Players select a fighter and face opponents in two-dimensional matches viewed from the side. The objective is to deplete the rival's life bar before the round timer expires, with victories generally requiring success in multiple rounds.

Combat combines directional movement, jumps, attacks, blocks, special moves, and character-specific finishing techniques. Single-player progress follows a tournament path with increasingly difficult opponents, while versus play supports direct matches between players. Timing, spacing, and learning each fighter's attack range are more important than rapid button pressing.

Stay at a range where your attacks can connect without giving the opponent an easy counterattack. Use jumps carefully, because predictable aerial approaches can be punished.

Learn the timing of blocking and experiment with each fighter's special moves in practice or versus matches. Against computer opponents, patience is often safer than repeated attacks: defend, wait for a missed move, and punish the recovery animation.