Players select a fighter and battle opponents in a sequence of one-on-one matches. The camera follows movement across a broad arena rather than keeping every fight on a narrow horizontal plane.

Attacks, jumps, dashes, throws, blocks, and special techniques are combined with pickups or stage objects where available. A match is won by depleting the opponent's life before the time limit expires. The arcade version supports single-player and versus play, with progression determined by the selected arcade route.

Learn the spacing of each fighter's normal attacks before relying on special techniques. Movement around the arena is important, so avoid staying in a corner and watch for opportunities to punish missed attacks.

Use throws and knockdowns to interrupt opponents that block repeatedly. Because stage hazards and objects can change an exchange quickly, keep enough room to react rather than attacking continuously.