The Besties – "Terminator Time Travels to Save '90s Garbage Games"

Released: January 16, 2026
Hosts: Chris Plante, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Russ Frushtick

Overview

This episode dives into Terminator 2D: No Fate, a modern video game styled as a 2D love letter to ‘90s licensed tie-in games—specifically those often regarded as “garbage” or disposable fun. The hosts discuss not only the new game but also reflect on the legacy and evolution of licensed games from the ‘90s to today. Hilarity and nostalgia intermingle throughout, especially as the Besties riff on the surreal concept that their very podcast is the only thing saving humanity from a future techno-apocalypse.

Main Segments & Key Insights

1. Liquid Metal Podcasting: Griffin's "Confession"

[00:00–02:28]

Griffin opens with a running bit claiming to be a T-1000-style Terminator sent from the future to ensure the Besties podcast continues, thus saving humanity.
- “I'm usually a bad dude. Like they usually use me for killing men who are in the laser war against us. But I learned how to love as a child.” – Griffin [01:04]
Playful banter ensues about liquid-metal anatomy, knife hands, and the importance of podcasting for world peace.
Sets a comedic, self-aware tone for the episode: “Now, don't get me wrong. Do I know why this podcast existing prevents the laser war and the corpo takeover and all that? I do not.” – Griffin [01:26]

2. Introducing Terminator 2D: No Fate

[03:01–04:00, picks up again at 05:08]

Justin officially introduces the topic: a retro-inspired, pixel-art tie-in to Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
Chris Bot explains: “Terminator 2D: No Fate is a new video game movie tie in... looks and feels like how you would want it. It's pixel Heaven.” [03:35]
The Besties briefly joke about the rash of robot podcast hosts, further establishing the playful mood.

3. Remembering the Era of '90s Tie-In Games

[05:08–06:58]

Justin, Russ, and Griffin reminisce about childhood experiences with tie-in games, especially ones based on movies their parents didn’t actually allow them to watch.
- “Terminator 2 was the first R rated movie I ever saw.” – Justin [05:14]
- “LJN’s LBJ... Annette Bening main.” – Justin/Griffin [06:20]
The group recalls footage of the original Terminator 2 SNES game, comparing its low quality to the new game.

4. What Makes Terminator 2D: No Fate Special?

[07:08–12:34]

The Besties analyze what sets No Fate apart:
- Captures the vibe of ‘90s 2D shooters but with quality and polish unimaginable at the time.
- Justin references Blackthorne on Genesis as a tonal comparison: “It’s a deliberately paced, side scrolling action game... defined by the fact that it’s not a Metroidvania.” – Justin [07:45]
- Chris praises the game’s structure: “Each level is kind of a different style of a different game. But it’s itty bitty. Maybe a third as long... none of the annoying bits.” [08:12]
- Griffin notes genre-switching—platformer, beat-em-up, even a brief beat-em-up as “nude Arnold.”
- The game sticks closely to the movie’s plot, limiting creative expansion but ensuring varied gameplay.

5. Mechanics and Mission Structure

[10:00–13:45]

The hosts break down level progression:
- Starts as Sarah Connor with “smart little tweaks” (e.g., melee attack).
- Brief turn as “future John Connor” with laser guns (“full on Contra”).
- Becomes “naked Terminator at the bar” for a beat-em-up where instead of dying, losing time is the penalty.
- Justin: “The surprise is that. And now it's this type of game for a little bit and now it's this type of game for a little bit and now it's done. Now the game's over…” [11:47]
Russ discusses replay value: After finishing, players unlock “what if” levels by altering movie events, but the overall design is meant to be a one-and-done experience.

6. Is There Room for Modernization?

[14:43–16:37]

The Besties compare No Fate to other retro-modern games that add RPG mechanics or upgrades (Scott Pilgrim as an example), noting this game stays true to its era's limitations but gets away with it by being an "art project": “This is our perfect version of... a flawless video game adaptation in 1993…” – Griffin [15:36]
Russ highlights the game's deviation from the movie’s morality (Sarah Connor mowing down dozens of guards) as a knowingly silly video game embellishment.

