Since the series made its name in the multiplayer arena, one can almost forgive Quake 4's wholly generic storyline. You play as Corporal Matthew Kane, a member of a human fighting force that has been sent to the home world of the Strogg, an aggressive alien race that they've been battling for years. You'll make your way through the Strogg's defenses, either alone or with several squadmates, carrying out a variety of objectives.


Chronologically, the game takes place after the events of Quake 2, since the third game focused solely on the multiplayer aspects. In an effort to let players experience the full story, id and Activision have included a bonus disc that features Quake 2 in its entirety. There are a few nice touches here and there, as well as a big "surprise" (that was unfortunately revealed early in the game's development), but the storyline is far from compelling.

Alas, the same can be said of the gameplay, which offers very little in the way of innovation. For the most part, you'll find yourself running through narrow hallways, blasting the baddies that jump out at you. The action is scripted, so you'll see the same enemies in the same place every time, and they'll use the same combat techniques over and over again. Essentially, it's the same type of gameplay that we saw in Doom 3, only without the scares. In what can only be considered an attempt to keep things interesting, there are a few vehicle-based missions thrown in at random points, but they aren't particularly challenging (or entertaining, for that matter).