The Scheme

Released by Bothtec for the PC-8801 in 1988, this game is a side-scrolling action RPG that challenges players to explore a vast, labyrinthine complex. It was developed by the up-and-coming creator group Onion Software, skillfully blending difficult action mechanics with puzzle-solving elements. The game is historically significant for its legendary FM synthesizer soundtrack—composed by Yuzo Koshiro for the Sound Board 2—which remains critically acclaimed as a masterpiece in the history of game music. By pushing the boundaries of contemporary hardware, the game offers a timeless experience that perfectly captures the thrill of deep dungeon exploration.

In the near future, a mysterious giant artificial celestial body known as "The Scheme" suddenly appears in Earth's orbit. After a reconnaissance team disappears during its investigation, the protagonist, Mars, who was the only one to successfully escape, infiltrates the facility alone to uncover the truth. Navigating the vast and complex labyrinth, he must battle grotesque enemies using scavenged weapons and an mysterious power known as the "Force." Can Mars uncover the secrets hidden in the depths of The Scheme and save Earth from this unprecedented crisis?