The game uses a side-view fighting perspective. A match is won by defeating an opponent in a best-of-three-round contest, using normal attacks, special moves, blocks, throws, and character-specific finishing techniques.

Players can progress through a single-player tournament-style mode and fight another player in versus play when supported by the appropriate link setup. Victories lead to additional opponents and an ending for the selected fighter. The GBA version presents the action with sprite-based animation and simplified arenas.

Learn the range and recovery of each character’s safest normal attacks before relying on special moves. Blocking is especially important because the handheld version gives opponents limited but damaging openings.

Save meter or special resources for confirmed attacks, and avoid repeating the same move after the computer begins blocking it. In tournament play, observe an opponent’s preferred response after knockdowns and adjust your wake-up pressure accordingly.