Matches are viewed from a side-on perspective. The objective is to deplete the opponent's health before the time limit expires, using normal attacks, defensive movement, jumping, and character-specific special techniques.

The main structure centers on one-on-one fights, with additional modes and selectable opponents depending on the version. Progression comes from clearing successive battles rather than building character statistics. Careful spacing, energy management, and learning each fighter's attack range are more useful than repeatedly attacking at close distance.

Learn the normal attack range of the chosen fighter before relying on special moves. Keep enough distance to react to projectiles, and avoid spending energy immediately after every knockdown.

Use jumps and guarded movement to approach carefully, then punish missed heavy attacks. Against larger or slower opponents, repeated spacing and short attack strings are generally safer than extended close-range exchanges.