Matches are viewed from a side perspective and are fought one opponent at a time. Players use punches, kicks, throws, blocking, jumping, taunts, and character-specific special techniques to reduce the opponent's life bar.

The main arcade route presents a sequence of fights with brief story scenes. A spirit gauge limits repeated special-move use, while attacks and desperation techniques can cause substantial damage. Some matches also use destructible stage objects or bonus activities between fights.

Manage the spirit gauge instead of repeatedly using special moves. A depleted gauge makes techniques less effective and leaves the character vulnerable, so use normal attacks and defensive movement while it recovers.

Learn each opponent's approach and punish missed attacks rather than trading blows. Throws are useful at close range, while jumping attacks and carefully timed desperation techniques can turn around a losing round.