Guwange's gameplay contains elements that are unique or uncommon in the vertically scrolling shooting game genre.

Each character has a limited bomb attack in the form of an energy blast that can be sent in any direction, and will dispel any bullets it touches.

If the shot passes the shikigami, it will return to its original color and resume at full speed, but if the bullet is caught in an explosion, it will be cancelled and turned into coins.

Guwange is unique in that the player may maintain a "chain" of coin collection throughout the entire game, instead of a more conventional stage-by-stage approach.

Although the shikigami grant great spiritual powers, the strain inflicted on the host causes them to die exactly one year after possession, but a legend has sprung up regarding Guwange, the malevolent god trapped in Mt.

The 'blue label' version of the game was originally a promotional item given to the three highest scoring players at a Cave hosted event.