As with Gradius it is possible to move up and down as well which moves the screen that way. This adds an element of strategy to Arachnos making it easier to play but more confusing as well. The enemies shoot so many bullets in the later stages that it requires good hand-eye coordination to be able to survive.

It is essential to gather as many weapon upgrades as possible if you want to survive. Every level has the usual boss enemy which is hard to beat even if you have the weapon upgrades.

Arachnos uses roughly 22 Megaybtes on your hard drive and does not have to be installed. It is pure fun and motivates the player to try it again just one more time if the enemies again manage to blow a hole in all of your ships.