Players guide Orpheus through horizontally scrolling areas inspired by Greek mythology. The main objective is to find Helene, gather the equipment needed to enter each region, and defeat powerful guardians and bosses.

Orpheus jumps across platforms, attacks enemies with weapons such as a club or sword, collects olives and other resources, and speaks with gods and helpful characters. New weapons, shields, sandals, and divine powers expand his abilities and open routes that were previously inaccessible. The adventure is structured around exploration, item collection, and repeated travel through hazardous areas.

Explore each region carefully before moving on. Speak with gods and other helpful figures, because their gifts and information are necessary for later areas.

Conserve olives for healing and special abilities, learn enemy attack patterns, and use the longest safe attack range available. Return to earlier regions after obtaining new equipment; several routes and items are inaccessible at the beginning.