The game uses a side-on, horizontally scrolling view of a planet. The objective is to destroy waves of aliens and keep the humanoids alive; losing all humanoids or the ship ends the round.

The fighter can rotate, thrust, fire its laser, and use limited smart bombs. The playfield wraps from one edge to the other, while a radar display helps track enemies and humanoids. Success advances through increasingly difficult waves, including later enemy types and faster attacks.

Stay near the humanoids when possible, but keep moving so enemies cannot surround the fighter. Use thrust in short bursts and rely on the radar to find threats outside the visible screen.

Save smart bombs for crowded situations or dangerous later waves. Rescue falling humanoids promptly, and avoid firing carelessly when a civilian is close to an enemy.