CT Special Forces is a side-scrolling platform shooter that has similarities to games like Metal Slug. The player controls a counter-terrorist operative on a global mission to stop terrorism and arrest its leaders. The digital pad moves the character, while pressing B shoots the weapon and A makes the character jump. However, the character cannot shoot downwards. Pressing L cycles through the inventory, displayed on the top-left corner of the screen, while R throws grenades when available. By selecting an ammunition type, the character uses a specific weapon.
The regular gameplay is occasionally interrupted by mini-games and different sections. When colliding with a reticule placard, the game switches to a first-person shooting gallery where the player must shoot down terrorists and rescue hostages. When colliding with a parachute , gauges appear on the screen that measure the character's position and height. The character must be guided to the right spot, and the shooting button must be pressed when both gauges reach a certain point.
The game has 4 missions with different themes: snow mountain, desert, jungle, and city. A password system is provided after completing each mission.