The game is named after and based on Hogan's Alley, a shooting range for law enforcement training somewhat similar in design to the city block rounds, first constructed at Camp Perry in Port Clinton, Ohio in the 1920s and later redesigned for use at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia in 1954.

[4] The game begins with three cardboard cutouts moving into position against a blank wall and turning to face the player.

In later rounds, the backdrop changes from the blank wall to a city block, with some cutouts already exposed as they emerge into view.

[9] Computer and Video Games magazine gave the arcade version a generally positive review, calling it "a pleasant change" from the space shooters popular in arcades at the time, but noted the gameplay is similar to Sega's Bank Panic which released the same year and that it may not appeal to everyone.

[1] Mike Roberts and Eric Doyle of Computer Gamer magazine gave the arcade game a positive review, praising the realistic gun controller.

The character's Final Smash attack causes opponents to get caught in the middle of a shootout between the enemies from Hogan's Alley and Wild Gunman.