Players choose from five fighters: Billy, Jimmy, Rash, Zitz, or Pimple. The objective is to clear a sequence of side-scrolling stages by defeating groups of Shadow Warriors, avoiding hazards, and overcoming bosses.

The Genesis version supports single-player and simultaneous two-player modes. Characters can punch, kick, jump, use weapons, and exploit objects or defeated enemies. Progression is stage-based rather than experience-based; success depends on learning enemy patterns, conserving health, and coordinating attacks in cooperative play.

Learn the timing of enemy approaches instead of continuously attacking. Short attacks followed by repositioning are safer than standing in the middle of a crowd.

• Use jumps to clear hazards and break pressure, but avoid jumping blindly into enemies.
• Pick up weapons and objects when available, especially against groups.
• In two-player mode, stay near your partner so enemies can be surrounded or interrupted.
• Save health by identifying boss attack patterns before committing to long combos.