The game uses a side-view perspective and supports solo play or two-player cooperative play. Players move through connected stages, defeat waves of enemies, collect magic books, and confront bosses. Several routes can be selected during the adventure, creating different stage sequences and endings.

Basic combat combines weapon attacks, jumps, throws, character-specific techniques, and spell casting. Magic power is stored in the collected books; holding the magic button releases a spell whose strength depends on the available stock. Defeated enemies may drop food that restores health, while progress is tracked through a limited number of lives and continues.

Use short attacks to control enemy groups rather than repeatedly advancing into them. Jump attacks are useful against isolated enemies, while throws can quickly remove dangerous close-range opponents.

Save magic for large groups and bosses, and collect food whenever health is low. Experiment with stage branches: some routes provide safer encounters, while others offer different bosses and endings. In two-player mode, avoid attacking from opposite sides of the same enemy so that both players can maintain pressure.