The game is played in a top-down view, featuring many elements from classic shoot em up games but giving the player free eight-directional movement. Player one controls the main protagonist, Pocky, who attacks by throwing o-fuda talismans (referred to as cards in English versions). Pocky can pick up items to improve her attack power and new clothes to protect herself from damage, as well as throw player 2s character and use magic. Player 2 assumes a supporting role as one of Pockys friends each possessing a unique attack and unlimited lives. If there is no second player, the supporting character will be CPU controlled.

Humorously, Pocky can use Player 2s character as a utility in various ways. Using magic, she can painfully force herself into her partners mind and control their body for a short time, enabling unique abilities depending on who she possesses. Additionally, she can throw her partner at enemies to attack, doing massive damage to the enemy but temporarily killing the thrown character. This exploitation of player 2 is a notable departure from the previous game, in which player 1 and Player 2 had similar powers and were equally valuable.