Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara enhances the classic beat-'em-up experience by introducing two new characters, the Thief and the Magic-User, along with two variations of each character. This allows for greater flexibility and strategy during gameplay, as players can choose from a total of 12 characters. Each character possesses unique abilities, particularly in their spell books, which adds depth to the combat system. The game maintains the classic action elements while providing additional moves and special attacks that offer a modern twist on the original mechanics.

The control scheme is straightforward, utilizing four buttons for attack, jump, item selection, and usage. Notably, the addition of special moves reminiscent of the Street Fighter series allows for a more dynamic combat experience, encouraging players to master combos and special attacks. The implementation of mechanics like the Dashing Attack and Megacrush enhances gameplay by allowing players to engage multiple enemies effectively. Overall, Shadow over Mystara delivers a rich and entertaining experience for action RPG enthusiasts.