I'll be buying this on GOG once I can stump up the cash, so I'm writing this off the back of a 100% completed Steam copy. This game nails so much of what it sets out to achieve that it's a genuine mystery why the critical reception is so poor, in contrast to the generally positive player feedback. While some of the graphical fidelity can be poorly implemented or optimised in a few corners, the overall art style is consistently represented throughout and is so damn-near perfect that it really does feel like you've been dropped into the 'Future War' scenes from the first two Terminator films. The designs, colours and sound design are spot-on, and there is even a bit of variety drawing from some of the newer films to mix things up. The gameplay is solid too, although I'd put an asterix on that statement. The gunplay is decently balanced, and players also have agency in whether or not they choose to take a stealth approach to most combat encounters, both approaches drawing on the tense themes of the films and expanded universe. Where the gameplay might irk some players is in the implementation of the more 'open level' designs, and the allusion to a branching story. Neither is badly done, but there was definitely room for some more iteration on the ideas they presented. I would gladly give this game 5 stars despite this because the experience is such a genuine delight that even with the few spots where the game drags, the overall quality is consistently fantastic and the dev's love of and passion for the IP shines through in just about every aspect. Side note: if you can, definitely grab the 'Annihilation Line' DLC too. It's a fantastic addition to the main game and a solid jam from start to finish.
