Quake 4 is another of the Xbox 360 launch titles that was ported from another system, in this case the PC.  It's a testament to the Xbox 360's power that the game looks as on the 360 as it does on PCs with the graphics options cranked up.  The character models are detailed and move realistically, the environments are detailed and the lighting effects are impressive - although the outdoor environments are a lot sparser and less detailed than the indoor ones for some reason.  When it comes to the gameplay, though, Quake 4 is not quite as cutting edge, but it's still enjoyable to those who like a good straightforward shooter.

You often have backup in Quake 4.

Quake 4 takes place in a future in which a race known as the Strogg is cutting its way through the galaxy attacking one world after another.  Well, we humans will have none of that and attack the Strogg with the full brunt of our military, and the hammer to the Strogg's anvil is the Space Marines.  You are one of said Space Marines, a quiet trooper by the name of Matthew Kane who has quite the reputation as a soldier.  As you make your drop to the Strogg homeworld ala Starship Troopers, the planet's defenses knock your dropship to the ground which in turn knocks you unconscious.  You recover your senses to find yourself in the middle of a warzone, and you need to find your squad so that you can take out the planetary defense and take down the Strogg.

Quake 4 looks great and is probably one of the best looking shooters out there, but the gameplay is firmly rooted in the classics.  The environments and levels are pretty linear and tightly constrained – you’re kept on your pre-designated path with no leeway to stray or wander.  As you make your way through the missions you'll be faced with regular surprise attacks by the Strogg as they pop through walls, out of halls, behind doors, or around corners.  Quake 4 is pretty much a run and gun sci-fi fragfest, albeit a particularly gory one. 

One way Quake 4 is different from old school shooters is that you often fight alongside allies.  Your fellow marines provide you with additional firepower and do a pretty competent job of taking out Strogg attackers In a cool touch, some of these allies are specialists, so if you come across a medic you can ask him for some healing and an engineer will bring your armor up to100%.

The action in Quake 4 can get quite frantic. Many Strogg like to opt for the direct approach, coming right at you in a frontal charge. It’s a crude tactic but it can be effective when you’re as fast and tough as a Strogg and it can make for some tense gaming moments. If you take it at its face value and accept the fact the game is an old school shooter in new school clothes, you’ll have a good time. It will be a fun ride, but not something that will blow you away or bring you back after your first play through.

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