The game uses a side-view perspective. The player guides Athena through scrolling stages, defeats enemies with psychic projectiles, jumps across platforms, and avoids environmental hazards. A second player can join as Sie Kensou in cooperative play.

Stages are organized as sequential combat areas that end with stronger encounters. Collectible power-ups improve the character's attack or protection, while damage and limited resources make careful movement important. Progress depends on learning enemy patterns, controlling jumps, and maintaining enough power to handle crowded sections.

Use short, deliberate attacks while moving rather than standing in front of enemies. The side-scrolling camera can reveal threats quickly, so keep a safe distance and avoid jumping into unseen hazards.

Preserve power-ups and defensive resources for dense enemy groups or boss encounters. In two-player mode, spread out enough to avoid blocking one another while covering opposite sides of the screen.