RELICS

Released in 1986 by Bothtec for the PC-8801, *RELICS* is a groundbreaking action-adventure title renowned for its innovative "possession system," which allows players to inhabit the bodies of various alien creatures to utilize their unique combat abilities. The game is celebrated for its eerie, H.R. Giger-inspired aesthetic and minimalist approach, intentionally withholding clear instructions and narrative context until the player reaches the true ending. By challenging players to navigate a mysterious, decaying ruin without a save function, it created a uniquely tense and atmospheric experience that remains a landmark in early Japanese PC gaming. Its haunting, avant-garde presentation is further punctuated by an original soundtrack composed by the Japanese band Crystal King.

Long before the birth of the universe, two primal cosmic consciousnesses engaged in an endless conflict, a struggle that gave rise to the materials of existence itself. Amidst this backdrop, a disembodied spirit with no memory awakens within a mysterious and gargantuan labyrinthine ruin. Lacking a physical form, the protagonist must possess the bizarre creatures inhabiting the ruins, commandeering their bodies and unique abilities to navigate the depths. Survival in this harsh, cross-dimensional realm becomes a solitary journey to uncover the truth behind one's own identity and the meaning of this eternal warfare.