Iron Storm is a traditional turn-based strategy game. The original Japanese release was the second entry in Sega's Advanced Daisenryaku series, with gameplay very similar to that of its 16-bit predecessor, changing some details and using 3D animations for the combat cutscenes. The game uses a hex-based map and features fog-of-war, weather, unit experience, unit upgrading, supply, and other common strategy wargame features.
The game offers three campaigns instead of one, allowing players to command Japanese, United States, and German forces. The scenarios played during a campaign can change depending on the battle results, giving players new objectives to pursue. In Standard Mode, ten pre-set scenarios with separate forces are available for selection, allowing players to control all armies at once.