At the outset of the game, Jericho gets dispatched to Al-Khali, a modern Middle Eastern city built atop civilizations from past millennia. It also happens to be the site of a top secret archaeological dig and paranormal research centre. Suddenly, all of that gets whisked away when it becomes the center of a dimensional rift from which an ancient evil emerges -- one that threatens to engulf the entire globe. Players must lead the team into the now flaming ruins of the city, one filled with hellish monsters that only Clive Barker could imagine.


Initially, players assume the role of Captain Ross, who ends up dying not long into siege. However, his death doesn't occur in vain, and actually facilitates the game's key play mechanic. Ross becomes a spirit with the ability to jump between the bodies of his former squad mates to utilize their specific paranormal abilities. This "threading" technique lets player mix the abilities of the characters together like an alchemist. For instance, Ross can jump into one character to create a mystical shield, and then switch to another with telekinetic powers to turn it into a weapon.