The game is a side-scrolling beat-'em-up. In each level, Jackie must defeat a horde of minions before facing off against a level boss. Depending on the level, these minions may be the goons of Enforcers like Hak Foo and Ratso, and/or the Shadowkhan (four tribes appear in the game, each with their own abilities and weapons).
Except in the Section 13 Training Area, scrolls appear right before each boss fight. Each one grants Jackie a new attack (i.e. new punch and kick combos), which he can use immediately afterwards.