Like the thing before it, Terminator is a movie that's been crying out for video game justice. We've had several Termie games on various formats, but all have been non-starters that have failed to convey the terrifying, skull-crushing future dystopia of silicon vs carbon, where humanity is reduced to factions of underground resistance who don't get to wash very often. So does Dawn Of Fate come near to capturing the movie tension and parcelling it up into a playable video game? Very nearly...

It's a game that, like Blade 2, centres around combat and the limitless satisfaction to be had from blowing stuff up. And this combat does play out quite well, handing a decent level of control and battle options over to the player.

You've got a lock-on auto-aim, melee attacks and a first-person view for when you want a bit more accuracy. Mixing them all up in the midst of a scrap is simple (well, once you've got used to the fact that you can't invert first-person view - D'oh!). Head shots will slay a T number on the spot, while sweep kicks will knock them off their feet if you're beginning to get surrounded.

The game captures the claustrophobic, unstoppable nature of the Terminators fairly well, too. They'll lumber slowly in your direction and will not halt until you've fed them a feast of gunfire. The visuals are average at best, offering some plush lighting effects but looking a bit underwhelming overall; grainy and grey, with patchy, low-res textures in the environments.

But, ooh, that camera. It uses Resident Evil-style perspective switches, so you'll end up fighting into the screen and running all over the shop as the view changes position. It can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until you get used to it.

If you're willing to put up with the camera, some below-par looks and the fact that there's little to the game but out-and-out combat, then you're in for a decent crack of futuristic blasting action that does medium-to-good justice to the mother of all movie licences.

1. Satisfying laser death
2. Suitably grim
3. Auto-aim works well

1. The future looks a bit 1988
2. Hardly any strategy
3. Survival horror cam

Power
Lacking in terms of looks, and the control system needs to be a bit more flexible.

Style
Dark and gloomy, as it should be, although it's just way too basic at times. The sounds are spot on.

Immersion
Apart from the errant camera, it's enjoyable to play provided you find relentless combat involving.

Lifespan
There's little to it but skirmish after skirmish, but there are plenty of those to blaze through.

Summary
Not tremendous by any stretch, but a repetitive and enjoyable shooter all the same. Should keep you on your feet, soldier.