Arthur advances through horizontally scrolling stages filled with fixed hazards, enemies, ladders, platforms, and branching routes. He can walk, crouch, jump, climb, and throw weapons in eight directions while moving or standing still.

Arthur begins in armor and loses it after one hit; a second hit leaves him in his undergarments and causes the next hit to kill him. Weapons can be replaced by collecting another power-up. The game includes timed stages, boss encounters, limited lives, and a mandatory second completion with the correct weapon before the true ending is available.

Learn enemy spawn points and treat each screen as a timing puzzle rather than rushing forward. Throw weapons before jumping into uncertain areas, and use crouching attacks against low targets.

Protect armor whenever possible, save strong weapons for bosses, and remember that the second quest requires the correct weapon. Practice safe routes through stages and preserve lives for the final encounters.