Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance

Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance is a unique real-time strategy game blending intense tactical micromanagement with resource and unit progression, drawing comparisons to classics like XCOM and Men of War. Players must carefully manage manpower, vehicles, and logistics while facing relentless enemy waves, requiring strategic positioning and upgrades. The game features persistent squads and equipment, adding RPG elements to the RTS experience.

While praised for its challenging and rewarding gameplay, varied missions, and deep mechanics involving vehicle and unit customization, the game demands significant save scumming due to its punishing difficulty and potential for soft locks. The story and interface receive mixed reactions, and some players find the micromanagement overwhelming. Despite some bugs and minor UI issues, the game is considered a refreshing and high-quality entry in the Terminator franchise, especially for fans of hardcore RTS games.

Highlights

Players especially appreciate the deep tactical gameplay mechanics that require careful unit and resource management, alongside persistent squad progression and vehicle customization.

The game’s varied and unique mission design keeps the gameplay fresh, while the challenging AI and intense RTS combat deliver a satisfying experience.

Many highlight the as a positive, particularly the human campaign, and the game’s overall polish and strategic depth are often praised.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the need for frequent save scumming to avoid frustrating soft locks, which some players find detracts from enjoyment.

The interface and waypoint system are described as clunky and unintuitive, complicating micromanagement.

Some players find the campaign overly complex and punishing, with unbalanced difficulty spikes and occasional bugs. Ambient sound and immersion elements were also noted as lacking.