Terminator. You team up with John and Kate in the present day on their mission to stop Skynet from starting World War III.
The game combines first-person shooter elements with hand-to-hand combat. The first-person mode features the Terminator Point of View (POV), showing the infrared heads-up information display seen in the movies.