The game uses a side-view perspective with cinematic, rotoscoped character animation. Conrad explores multi-screen areas, searches for objects, operates machinery, avoids hazards, and fights armed enemies with his pistol.

Progression is built around recovering clues, solving inventory-based problems, and reaching new locations. The adventure moves through wilderness, urban areas, off-world environments, and other story-driven stages, with checkpoints and limited lives making careful movement important.

Move deliberately and observe enemy patterns before crossing open spaces. Use the pistol from a safe distance, and keep the force field for situations where damage cannot be avoided.

Search every area for switches, access cards, weapons, and other usable objects. Save or use lives carefully, because falls, traps, and poorly timed jumps can quickly end a section.