7. Licensing and Pricing Oddities

[16:40–18:09]

Russ points out the game’s $30 digital price and a $60 physical edition, theorizing licensing requirements.
Griffin, Justin, and Chris muse about actor likeness rights—Schwarzenegger’s pixelated absence, but full-blown Robert Patrick as the T-1000.
Griffin marvels at the classic attract screen: “[Robert Patrick] just kind of morphs up and gives you the no, no finger in his full blown Sega Genesis glory.” [17:53]

8. History & Evolution of Licensed Tie-In Games

[21:08–27:02]

Chris steers the discussion to ‘90s tie-ins as “cash grabs,” and the group maps how rental culture and gift-giving drove sales.
- Justin: “This period of licensed games in the 90s is like... a factor of rental.” [21:39]
- Russ: “Mom knows what you like. You like that movie. So I'm just going to buy the game.” [22:36]
Capcom’s Disney games and Super Star Wars are called out as rare high-quality exceptions.
The Besties discuss how tie-in games often had little regard for source material—opaque similarities, wild side plots, or absurd bosses—while the new Terminator game puts fun above faithfulness.

9. The R-Rated Movie Tie-In Phenomenon

[25:17–28:15]

Justin provides a list of ‘80s-‘90s NES/SNES tie-ins to R-rated films (e.g. Total Recall, RoboCop, Predator, Friday the 13th)—all “for kids,” even if the movies weren’t.
- “If adults are playing a game, it's an adult playing a kid's game...” – Justin [25:17]
The group riffs on buying and playing toys/video games for movies they weren’t allowed to see.

10. The Modern Tie-In Scene

[28:18–32:58]

The Besties map key developments:
- Peaks: Goldeneye, Spider-Man 2.
- Over time, big direct tie-ins became rare due to rising game budgets and shifting economics.
- Modern approaches: Collabs/skins (e.g., Fortnite, Call of Duty Fallout crossover) and Disney’s licensing approach are now more common than full movie adaptations.
- Justin: “The pipeline is moving the other way… games are being developed into films.” [30:32]
Examples: New Silent Hill, Mortal Kombat, Sonic movies.
Brief speculation: “What classic film would you like to see get this treatment?” Suggestions include Demolition Man, The Fifth Element, John Wick, Predator.

11. Honorable Mentions & Personal Picks

[41:49–48:16]

Book: Justin recommends There Is No Antimemetics Division for its inventive, memory-warping narrative structure. [38:52+]
Games: Russ revisits Actraiser (sidescroller/city-builder hybrid), while Griffin recommends Quintet games like Illusion of Gaia, Soul Blazer, Terranigma.
Tech/Games: Griffin discusses the Board ("$500 horizontal screen" for physical-digital hybrids) and Pixel Art Academy (“teaches you pixel art fundamentals with interactive lessons”).
Family Gaming: Sonic Racing Cross Worlds, Satisfactory (Griffin quit cold turkey).
Misc: Fortnite’s South Park event, and comments on VR gaming (Superhot, John Wick VR).

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

“If liquid metal, why not abs?” – Russ [01:42]
“Each level is kind of a different style of a different game. But it's itty bitty. It's like maybe a third as long as it would have been in a previous game. It has none of the annoying bits.” – Chris Bot [08:12]
“There is a limit to like how much I think this game would keep my attention... But when you beat it, you can... change the events of the movie. So instead... that unlocks 'what if' late game levels.” – Russ [12:34]
“Should have stuck to toys.” – Ross Foshtick, on LJN's notoriously bad licensed games [07:08]
“I wanted to highlight... the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers The Movie game... What a unique cultural zeitgeist that was.” – Griffin [24:53]
“You could get toys back then for R-rated movies, which now... you want R-rated toys?” – Chris Bot [26:26]
“Isn't it interesting also that... the pipeline is moving the other way, you know, it's going the opposite direction. The games are being developed into films.” – Justin [30:32]
“I guess I'm just a good dad, guys... I'm the father of the year and possibly the decade.” – Griffin [47:39]

