The player views static or lightly animated illustrated scenes from a third-person perspective and directs P.J. through connected locations. The main objective is to investigate the alien environment, collect useful objects, speak with inhabitants, and solve puzzles that open new routes or advance the story.

Progression is largely non-linear within each section, with success depending on trying inventory items in the right places and selecting suitable interactions. The DOS release is a single-player adventure with no combat-focused mode or separate competitive mode.

Examine each new location carefully and revisit earlier areas after obtaining an unfamiliar item. Adventure-game progress often depends on combining objects with environmental details rather than using them immediately.

Keep notes about characters, places, and unsolved obstacles. If an action produces no result, try a different inventory object or return after a story event instead of repeatedly forcing the same interaction.