Missions are viewed from a first-person perspective. The objective is usually to enter an Imperial facility, complete several tasks, recover information or equipment, and reach an extraction point. Levels contain locked doors, switches, elevators, traps, secret rooms, and multiple routes.

Kyle can run, jump, crouch, use weapons, collect ammunition and items, and interact with terminals or mechanisms. New weapons and equipment expand his options during the campaign. The DOS version is primarily a single-player sequence of story missions with no competitive multiplayer mode.

Search every room for switches, supplies, armor, and alternate routes before leaving an area. Many objectives are controlled by mechanisms that are easy to miss in visually similar corridors.

Save often, especially before elevators, firefights, and jumps. Conserve powerful ammunition for armored enemies, use cover around doors, and check the automap when the route becomes unclear.

• Look up and down regularly; vertical passages and ledges are important.
• Explore side rooms after major objectives, since they often contain equipment or secrets.
• Keep health and armor balanced rather than taking unnecessary damage to collect supplies.