True Three Kingdoms is a side-scrolling beat-'em-up and is implied to be set in the Three Kingdoms period of China. When a new game is started, the player is presented with four dynasty generals to play as, who are represented with pre-release renders of the generals from Dynasty Warriors 3: Guan Yu, Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, and Zhang Fei (they are also shown in the game's intro with their pre-release renders). Each general has their own weapons and a set of attack moves they can perform, which are demonstrated after the general is selected. Before each stage, the game presents the option to save progress or continue to the stage.