The Terminator Genisys Miniatures Game captures the desperate struggle between Skynet’s machines and the Human Resistance, with streamlined rules that make it easy to pick up and play. At KublaCon, I ran a six-player event using these rules, where the game delivered both cinematic moments and nail-biting tension. Despite being pummeled throughout most of the session, the Resistance pulled off a last-minute victory against all odds, which kept everyone engaged to the very end.

Straightforward Dice Mechanics with Strategic Depth

One of my favorite aspects of this game is its simplicity. Each figure’s dice rolls are determined by its weapon type and skill, making combat intuitive. Range templates set success thresholds—at long range, for instance, players need a roll of 6+ to hit. This streamlined approach allows players to focus on strategy without being bogged down by complex rules.

Adding Narrative Flavor with Temporal Agents

The Temporal Agent mechanic adds a unique, narrative-driven twist. Players can “rewind” time to alter an outcome, but only if they create a little story to justify it. During the KublaCon event, some memorable Temporal Agent moments emerged, like re-rolling a cover save because a Temporal Agent “left a distraction” in the past. These creative explanations gave the game a cinematic feel that everyone enjoyed.

Close Combat Tension

Close combat in Terminator Genisys can be brutal. The Terminators excel in melee, often making quick work of any Resistance units within reach. This dynamic played out dramatically at KublaCon, where the Resistance had to avoid close combat whenever possible to survive. In the final moments, though, careful positioning and some well-timed attacks allowed them to eke out a hard-fought victory.

Event Highlights from KublaCon

For a six-player game, the Terminator Genisys rules handled larger player numbers smoothly. After a 10-minute rule explanation, everyone was able to jump in and play, using the Fate die to determine activations and keep the action unpredictable. Even with some Resistance players struggling early on, they ultimately coordinated a final push that secured the win.

A “Complete” System for Fans and New Players

With no planned updates, Terminator Genisys is a “dead system,” so players won’t have to keep up with new rules or expansions. The game feels whole and satisfying as-is, though I can imagine where new scenarios could have gone if the line continued. This makes it an excellent choice for sci-fi fans and miniatures players who want something accessible and filled with thematic depth.

KublaCon was an ideal stage for Terminator Genisys, and it’s one I’d highly recommend to anyone looking for a fast-paced, narrative-rich experience on the tabletop!