Akira is a side-scrolling action game based on the anime film of the same title. In the first few levels, you have to guide Kaneda through an obstruction-filled road on his motorcycle. Obstacles come in the form of roadblocks, holes in the road, which must be jumped with the use of a ramp, and a variety of characters on the road who throw bombs at you. The roadblocks can only be cleared by grenades which you pick up by knocking over traffic cones. You must also make it to the end of the level without running out of fuel.
The gameplay in Akira is fast-paced and challenging, requiring players to think quickly and react fast. As you progress through the levels, the difficulty increases, with more obstacles and enemies appearing on screen. The platforming sections are also intense, where you have to avoid or dispatch a variety of enemies to fill your kill meter.