Fights take place in two-dimensional arenas with a selectable warrior facing one opponent. The goal is to deplete the opponent’s health across a best-of-three-round match by combining normal attacks, blocks, throws, special moves, and stage positioning.

Single-player modes include a ladder-style tournament progression, while versus play supports matches against another player. Victories advance the player through increasingly difficult opponents and culminate in boss encounters. Winning the final round may allow a finishing move, depending on the character and match conditions.

Learn the range and recovery of each character’s basic attacks before relying on special moves. Blocking is important because the computer often punishes repeated attacks.

Use the edge of the arena carefully, save reliable special moves for openings, and practice each character’s finishing input separately. In a ladder run, conserve health by avoiding unnecessary trades in early rounds.