Buckler Strife is a SHMUP with a few small twists. Each selectable craft will pitch with a different type of movement, one like a plane that pitches when climbing and diving, one like a helicopter that pitches moving forward and backward, and one bizarre UFO that pitches in a unique way. Players earn money as they destroy the ant invaders, and are able to summon the mobile shop-keeper at any time to buy upgrades. Other than that, it's highly the classic SHMUP formula.