The game uses a primarily side-scrolling perspective. Players guide a ninja through mission stages, defeat enemies, avoid environmental hazards, collect useful items, and reach the stage objective or boss.

Naruto and supporting characters use jumps, normal attacks, special techniques, and movement abilities to progress. Missions follow a linear structure, with combat encounters and platforming sections providing the main variation. Progress is tied to completing the story missions rather than to a large role-playing system.

Learn the timing of each character's basic attack before relying on special techniques. Keep moving around groups of enemies rather than attacking in place, and use jumps to avoid crowded encounters.

Explore each stage for recovery items and other useful pickups. Against bosses, watch their attack patterns and strike during the brief openings after their larger attacks.