The player chooses one of three Jack characters and guides that character through maze-like stages viewed from an overhead perspective. The usual objective is to find keys, open the exit, defeat enemies when necessary, and finish before the timer expires.

Stages contain hazards, items, enemies, and transitions between rooms. Character differences affect movement, jumping, attacks, and how safely a player can approach obstacles. Progression comes from clearing successive stages and surviving increasingly demanding layouts, with boss encounters providing larger challenges.

Learn each character’s movement and attack range before attempting to clear stages quickly. Search efficiently for keys, but avoid fighting enemies that do not block the route.

Keep the timer in mind from the beginning of every room. Use attacks to create safe passages, save health where possible, and study recurring layouts so later attempts require less exploration.