Ghost Babel uses the same 2D overhead gameplay format of the early Metal Gear games for the MSX2 and NES, but with a few elements of the PlayStation game Metal Gear Solid included as well. As with previous Metal Gear games, the objective is to infiltrate an occupied enemy base while avoiding detection from guards and surveillance systems. The player can acquire numerous items and weapons to help them fulfill their mission. Unlike the earlier 2D games, the player can explore an entire portion of an area in one screen instead of me
rely changing from one screen to the next. The player can lean into walls and move the position of the camera above Snake's back or have Snake tap into the wall. The player can also move diagonally as well. Almost all the weapons from the PlayStation version are included, with the exception of the Stinger missiles (which required the use of the radar in Metal Gear 2) and the sniper rifle. Like in Metal Gear Solid, the player can use the communication device, Codec, to receive information from allies and save their progress.Unlike the console installments, Ghost Babel uses a stage-based structure, with
a total of 13 stages. After completing a stage, the player's performance is graded from "Terrible" to "Excellent". The player can replay previously completed stages in the Stage Select mode for a higher ranking. After the game is completed, a Special sub-mode becomes available where the player can replay the stages with new objectives (such as collecting FOXHOUND emblems or completing the stage without being seen). Other additional game modes include VR Training, where the player can test their sneaking and shooting skills in over 180 missions (most of them taken from the Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions expansion), and Vs. Battle, where one player competes against another in a mission via link cable.
