The gameplay in Time Crisis 4 remains true to its light gun genre roots. Players control Giorgio Bruno and Evan Bernard, taking on terrorists in a series of rail shooter sections with timed actions required for both offense and defense. Players can switch between available weapons during the game.
The console version introduces new gameplay mechanics such as Complete Mission mode, where players control captain William Rush in free-roaming environments. This mode replaces traditional rail shooter gameplay with exploration-based gameplay elements, including collecting items and taking over turrets. Other modes include Crisis missions and shooting gallery mini-games.