After surviving a devastating car crash, players awaken as a man named Michael Travinsky and find themselves in an ancient monastery. Referred to as The Chosen One, Michael is brought before the Lord of Light, who reveals to him an unlikely destiny: that of a righteous warrior who must stand against the Evil One's demonic hordes. In their chosen form -- Ghost or Warrior -- players embark on a quest that will determine the fate of all mankind. The Ghost form imbues the character with the power of invisibility, as well as the ability to cast a powerful radial spell. The Warrior form increases Michael's physical strength and reduces the damage received from enemy attacks.

Spiritual Energy governs Michael's ability to wield the supernatural powers he has been granted, thus he can remain in either of these forms only as long as he has enough energy to sustain them. Endowed with the Sword of Light, a supernatural implement said to have been used by the Lord of Light himself, Michael must fight his way through three chapters taking place in Antiquity, a futuristic Berlin, and the World of Evil. The Sword also requires Spiritual Energy, though while waiting for his Spirit meter to recharge Michael can make use of corporeal weapons such as a barbarian axe, bow, CUW-9 pistol, shotgun, sniper rifle, machine gun, rocket launcher, and more.

By smiting the hellish hordes and completing quests, Michael earns Essence. This works like experience points, which can be used to improve existing abilities or learn new ones, including such useful faculties as health regeneration, night vision, and more. A log book allows players to track available quests, completed objectives, and monsters encountered. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide