The story campaign moves through locations on an overhead map and presents dialogue, exploration, and arena battles. Players control Sonic and other characters, defeat opponents, and advance through a sequence of episodes involving Emerl.

Combat uses movement, jumps, attacks, defensive actions, and character-specific techniques. Emerl can copy abilities from other fighters, allowing his move set to grow as the campaign progresses. Additional modes support battles outside the main story.

Learn the difference between each fighter's attack, guard, and movement options before relying on Emerl. Keep moving around the arena, use obstacles when available, and avoid attacking directly into a guard.

For Emerl, prioritize useful defensive and ranged abilities as well as one dependable close-range attack. Train him with varied opponents so his copied skill set covers different situations.