Pieces of the Golden Warpship, the most powerful spacecraft in the universe, are scattered on 12 alien planets across the galaxy. As Solar Jetman you must pilot your Jetpod to the dangerous alien worlds and tow the spacecraft parts (and other valuable resources such as fuel) to your Mothership.

During your mission you will encounter a bevy of obstacles and bad guys, including alien armies, black holes, space warps, Limpet Cannons, Saucer Forces, Double-Barrelled Piston Pumpers, and Crystal Snappers. The most relentless of your enemies is nature; gravitational forces constantly tug at your ship, sometimes crashing it into planets, obstacles, or in the path of enemy fire.

The Jetpod you command is equipped with an unlimited supply of bullets, but more powerful weaponry can be purchased as the game progresses. Similar to the controls in Asteroids, you must rotate your Jetpod using your thrusters to move you in the direction you are pointed. If your Jetpod gets destroyed, your space suit can take you back to the Mothership, restoring your Jetpod and preserving your life.