Air Conflicts: Secret Wars follows the story of Dee Dee, a skilled female pilot who initially smuggles whiskey to desperate Allied forces before turning her skills towards helping the fight against the Axis armies. The campaign spans from 1941 to 1945 and takes her to Africa and Europe. While the narrative primarily focuses on World War II, some flashback missions will also delve into her father's experiences during World War I.
The gameplay revolves around completing various mission objectives, such as escorting enemy bombers or taking out key ground installations. Players earn points by destroying enemy targets, which can be used to purchase upgrades like plane endurance and agility. The main weapon types include machine guns, bombs, and rockets, with each plane type having limited ammo availability.
The game offers two playable viewpoints: behind-the-scenes and first-person. The latter allows for a more immersive experience, either from the cockpit or the nose of the plane. Players can choose from various combat modes, locations, and even weather conditions through a quick mission select feature.