The game puts players in control of a Westland Lynx helicopter, tasking them with defending bases and troops while destroying enemy forces.

The game combines elements of flight simulation with strategic gameplay, requiring players to manage resources, defend bases, and engage the enemy in combat missions.

Weapons are selected and fired using a combination of joystick and keyboard controls, with some requiring manual aiming while others, like heat-seeking missiles, lock on automatically.

The game displays 3D wireframe plans of the Lynx, showing the selected items, their quantity, and weight.

[3][5] A key strategic element is the intelligence map, which can be called up to show battlefield positions, including enemy concentrations, allied forces, and land contours.

Computer and Video Games noted that "the controls are very complex—but not impossible to master," advising players to "take time to read the comprehensive instructions.

"[1] Sinclair User suggested that the game might be "too much of a simulation" for some players, potentially "tedious" for arcade gamers due to "the lack of immediate excitement.

Amtix stated, "Once you have mastered the controls, you can then start to enjoy Combat Lynx properly," praising its "professional and polished look.