Arkista's Ring/Gameplay

Much like The Legend of Zelda, the game is played from a top-down perspective pitting the player against a multitude of various enemies. Different, however, is that the game is played out in a very linear fashion, as the player will progress through a total of 128 stages. Each stage starts with the player in control of the heroine Christine, and you must progress by killing a certain number of enemies to gain access to a hidden key. Once the key for the stage is obtained the player must travel through the stage in search of the exit.

At random enemies will leave behind item pouches when they are killed. The items obtained through these pouches are also random. Players can collect several upgrades to their bow and arrows, which increase shot distance, and damaging strength respectively. Players may also find other beneficial items such as armor, ninja stunners and health potions.

There are 32 different stages, after which, the game loops over, each time progressing in difficulty and enemy speed. It is not an endless loop, as the game is completed after the player successfully finishes the 128th stage, or, the 4th loop. Although the game does not have a save feature, the player is granted 10 continues.