The game uses a side-scrolling perspective. The player guides Charlie from left to right through themed stages, defeating enemies, avoiding traps, and reaching a boss encounter at the end of each area.

Charlie can move, jump, attack, and use weapons or items found during a stage. Progression is stage-based rather than character-driven; success depends on learning enemy patterns, managing positioning, and preserving lives through increasingly difficult encounters.

Stay near the center of the screen when possible so approaching enemies can be seen early. Use jumps to cross hazards rather than rushing into unfamiliar areas.

Save powerful weapons for dense enemy groups or bosses, and attack from a safe distance whenever the current weapon allows it. Learn boss patterns after each attempt instead of spending lives on repeated close-range attacks.