Kagekiyo will be travelling through ancient Japan consisted by three types of stages:
Small Mode stages: Kagekiyo will need to pass through obstacles without falling into the pit.
Big Mode stages: Kagekiyo will encounter strong enemies. As a result, he is able to use more moves during these stages.
Over Mode stages: There are only a few of these top view stages, but most of them are very important. In this mode Kagekiyo cannot jump over enemies, but he can jump over certain obstacles or reach some enemies.
Game interface:
Numbers: The numbers used in game's score display, along with sword and Zeni counters, are in Kanji numerals instead of Arabic ones, which were later reused in Mirai Ninja for the protagonist's life meter.
Sword power "Ken": This value shows Kagekiyo's attack power and sword durability. Kagekiyo starts with seven points, and can increase by collecting purple orbs or buyable swords, up to a value of 99. However, if he cuts anything too hard, his sword point may decrease, unless he has the Kusanagi Sword. If his sword power drops to zero, his attack power will decrease, and his sword will be shown as broken in Big Mode.
Money "Zeni": Kagekiyo will need to buy some items, or escape from the pit via blood pool, with Zeni. Collect this from enemies, up to 99.
Life candles "Inochi": Kagekiyo's life bar is shown as candles, each representing up to 10 life points depending on length. If Kagekiyo loses all life points, it is game over. Kagekiyo starts with 50 life points (can be changed between 40 to 70 in arcade version), can recover with blue orbs and tawara, and can extend life capacity with candle or brown orbs pickup, up to 100. When Kagekiyo enters a torii, he will recover to 40 life points if lower than the value. However, if Kagekiyo falls into the Pit, he will lose all life extends and start the stage with less than 20 life points. During a boss fight, the lifebar of the boss will be shown as purple candles.
Sacred items: Kagekiyo must collect all three items in order to defeat Yoritomo. Items collected will be shown on screen.
General Tips:
You cannot jump from a falling platform.
Do not waste your sword points. Only attack hard enemies when necessary or with a scroll.
Always collect some money in order to buy swords and health recovery, or even an escape from the Pit.
UNopened boxes and enemy generators can be used as jumping platforms.
In the bonus stage, aim for sword points first.