Sometime in 1999, a North American defense network went haywire and caused a nuclear armageddon, forcing the surviving remnants of humanity to move into cramped and unclean underground shelters. A mysterious organization called "New Hope" emerged, promising much better living conditions for joining them, in exchange for many personal freedoms. After an unknown amount of time passes, New Hope creates the space station known as SKYNET CITY, the new capital of humanity. In this city, New Hope has total control, disposing of their opposition and those seen as "no longer useful" to them. You play as Jet Hunter, who takes issue with New Hope's authorities killing his parents (New Hope's top scientists) with no reason or explanation. One day, Jet is contacted by the leader of the resistance against New Hope, named Mars. Mars informs him that something important awaits him and that New Hope has sent a platoon of soldiers after him for his suspicions. Jet arms himself with his trusty Uzi and the game begins.