MAX Devil Power is a very simple and self-explanatory game when it comes to the basic controls. 
is used for every action in the game - no buttons are required here. Tap wherever you want Sena to run and he'll follow. Slide across the screen as he is running to give him an extra boost.
Main Menu[edit]
Press 
or tap on the title screen and you'll be taken to the Main Menu. Here there will be three options: Story Mode, Battle Mode, and Playbook. Story Mode is the first option with the Deimon Devil Bat icon. This will take you to another screen with two more options. The first option is New Game and the second is Load Game. Choosing either will take you to a screen with your save files. For New Game, choose one to overwrite. For Load Game, choose one to go back to. After choosing a file, you'll be asked if you're sure you want to proceed. The first option is Yes and the second is No.
The second option of the Main Menu with the blue helmet icon is Battle Mode. After choosing this mode, you'll have two options - the first square with a blue helmet is a mode that lets you play against the computer. Choose a team for both you and the computer to start. The second square with a blue helmet and a red helmet clashing is a mode that lets you play against someone else.
The third option with the open book is the Playbook. See all of your extra accomplishments and records here.
Outside the Field[edit]
In Story Mode, much of the story takes place off the football field. Here you communicate with allies and enemies or just freely roam around the area in a retelling of the anime/manga's events. You play as Sena, the main character of the series. He starts out at a shy and constantly bullied high school freshman, but later on takes on the identity of "Eyeshield 21" and becomes known for his incredible speed.
When you're not in the middle of a football game, you'll be playing as Sena either in his football gear or school uniform. The school acts as a large base for the setting of the game - other major locations, like the Deimon Devil Bats HQ and the football field, are centered around the high school. The high school has four floors: Sena's classroom is located on the fourth floor. Find a staircase to head down to the first floor and find an exit outside. The three accessible locations of the school are:
- The entrance of the school grounds, where Sena usually starts his day.
- The football field, where football practice and home games usually take place.
- The Deimon Devil Bats Headquarters - where the Devil Bats usually discuss football matters.
Minigames are also a major part of playing off the field. However, these are usually very simple and don't need much explanation. Nonetheless, they are fully covered in the walkthrough section of the guide.
On the Field[edit]
Football games in MAX Devil Power work as American football games do in real life. There are four downs (similar to rounds in a boxing match) and a line of scrimmage (where both football teams start, facing each other). Each player has a role in the team, whether it be quarterback like Hiruma, center like Kurita, or running back like Sena. Each position is commonly based on a specialty. Each down gives the offensive team a chance to score a touchdown - made by getting the football into the end zone, whether it be by passing to a teammate or running the distance with the ball. The defensive team has to try to keep the offensive team from getting a touchdown. Once the downs are up or there's a turnover (done when the other team gets a hold of the ball), the defensive team will switch to offensive and get the chance to make a touchdown. Fumbles can also occur - this is when there's a mess-up in a pass, like if the teammate drops the ball or misses.
Unlike many American football games, MAX Devil Power is very simple and not much football knowledge is actually required for play. Much can be done without knowing much about football by simply following what the game tells you to do. But if you want more of an in-depth description on how the roles work, see Offense or Defense.