The game uses a side-scrolling perspective. Players advance through linear combat stages, defeat groups of enemies, collect useful items or magical resources, and confront large bosses at the end of areas.

The playable party is drawn from the Journey to the West cast. Combat is built around movement, normal attacks, jumping, character-specific techniques, and cooperation in multiplayer. Progression comes primarily from clearing stages and learning enemy patterns rather than from a persistent role-playing system.

Learn the timing and reach of each character's normal attacks before spending magical resources. Keep moving around enemy groups instead of allowing several foes to surround the party.

Save powerful techniques for dense encounters and bosses. In cooperative play, divide targets between players and revive or protect a fallen partner when the game allows it.