Episode Structure & Timestamps

[00:00–02:28] – Griffin’s T-1000 confession and host action intros
[03:01–04:00; 05:08+] – Game intro: Terminator 2D: No Fate
[05:08–06:58] – Childhood experiences with movie tie-in games
[07:08–13:45] – Deep dive: game mechanics, genre shifts, retelling the movie
[14:43–16:37] – Modernization, replay value, and design philosophy
[16:40–18:09] – Pricing/licensing quirks and actor likeness rights
[21:08–27:02] – History: cash-grab tie-ins, SNES era, rare gems, R-rated phenomena
[28:18–32:58] – State of modern tie-ins, AAA economics, nostalgia picks
[41:49–46:02] – Book, retro game, and hardware recommendations
[46:02–48:42] – Misc game picks, tech, family gaming
[48:42–END] – Listener questions, Patreon, wrap-up/bloopers

Tone and Style

The hosts maintain a spirited, nostalgic, and playfully irreverent tone throughout, peppering in genuine analysis with regular asides, friendly ribbing, and surreal one-liners. Their respect for the genre’s history is clear even as they dunk on its worst offenders.

Takeaway

Terminator 2D: No Fate succeeds by perfectly recapturing the spirit of ‘90s licensed tie-in games while surpassing them in quality, brevity, and style. The Besties reflect fondly on a bygone era where disposable game adaptations were a cultural staple and dissect how such projects exist—or don’t—in today’s gaming landscape. The episode is a must-listen for fans of retro gaming, game history, or anyone who ever rented a “garbage” tie-in game hoping it would be good.

For Further Listening

King of the Hill or Game of the Year themed Besties episodes
Previous discussions on "modern retro" game design, e.g., Scott Pilgrim, Shovel Knight
Deep dives into Capcom’s Disney tie-ins, Super Star Wars, or rental-era gaming culture

NOTE:
Ad reads, intro/outros, and Patreon plugs have been excluded for clarity and focus on main discussion content.

The Besties – "Terminator Time Travels to Save '90s Garbage Games"

Released: January 16, 2026
Hosts: Chris Plante, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Russ Frushtick

Overview

Main Segments & Key Insights

1. Liquid Metal Podcasting: Griffin's "Confession"

[00:00–02:28]

Griffin opens with a running bit claiming to be a T-1000-style Terminator sent from the future to ensure the Besties podcast continues, thus saving humanity.
- “I'm usually a bad dude. Like they usually use me for killing men who are in the laser war against us. But I learned how to love as a child.” – Griffin [01:04]
Playful banter ensues about liquid-metal anatomy, knife hands, and the importance of podcasting for world peace.
Sets a comedic, self-aware tone for the episode: “Now, don't get me wrong. Do I know why this podcast existing prevents the laser war and the corpo takeover and all that? I do not.” – Griffin [01:26]

2. Introducing Terminator 2D: No Fate

[03:01–04:00, picks up again at 05:08]

Justin officially introduces the topic: a retro-inspired, pixel-art tie-in to Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
Chris Bot explains: “Terminator 2D: No Fate is a new video game movie tie in... looks and feels like how you would want it. It's pixel Heaven.” [03:35]
The Besties briefly joke about the rash of robot podcast hosts, further establishing the playful mood.

3. Remembering the Era of '90s Tie-In Games

[05:08–06:58]

Justin, Russ, and Griffin reminisce about childhood experiences with tie-in games, especially ones based on movies their parents didn’t actually allow them to watch.
- “Terminator 2 was the first R rated movie I ever saw.” – Justin [05:14]
- “LJN’s LBJ... Annette Bening main.” – Justin/Griffin [06:20]
The group recalls footage of the original Terminator 2 SNES game, comparing its low quality to the new game.

4. What Makes Terminator 2D: No Fate Special?

[07:08–12:34]

The Besties analyze what sets No Fate apart:
- Captures the vibe of ‘90s 2D shooters but with quality and polish unimaginable at the time.
- Justin references Blackthorne on Genesis as a tonal comparison: “It’s a deliberately paced, side scrolling action game... defined by the fact that it’s not a Metroidvania.” – Justin [07:45]
- Chris praises the game’s structure: “Each level is kind of a different style of a different game. But it’s itty bitty. Maybe a third as long... none of the annoying bits.” [08:12]
- Griffin notes genre-switching—platformer, beat-em-up, even a brief beat-em-up as “nude Arnold.”
- The game sticks closely to the movie’s plot, limiting creative expansion but ensuring varied gameplay.

