FFv3R is separated into several sections, the bulk of which is the title’s single-player campaign mode, where players can use the game’s various heroes or import their own creations in a 13-mission fight against evil. There is also a Rumble Room option for players to fight instant battles against computer opponents or personalize their own epic scenarios. The Multiplayer mode allows for online skirmishes via LAN or Internet, and has a new story-based mode allowing players to create customized scenarios for multiplayer consumption. Finally, there is the Character Creation area, which lets would-be heroes create a custom character using existing models as templates.

The campaign mode tells the story of Freedom Force’s struggle against the 3rd Reich through a series of briefings, cutscenes, and tactical action. Prior to each mission, a dynamic 2D cutscene with classic-looking comic book artwork or a non-interactive sequence using the in-game engine, explains the situation. From here, players can train their team members or view the database to learn more about their foes. As in the original Freedom Force, players have the opportunity to choose different team members to take on the mission (including custom built heroes), filling up to 4 slots. Each hero has their own strengths and weaknesses – some fly and use ranged attacks, but are weak defensively. Others might be very strong, but slow and lacking long-distance punch. Once chosen, these heroes usually appear in another non-interactive in-game sequence before the actual tactical game begins.

As a sequel, FFv3R uses the same engine and interface as its predecessor, which can be described as a turn based / real time strategy hybrid. The action takes place in a fully 3D environment specially colored and textured to resemble comic book art. Generally, the view is from a high-angle, though it can be zoomed down to a close-up 3/4 view for more exciting visuals.

Players issue commands to their four heroes through a system of left and right mouse clicks. All of these commands can be entered in real time, but it becomes much easier to manage tasks by continually pausing the game before doing so. Players can also slow down or speed up time according to their preference.

Just like in Freedom Force, all heroes and villains have different powers separated into offensive and defensive categories, and must spend a certain amount of recharging energy points to use them. Such powers include various super punches and kicks, mystical energy beams, or protective barriers. Most characters have strengths and weaknesses against certain types of attacks, which are reflected in the pop up menus that appear while in the main game. In special situations, players can opt to “overcharge” one of their powers, sacrificing more energy points but packing more of a punch or giving an action a greater chance of success. In addition, several Energy-X cannisters are scattered about the map, instantly filling a character’s energy meter, healing injured heroes or giving experience bonuses.

FFv3R has a detailed point system that rewards players with different bonuses throughout the game. During missions, players earn experience and character points to help their heroes build up their various super powers. Most powers can be boosted up to 5 levels, and reaching level 3 typically allows players to purchase new abilities. In addition, successful mission objectives also earn players prestige points, which they can use to recruit new heroes that become available as the campaign progresses.

There are six major new heroes and a handful of minor ones in FFv3R, each with unique abilities. Tombstone is a slow but powerful wraith-like character, with the effective ability to possess and control the minds of any enemy in his path. In contrast, the speedy Green Genie is a flying trickster, who can fling enemies in the air or temporarily turn them into a bowl of daisies. Quetzalcoatl is a powerful flying healer and protector, who gains strong attack powers with experience. Among the 1940s heroes, Black Jack is a fast-moving sharpshooter equipped with acid-tipped playing cards. His colleague-in-arms, Tricolour, is an agile fencer with quick sword attacks. Finally, there is the nostalgic Sky King, a slow and lumbering flyer with powerful machineguns and rocket bursts.

The missions these characters participate in often consist of heading towards a specific objective on the map, which is usually an enemy to defeat, a structure to defend, or a character to save. The maps, which consist of various urban, rural, and dungeon-like settings, are typically quite large and must be scrolled and zoomed back to reveal everything. To make things easier, objectives are often identified with large red arrows pointing players in the right direction and sometimes heroes will have to accomplish several tasks to reach a certain goal. For instance, one mission requires the Freedom Force to stop a nuclear missile within minutes of being launched. The heroes must interrogate the enemy henchman who knows which transmitter to destroy, but there are several henchmen to choose from, and time is running out.

When the objectives involve fighting, players are not limited to their own strength and powers; they can take advantage of the environment as well. Cities are filled with cars, lampposts, billboards, and manhole covers that can be picked up by strong characters and tossed toward enemies or wielded like baseball bats and frisbees.

Errant shots or flung enemies can cause structures to crumble and eventually collapse though, causing damage to anyone (including hapless civilians) in the vicinity. It’s up to players to try to prevent destruction to Liberty City and other friendly venues, though laying waste enemy bases and hideouts is encouraged.