The game uses a two-dimensional side view. RoboCop must travel through successive stages, defeat enemies, avoid hazards, and reach the end-of-level objective. Standard movement includes walking, jumping, crouching, and firing in several directions.

Weapons and ammunition support the campaign, while enemy placement and boss encounters provide most of the challenge. The NES version is primarily a single-player progression game with no documented multiplayer mode. Success depends on learning attack patterns, conserving ammunition, and using safe positions rather than rushing through every screen.

Move cautiously and avoid taking unnecessary contact damage. Crouching can make RoboCop a smaller target, while firing before entering a new screen helps control enemy placements.

Conserve limited ammunition when ordinary enemies can be bypassed, but use stronger weapons against bosses and dense groups. Learn the timing of hazards and prioritize survival over collecting every item.