The story begins in 2031, in a world on the brink of chaos. The economy of the United States of North America has been stagnating for decades, while crime, urban decay, violent schools, and widespread use of joybooths have become common.

The global situation is even worse. Overpopulation and poverty are severe in the Third World, East Bloc adventurism is growing, and a new arms race has begun involving miniature nuclear weapons smuggled into enemy cities.

In response, Senator Richard Ryder and other leaders announce the Plan for Renewed National Purpose. Before it can be adopted, it must be tested, so the player is awakened from a simulated life and sent into a simulation of the future to evaluate the Plan’s effectiveness.