The protagonist wakes up in a hotel room in midtown Manhattan with no clothes and no memory, and what is worse, no recollection of who they are or how to set things right. As they try to piece together their past, they discover that someone is trying to kill them and they're wanted for murder in Texas.
The defining feature of Amnesia is the massive open world of Manhattan, with over 4000 separate locations, 650 streets, and a comprehensive subway system. To navigate this vast environment, players can use the included map and the "X-Street Indexer", a code wheel that helps them find their way.
The game simulates real-world time of day, with stores opening and closing at the correct times, adding an extra layer of realism to the experience. Most puzzles in Amnesia involve solving inventory or conversation-based challenges, often requiring players to be in the right place at the right time. The game also demands survival mechanics, such as finding jobs to earn money, buying food, and securing shelter for the night.