The player pilots the titular RX-78-2 Gundam in both ground-based run-and-gun and space-based flight stages, using various weapons to destroy enemies; Radio chatter from other characters plays throughout each stage, and it is often necessary to destroy all enemies in an area to advance the story. As missions are completed, additional weapons become available and the player can customize their equipment loadout before each stage. Of special note is the Newtype Attack, which when charged and locked on will deal instant damage to targeted enemies, including enemies in the foreground and background outside the range of normal attacks.