Gameplay takes place across up to seven stages, with a varying number of bosses depending upon the player selection and whether certain hidden tasks have been performed during gameplay. During Advanced course, it is possible to fight as few as seven or as many as all eighteen of the game's bosses. Small and Large Shot powerups, Option powerups and medals drop frequently from popcorn enemies, and fall down off the screen from where they spawn. Extra lives are granted every 1,500,000 points.

Pressing A fires the main gun and, if the requisite powerups have been collected, the player's additional weapons. Pressing B fires the Bomb, and pressing nothing powers up the Aura, a small energy field at the front of the player which causes damage.