Cole MacGrath finds himself at the center of a massive explosion that rips through Empire City. The blast leaves him the only survivor near the epicenter, but he soon discovers he has developed supernatural powers over electricity. As the government quarantines the city due to a mysterious sickness, street gangs take advantage of the chaos and begin to rule with violence. Trapped in a desolate city, Cole must decide whose side he's on: will he use his powers for revenge or the greater good?
The game is played in single-player story mode, allowing for full exploration of Empire City. A karma meter tracks good and bad deeds, influencing how the player spends experience points gained through combat and task completion. This can be used to improve Cole's control over his electric powers, which rely on electricity for health and abilities.