The year is 2142. The player takes control of Conrad B. Hart, a man who has lost his memory. After barely escaping from hostile aliens, Conrad's bike crashes on an unknown planet. Conrad finds himself in the jungle, and from that moment on his quest for survival and his lost identity begins.
Flashback: The Quest for Identity is an action-adventure game with elements of platforming, shooting, and problem-solving. The gameplay follows a cinematic style similar to Prince of Persia, with Conrad navigating through large levels, running, jumping, and shooting enemies while exploring the environment.
The gameplay also includes puzzle-solving, as Conrad can interact with objects in his surroundings, such as picking up stones to harm enemies or using shields to protect himself. The player must use various moves, including crouching and rolling, to defend against attacks. Most environments are hostile, but there are areas where Conrad can talk to characters, gather information, and complete tasks.
Most versions of the game feature cutscenes with polygonal vector graphics, while CD versions include pre-rendered 3D animations. The Sega CD version also features voice-overs.
Flashback: The Quest for Identity was released in 1995 for the 3DO console.