Axelay is a scrolling shoot-'em-up where you control one of three ships: Axelay , the AX-77. You will be sent to defeat an unknown alien race that destroyed a peaceful planet. Your mission is to take out their homeworld and put an end to this threat.
The gameplay is fast-paced and challenging, with levels scrolling both vertically and horizontally. The game utilizes Super Nintendo's Mode 7 graphics, creating the illusion of depth in certain areas. You must navigate through waves of enemies while avoiding obstacles and using your ship's special abilities to take out the alien forces.