This game is played in first-person perspective, inside the cockpit.[2] The player has on the beginning of every mission to launch from an aircraft carrier and has to land on it on the end of every mission as well.
While on air, the player will receive their objective, which consists of taking down enemy jets and/or enemy bases on small islands. The player has three types of missiles and a cannon to destroy the enemy jets. Each missile differs on range, accuracy and speed. To destroy the enemy bases, the player can only use the cannon.[2]
On later missions with an increasing number of targets, the player's limited fuel and ammunition supplies becomes a factor. It is possible to refuel the jet while on air, attaching to a bigger aircraft sent by the aircraft carrier, but to reload the missiles players must land on the aircraft carrier.
By pressing and holding the "Y" button on the controller before the player takes off, he can access a fully configurable Tomcat's system menu. The player will also be able to change missiles, HUD options along with other changeable features of the aircraft.