This 1986 Japanese Adventure Game on Steam Is a Must-Play for 2026
When a game from 1986 suddenly appears on Steam, it's a reminder of how much Japanese PC gaming has evolved—and how much it has to offer. Relics, an action-adventure game originally released for systems like the MSX, PC-88/98, Sharp X1, X68000, and FM-7, has been brought back to life for a new generation of players. Despite its retro graphics, which often resemble an optician's test for color blindness, and its occasionally sluggish frame rate, this title has quickly become one of my favorite PC gaming experiences of the year.
A Timeless Mystery in a Strange Land
Relics excels at transporting players into a mysterious world that feels both alien and immersive. The slim manual offers more cryptic hints than practical guidance, hinting at a cosmic struggle between two forces without ever fully explaining it. Starting the game, I find myself as a humanoid shadow, floating in a strange landscape. The crumbling walls, the golden statues, and the pulsating environments all contribute to a sense of wonder and confusion that only deepens as I progress.
The gameplay revolves around "spirit riding"—shifting between different bodies, each with its own abilities and characteristics. One moment I'm a skeletal rabbit inspired by H.R. Giger, the next I'm an armored soldier with a gun, and then a sorcerer clad in gold. Each transformation offers a new perspective on the world and its inhabitants, revealing a complex web of relationships and interactions that are only partially understood.
A Game That Feels Ahead of Its Time
What makes Relics stand out is its level of detail and nuance, especially for a game from the 1980s. The few non-English messages are encoded in a cipher that players must decode using an in-game key and pen and paper. This adds a layer of challenge and intrigue, making the experience feel more like an exploration of a forgotten world than a simple game.
Combat is equally enigmatic. My health is represented by a beating organ that is neither a heart nor a brain. The game doesn't force me to kill anyone to reach the ending—violence is a choice, and one I often avoid. The enemies are highly reactive, with animations that feel surprisingly advanced for their time. Heavy blows can cause both me and my opponents to stumble, sometimes resulting in a messy, almost brutal encounter.
The Beauty of the Unknown
The game's strangeness is part of its charm. As I explore, I come across a woman trapped in a stasis pod, golden figures lining a room, and a massive statue with a single teal eye that holds a sword as tall as a house. Each discovery adds to the sense of mystery, making me wonder about the deeper story and the world that exists beyond what I can immediately understand.
The graphics, while simple by today's standards, perfectly capture the mood and atmosphere of the game. They don't hinder the experience; instead, they enhance it, offering glimpses of truths that are just out of reach. The game's design encourages exploration and curiosity, rewarding those who take the time to piece together its secrets.
A Game That Demands Replaying
Despite its short runtime, Relics is a game that feels deeply replayable. Each run is different, influenced by the choices I make and the behaviors I observe. Sometimes enemies who were once my foes are now willing to be possessed. Other times, key items simply don't appear, forcing me to rethink my strategy.
The game's unpredictable nature keeps me engaged, making every playthrough a new adventure. Whether I'm sneaking up on enemies from behind or deciding whether to chase down a fleeing foe, the experience is shaped by my choices and curiosity. This level of interactivity, for a game from nearly 40 years ago, is nothing short of impressive.
If you're looking for a game that will challenge your perception of what an adventure game can be, Relics is a must-play. It's a testament to the creativity and vision of early Japanese developers, and a reminder that sometimes, the best experiences come from the unknown.
