In Centipede , the player is trapped in the Enchanted Forest with only a magic wand to ward off the forest's insect denizens. The player must use the magic wand to shoot sparks at approaching insects to score points by pressing the controller button.
The game features continuous waves of enemy insects, including the Centipede, Spider, Flea, and Scorpion. Each type of insect has a distinctive sound before attacking, helping the player identify which one is approaching. The Centipede will attack in 12 waves, with its body segments transforming into heads as it advances. The game offers four difficulty levels: Novice, Standard, Advanced, and Expert, as well as single-player and two-player variations. Players can compete against each other in dual player competition or team play, scoring separately or combined.
The player's goal is to score points by destroying enemy insects and mushrooms, with bonuses awarded for achieving specific milestones. The game will end when all three starting magic wands are lost, leaving the player with a final score.