The Death and Return of Superman follows the story of Superman's final battle against Doomsday, resulting in his own demise. Following Superman's death, four other characters emerge as potential heroes: Steel, the Eradicator, Cyborg, and Superboy. The game takes control of each character, offering unique movesets that influence gameplay strategies.
The gameplay revolves around standard beat-em-up elements, including punches, throws, and special moves. Players can switch between characters to adapt their approach as needed, adding depth to the classic genre.