OPTIMA is a sci-fi game that deploys players into a city ravaged by a rogue biocomputer and its insect-like machines, at a war of attrition to establish new communication channels and routes to escort engineers through tension and horror beyond the jamming horizon, where remote control is impossible. Their ultimate mission is to understand the biocomputer's motivations and shut it down.
In the beginning, the player assumes the role of a rookie drone operator entering the war-torn city. Their primary objective is to create paths through the city, rescue trapped survivors, and recover valuable materials from the rubble. Navigating the crumbling cityscape, the player encounters various challenges, such as establishing secure communication through the jamming barrier using a complex network of relays and cables, while facing off against formidable robotic adversaries.
As the story develops, the player gradually uncovers the truth behind the critical accident that sparked the crisis through various documents, data points, and discussions with engineers. Meanwhile, they learn more about the enemy's motivations: the robots initially intended to scavenge the city for rare materials and organic matter but became increasingly aggressive in their self-defense, resulting in carnage and horror-inducing scenes. The player must adapt their tactics, carefully manage their credits, and cooperate with other drone squad operators to address these threats and overcome the challenges of the ever-evolving urban battlefield.
In the climactic ending, the player takes on a crucial mission to escort an engineer squad beyond the jamming horizon at the citadel. The player's ability to forge alliances, navigate the treacherous cityscape, and maintain clear communication despite the jamming barrier proves pivotal in halting the biocomputer's expansion. Their efforts ultimately set the stage for the events of the second installment, where the player will assume the role of one of the engineers infiltrating the citadel.