Rolling Thunder was a commercial success in arcades, and it was released for various home computer platforms in 1987 and the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989.

It influenced later arcade action franchises such as Shinobi and Time Crisis, which borrowed mechanics such as taking cover behind crates.

[5] The player controls Albatross, a member of the WCPO's (World Crime Police Organization) "Rolling Thunder" espionage unit.

At the end of each stage, scenes from Leila's capture and ensuing torture are shown on an in-game large monitor screen.

The player begins the game armed with a standard-issue pistol, which can be replaced with a submachine gun (that appears based on the distinctive real life Beretta M12) that allows for continuous firing by holding down the shoot button.

Other enemies include ninjas, mutated bats known as Gelzos, panthers, shrieking yellow creatures known as Blogas, and lava men.

At the end of the final stage, the player must battle the Geldra leader Maboo to rescue Leila and complete the mission.

[3] In 1988, U.S. Gold released home computer versions of Rolling Thunder in Europe for ,[8] Amstrad CPC,Commodore 64, ,ZX Spectrum, Amiga and Atari ST.

Sega's Shinobi (1987) upon release drew comparisons to Rolling Thunder, as well as a copy from the South Korean company SunA in which they titled Super Ranger (1988).

[14] Ryan Lambie, writing for Den of Geek, considers Rolling Thunder to be "the precursor to the modern cover shooter" due to how the player can hide behind crates, doors and other obstacles to avoid enemy fire.

Lambie also considers Namco's Time Crisis series to be a spiritual successor to Rolling Thunder, citing similarities like how the player can "take cover behind crates, shoot multi-colored goons with a pistol, and gradually make your way through a villain's lair in search of a damsel in distress".