The game uses a side-view perspective and is divided into worlds containing several stages, followed by boss encounters. The objective is to reach each stage’s exit while collecting items, defeating enemies, and rescuing the kidnapped children.

Players can select Imajin, Lina, Mama, or Papa. Each character differs in running speed, jumping ability, and lifting power. Vegetables and other objects can be pulled from the ground, carried, and thrown at enemies. Keys open locked doors, while potions create temporary sub-areas containing coins and mushrooms.

Progress is saved through the Disk System’s disk-based save feature. Losing all lives returns the player to the game-over screen, while continuing depends on the available lives and continues.

Choose the character that suits the stage rather than relying on one character throughout. Lina is useful for vertical gaps, while Papa can clear obstacles and handle heavy objects quickly.

Search the ground for vegetables, potions, and hidden items. Carrying a vegetable into a crowded area lets you defeat enemies from a safe distance, and entering potion-created sub-areas can provide coins and mushrooms.

Avoid throwing objects blindly near pits. Some enemies can be used as temporary platforms, and conserving mushrooms and lives is especially important before boss rooms.