She swims through various underwater levels, battling enemies and collecting power-ups.

The game begins underwater, where Ariel can shoot bubbles to trap her foes and throw them.

Treasure chests contain power-ups to increase her bubbles' power and range.

Ariel can collect icons scattered throughout the levels to restore health, gain extra lives, or increase the range/power of her bubbles.

When a stage begins, Ariel descends from the top of the screen to the recommended starting point in the NES version, but just starts out in the recommended position in the Game Boy version.