The game uses a side-scrolling perspective, with occasional changes in direction and set-piece presentation. The objective is to cross combat stages, destroy enemy formations, defeat large bosses, and survive hazards while preserving limited lives and continues.

Players move, jump, shoot in multiple directions, dash, and switch among collected weapons. The campaign branches after certain encounters, creating different stage routes and endings. Four playable characters provide different weapon systems and handling, and weapon upgrades are lost when the character dies.

Learn enemy entrances and boss attack patterns rather than relying on continuous firing alone. Keep moving, use the dash to cross dangerous gaps or evade attacks, and switch weapons when a situation favors spread, rapid fire, or explosive damage.

Branching routes are worth exploring because they change the stage order, encounters, and endings. Preserve lives by choosing safe positions during boss patterns, and remember that a death removes the currently equipped weapon power.