The gameplay involves the player controlling a fixed turret on a tank shooting oncoming alien enemies through a cross-hair target.

The game employs the use of pseudo-3D graphical effects to give the illusion of a three-dimensional landscape.

In 2005, Senjyo was re-released exclusively on the Xbox, as part of the Tecmo Classic Arcade collection.

In Japan, Game Machine listed Senjyo on their January 1, 1984 issue as being the second most-successful new table arcade unit of the month.

However, the reviewer said the player's "restricted movement" compared to "the maneuverability of the various enemies" made it "frustrating" and could limit the game's arcade audience, concluding that, for "the home this effort would have some promise, but as an arcade game it might be just a little off base.