5. Mechanics and Mission Structure

[10:00–13:45]

The hosts break down level progression:
- Starts as Sarah Connor with “smart little tweaks” (e.g., melee attack).
- Brief turn as “future John Connor” with laser guns (“full on Contra”).
- Becomes “naked Terminator at the bar” for a beat-em-up where instead of dying, losing time is the penalty.
- Justin: “The surprise is that. And now it's this type of game for a little bit and now it's this type of game for a little bit and now it's done. Now the game's over…” [11:47]
Russ discusses replay value: After finishing, players unlock “what if” levels by altering movie events, but the overall design is meant to be a one-and-done experience.

6. Is There Room for Modernization?

[14:43–16:37]

The Besties compare No Fate to other retro-modern games that add RPG mechanics or upgrades (Scott Pilgrim as an example), noting this game stays true to its era's limitations but gets away with it by being an "art project": “This is our perfect version of... a flawless video game adaptation in 1993…” – Griffin [15:36]
Russ highlights the game's deviation from the movie’s morality (Sarah Connor mowing down dozens of guards) as a knowingly silly video game embellishment.

7. Licensing and Pricing Oddities

[16:40–18:09]

Russ points out the game’s $30 digital price and a $60 physical edition, theorizing licensing requirements.
Griffin, Justin, and Chris muse about actor likeness rights—Schwarzenegger’s pixelated absence, but full-blown Robert Patrick as the T-1000.
Griffin marvels at the classic attract screen: “[Robert Patrick] just kind of morphs up and gives you the no, no finger in his full blown Sega Genesis glory.” [17:53]

8. History & Evolution of Licensed Tie-In Games

[21:08–27:02]

Chris steers the discussion to ‘90s tie-ins as “cash grabs,” and the group maps how rental culture and gift-giving drove sales.
- Justin: “This period of licensed games in the 90s is like... a factor of rental.” [21:39]
- Russ: “Mom knows what you like. You like that movie. So I'm just going to buy the game.” [22:36]
Capcom’s Disney games and Super Star Wars are called out as rare high-quality exceptions.
The Besties discuss how tie-in games often had little regard for source material—opaque similarities, wild side plots, or absurd bosses—while the new Terminator game puts fun above faithfulness.

9. The R-Rated Movie Tie-In Phenomenon

[25:17–28:15]

Justin provides a list of ‘80s-‘90s NES/SNES tie-ins to R-rated films (e.g. Total Recall, RoboCop, Predator, Friday the 13th)—all “for kids,” even if the movies weren’t.
- “If adults are playing a game, it's an adult playing a kid's game...” – Justin [25:17]
The group riffs on buying and playing toys/video games for movies they weren’t allowed to see.

10. The Modern Tie-In Scene

[28:18–32:58]

The Besties map key developments:
- Peaks: Goldeneye, Spider-Man 2.
- Over time, big direct tie-ins became rare due to rising game budgets and shifting economics.
- Modern approaches: Collabs/skins (e.g., Fortnite, Call of Duty Fallout crossover) and Disney’s licensing approach are now more common than full movie adaptations.
- Justin: “The pipeline is moving the other way… games are being developed into films.” [30:32]
Examples: New Silent Hill, Mortal Kombat, Sonic movies.
Brief speculation: “What classic film would you like to see get this treatment?” Suggestions include Demolition Man, The Fifth Element, John Wick, Predator.

11. Honorable Mentions & Personal Picks

[41:49–48:16]

Book: Justin recommends There Is No Antimemetics Division for its inventive, memory-warping narrative structure. [38:52+]
Games: Russ revisits Actraiser (sidescroller/city-builder hybrid), while Griffin recommends Quintet games like Illusion of Gaia, Soul Blazer, Terranigma.
Tech/Games: Griffin discusses the Board ("$500 horizontal screen" for physical-digital hybrids) and Pixel Art Academy (“teaches you pixel art fundamentals with interactive lessons”).
Family Gaming: Sonic Racing Cross Worlds, Satisfactory (Griffin quit cold turkey).
Misc: Fortnite’s South Park event, and comments on VR gaming (Superhot, John Wick VR).

