Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines T-900 First Appearance

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines is a blockbuster movie that has multiple tie-in Atari video games to further enhance the world of Terminator and also offer new units; one of which makes a cameo in the movie itself – the T-900.

I have to admit that my lack of love for the third picture initially prevented me from noticing the T-900 Endoskeleton cameo in Terminator 3 until home release, which is understandable due to the emphasis on the prototype flying HK as the focal point in the scene where it appears. If you take a closer look at the left of the shot, you will see a T-900 unit being worked on by members of Cyber Research Systems (CRS).

In my opinion these games were better than the movie itself, and it makes sense that the game makers had a heavy involvement with the movie to produce these games. The connection was so strong that the 900 series, which features heavily in the games, was given a cameo in the movie. Though it doesn’t really make sense as to why a 900 series would be in development when the only really functional Terminators are the T-1 units that end up being put into action by the T-X who can control other machines.

The 900 series is logical from a future standpoint but not in regards to modern day… If the 900 is not far off from the 1000 series then why is it in present day – pre ‘Judgment Day’… ?
The 900s appeared in the game after *spoiler* John Connor‘s death, which would make sense. Maybe this series of Terminator should have been categorized as the 700 series, or the design could have been utilized for the T-850 instead. After all, to fans the only difference between the 800 and the 850 was how Arnold could open his chassis to reveal a bunch of Christmas lights surrounding fuel cells inside of his big barrel chest. That, and a slight difference of age – since Schwarzenegger last played a Terminator in Terminator 2: Judgment Day back in 1991.

T-900 Terminator Official T3 Collectibles

The T-900 was a nice compliment to Terminator 3 and showed the bridge between game making, film production and how it could be beneficial if done correctly. It had even more potential, but they simply didn’t tap into it.
Proof of the T-900 was everywhere in Terminator 3 merchandise and games. It goes to show that since Terminator 2 the imagination of game makers had surpassed that of the filmmakers.

The T-900 Also Appeared in Terminator 3: The Redemption and Terminator 3: War of the Machines

The T-900 was again used for the best Terminator game so far; Terminator 3: The Redemption. Graphics and gameplay-wise, ‘The Redemption’ was far superior to the T3 movie game.
As you can see; the design is in a more serious tone and we like it. It’s only right – an endoskeleton with armor plating. It makes it easier for the game makers to work with less polygons but it works for a new Terminator design.

The T-900 is also playable in Atari‘s PC online multiplayer; Terminator 3: War of the Machines.

Will the T-900 return? Who knows… ? It was a great computer game character for the Terminator franchise at least.

Resistance Update (04/12/10): Terminator Fan, Ashkan, sent us his report from the battlefield, on intercepting a SkyNet factory,- he managed to play Terminator 3: Rise of The Machines (PS2 version) and acquired these important blue-prints to share with us:

Update 03/26/22: HD screenshot of the T-900