The player views the action from a side-on perspective and guides one selected fighter through eight stages. Each stage scrolls horizontally through streets, industrial areas, elevators, and other locations before ending with a boss encounter.

Players walk, jump, attack, use special attacks, and pick up temporary weapons. Defeated enemies provide no character-level progression; advancement comes from clearing stages, preserving health, and learning enemy patterns. The Master System version is designed for one player.

Stay near the center of the screen so enemies are less likely to surround you, and avoid rushing into groups from both sides.

Use basic attacks to control one target at a time, then reposition before another enemy reaches you. Save special attacks for dangerous clusters or bosses, and pick up weapons when they provide safer range.

Memorize boss patterns and conserve health before the final encounters. The single-player Master System version rewards defensive movement more than reckless crowd attacks.