Inspired by characters and events from 1987's sci-fi movie starring Peter Weller as the title character, RoboCop casts players in the role of Alex Murphy on a mission to stop the evil OCP Corporation. The action takes place from a first-person perspective as players receive missions set within eight urban environments, including the Bronx, the city dump, a warehouse, and OCP Tower. Each locale features smoke, fog, and lighting effects to enhance the dystopian mood as players search for OCP thugs and their robotic sentries through the unique lens of RoboCop's computer-enhanced visor.

As players navigate the 3D environments, they will periodically receive situational updates and objectives via computer text projected onto RoboCop's visor. The cyborg crusader can access different power modes to help conserve energy or to facilitate tasks, and players can monitor his shield status during combat episodes with over 30 enemy types. Helping RoboCop dole out punishment are Berettas, automatic rifles, the Cobra Cannon, rocket launchers, and more. Players can lock onto multiple targets simultaneously, but RoboCop must take care not to harm innocent civilians. Tying the game together are cinematic cut-scenes designed to further the storyline.