Pushing "A" makes Kitaro jump or double tap "A" for a double-jump. The "B" button unleashes a hair needle attack which is enough to destroy beasts and discarnate spirits that roam the levels. The "Left Trigger" kicks out a fireball boomerang and the "Right Trigger" opens up an item selection menu. Double tapping the D-Pad will send Kitaro into running mode where he dashes across the screen. When a creature is destroyed with needles of death, it literally gives up the ghost which Kitaro may capture by jumping into it.

Neat animation: When Kitaro succumbs to the rigors of the game, he'll assume the prone position while his Left Eye known as Medama-oyaji jumps out and sheds a tear for him.