Viewpoint is a top-down orthographic perspective game similar to Zaxxon . The PlayStation and Saturn versions feature 3D rendered graphics with texture maps, unlike the other versions which primarily feature shaded polygons. In the game, one or two players can control a spaceship equipped with a laser cannon that can be charged for a stronger blast.
Players must use the main weapon and three special weapons to defeat enemies on the screen. The special weapons include a wall of fire, a nova-like blast, and a circle of spherical-green homing missiles. These weapons are useful in clearing large groups of enemies or taking out specific targets.