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

“If liquid metal, why not abs?” – Russ [01:42]
“Each level is kind of a different style of a different game. But it's itty bitty. It's like maybe a third as long as it would have been in a previous game. It has none of the annoying bits.” – Chris Bot [08:12]
“There is a limit to like how much I think this game would keep my attention... But when you beat it, you can... change the events of the movie. So instead... that unlocks 'what if' late game levels.” – Russ [12:34]
“Should have stuck to toys.” – Ross Foshtick, on LJN's notoriously bad licensed games [07:08]
“I wanted to highlight... the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers The Movie game... What a unique cultural zeitgeist that was.” – Griffin [24:53]
“You could get toys back then for R-rated movies, which now... you want R-rated toys?” – Chris Bot [26:26]
“Isn't it interesting also that... the pipeline is moving the other way, you know, it's going the opposite direction. The games are being developed into films.” – Justin [30:32]
“I guess I'm just a good dad, guys... I'm the father of the year and possibly the decade.” – Griffin [47:39]

Episode Structure & Timestamps

[00:00–02:28] – Griffin’s T-1000 confession and host action intros
[03:01–04:00; 05:08+] – Game intro: Terminator 2D: No Fate
[05:08–06:58] – Childhood experiences with movie tie-in games
[07:08–13:45] – Deep dive: game mechanics, genre shifts, retelling the movie
[14:43–16:37] – Modernization, replay value, and design philosophy
[16:40–18:09] – Pricing/licensing quirks and actor likeness rights
[21:08–27:02] – History: cash-grab tie-ins, SNES era, rare gems, R-rated phenomena
[28:18–32:58] – State of modern tie-ins, AAA economics, nostalgia picks
[41:49–46:02] – Book, retro game, and hardware recommendations
[46:02–48:42] – Misc game picks, tech, family gaming
[48:42–END] – Listener questions, Patreon, wrap-up/bloopers

Tone and Style

Takeaway

For Further Listening

King of the Hill or Game of the Year themed Besties episodes
Previous discussions on "modern retro" game design, e.g., Scott Pilgrim, Shovel Knight
Deep dives into Capcom’s Disney tie-ins, Super Star Wars, or rental-era gaming culture

NOTE:
Ad reads, intro/outros, and Patreon plugs have been excluded for clarity and focus on main discussion content.

Terminator Time Travels to Save '90s Garbage Games

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Summary

The Besties – "Terminator Time Travels to Save '90s Garbage Games"

Overview

Main Segments & Key Insights

1. Liquid Metal Podcasting: Griffin's "Confession"

2. Introducing Terminator 2D: No Fate

3. Remembering the Era of '90s Tie-In Games

4. What Makes Terminator 2D: No Fate Special?

5. Mechanics and Mission Structure

6. Is There Room for Modernization?

7. Licensing and Pricing Oddities

8. History & Evolution of Licensed Tie-In Games

9. The R-Rated Movie Tie-In Phenomenon

10. The Modern Tie-In Scene

11. Honorable Mentions & Personal Picks

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

Episode Structure & Timestamps

Tone and Style

Takeaway

For Further Listening

Summary

The Besties – "Terminator Time Travels to Save '90s Garbage Games"

Overview

Main Segments & Key Insights

1. Liquid Metal Podcasting: Griffin's "Confession"

2. Introducing Terminator 2D: No Fate

3. Remembering the Era of '90s Tie-In Games

4. What Makes Terminator 2D: No Fate Special?

5. Mechanics and Mission Structure

6. Is There Room for Modernization?

7. Licensing and Pricing Oddities

8. History & Evolution of Licensed Tie-In Games

9. The R-Rated Movie Tie-In Phenomenon

10. The Modern Tie-In Scene

11. Honorable Mentions & Personal Picks

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

Episode Structure & Timestamps

Tone and Style

Takeaway

For Further Listening