The history of video games is filled with ambitious ideas that arrived before their time. For every familiar genre classic, there are countless forgotten experiments that attempted something genuinely different but were lost beneath the weight of more commercially successful releases. These hidden gems are exactly why preservation projects are so important, as they allow modern players to experience the creativity and risk-taking that defined earlier eras of game development. EGGCONSOLE RELICS MSX2 is a fascinating example of that spirit, reviving a mysterious 1986 adventure that still feels remarkably unusual almost four decades later.
Originally developed by Bothtec, RELICS was never intended as a straightforward action game. Instead, it placed players in a strange science-fiction world where identity, exploration and adaptation were the keys to survival. Released as part of D4 Enterprise’s ongoing archival efforts, this Nintendo Switch version offers a valuable opportunity to experience a unique piece of MSX2 history, while adding helpful modern features to the original release. Although its age and design philosophy create some barriers for newcomers, there is no denying the creativity behind its central idea.
RELICS is a game built around curiosity. It does not explain everything immediately, nor does it guide you from one objective to the next, and it certainly does not hold your hand. Instead, it invites you into an unfamiliar world and asks you to slowly uncover its secrets through exploration and experimentation.
A Mystery Beneath the Waves
The opening of RELICS remains one of its most memorable elements because it immediately plunges you into uncertainty. You begin not as a traditional hero with a weapon and a clear mission, but as a drifting spiritual entity trapped within mysterious ruins that have suddenly risen from the sea. There is no dramatic introduction explaining your purpose or revealing the history of this strange location. The game simply places you in its haunting environment and lets the mystery unfold naturally.
That lack of information creates a powerful sense of isolation. The ruins feel ancient, forgotten and strangely alive, with every corridor suggesting that something important happened long before your arrival. As you move deeper into the environment, fragments of the world begin to reveal themselves through encounters, discoveries and environmental details. It is a slow-burn approach to storytelling that feels closer to exploring a forgotten archaeological site than to completing a traditional adventure game.
This commitment to mystery is one of RELICS’ greatest achievements. While modern games often rush to explain their worlds through dialogue and cutscenes, Bothtec trusted players to observe, experiment and draw their own conclusions. That confidence gives the experience a distinctive atmosphere that remains compelling despite its age.
The Genius of the Spirit Ride System
The defining feature of RELICS is undoubtedly the Spirit Ride mechanic, an idea that was incredibly imaginative for its era and remains fascinating today. Because your character exists as a spirit, survival depends on possessing the bodies of defeated enemies. Each new host alters your abilities, your strengths, and even how the world reacts to you.
This transforms combat encounters into strategic decisions rather than simple battles. Defeating an enemy is not always about removing a threat; sometimes it is about finding your next form. A stronger form might help you survive dangerous areas, while another body could grant access to locations previously unreachable.
The mechanic also adds an impressive layer of social interaction. Different creatures and factions respond differently depending on the body you inhabit, so your appearance can determine whether you are attacked immediately or allowed to pass unnoticed. This idea of using identity as a tool feels incredibly forward-thinking and creates a gameplay loop that rewards careful planning.
Few games from the 1980s attempted anything similar. The Spirit Ride system remains the reason RELICS stands apart from many of its contemporaries, proving that inventive design does not always require complex technology.
Exploration Over Action
Although RELICS features combat elements, exploration is always the true focus. The game encourages players to study their surroundings, seek opportunities and experiment with different approaches to overcome obstacles. Progress rarely comes from simply defeating everything in your path, but from understanding the relationship between your abilities and the world around you.
That slower pace gives the ruins a distinctive sense of scale. You are not racing through a series of levels; you are gradually becoming familiar with a mysterious environment. Rooms that initially seem confusing begin to take shape as you learn the layout and understand how different creatures fit into the ecosystem.
However, this approach can also lead to moments of frustration. Without modern conveniences such as objective markers, detailed maps or clear hints, it is easy to become lost. Players who prefer immediate direction may struggle with the deliberately vague structure, particularly when progress depends on experimenting with different hosts.
For those willing to embrace the challenge, the reward is a genuine sense of discovery. Finding a solution after carefully testing possibilities feels far more satisfying than simply following a waypoint.
A Stunning Atmosphere for Its Era
One of the biggest surprises on returning to RELICS is how strong its visual identity remains. The MSX2 hardware was limited, yet Bothtec created a world with a distinct science-fiction personality. The environments are dark and industrial, filled with strange machinery, alien creatures and forgotten structures that lend the ruins a genuinely cinematic quality.
The character designs are particularly impressive, with detailed sprites and surprisingly fluid animation for its time. Every creature feels distinct, which is especially important given how central possession is to the experience. The game effectively conveys that each body represents a different possibility.
Sound design also plays a major role in shaping the atmosphere. Simple effects, such as distant machinery and the rhythmic crash of waves, evoke a sense of loneliness and mystery. Rather than overwhelming players with constant music, RELICS recognises the importance of silence and subtle environmental sounds.
These elements combine to create a surprisingly immersive experience, demonstrating how much atmosphere developers could achieve even with limited hardware.
The EGGCONSOLE Preservation Package
D4 Enterprise continues to demonstrate why preservation matters through its handling of classic releases. The EGGCONSOLE version of RELICS includes useful additions that help modern audiences understand the game’s historical significance. Gallery features showcasing original materials provide valuable context, enabling players to appreciate the artwork and design choices of the original release.
The inclusion of English navigation and instructional menus also makes the package more accessible. While the main game remains largely in Japanese, these additions help reduce some of the initial barriers for international players. It is a thoughtful approach that respects the original experience while acknowledging modern expectations.
The remaining language barrier is still noticeable, however. Because RELICS relies heavily on discovery and interpretation, untranslated story elements can make certain sections difficult to fully appreciate. Players may need external resources or prior knowledge to understand every detail of the adventure. Even so, the preservation work remains impressive. This is not merely a port; it is a carefully curated piece of gaming history.
Final Verdict
EGGCONSOLE RELICS MSX2 is a striking reminder that some of the most interesting ideas in gaming history came from developers willing to take risks. Its Spirit Ride system remains genuinely innovative, while its mysterious world and atmospheric presentation continue to evoke a memorable sense of exploration. Although its age is impossible to ignore, the creativity behind the experience keeps it engaging decades after its original release.
This is not a game for everyone. The slow pace, lack of guidance and Japanese-language barrier mean that casual players may struggle to connect with its old-school approach. However, for retro enthusiasts and anyone interested in the evolution of game design, RELICS offers something genuinely special.
D4 Enterprise has once again preserved an important piece of gaming history, enabling a forgotten MSX2 adventure to reach a new audience. It may require patience, but those who take the journey will discover a fascinating experiment that still feels unlike anything else.
