Total Eclipse is a futuristic 3D shooter set in 2099 where an alien race by the name of the Drak-Sai are out to destroy humanity by destroying Earth and the Sun. The player controls an aircraft called a FireWing through 20 missions with a perspective behind the craft where the player can manuever the ship up and down, left and right and the gameplay angled towards an on-rail shooter. Additionally, there are three different levels of power for each weapon that their craft can wield.

The game is in the style of 3D textured mapping with the story is told through pre-rendered cut-scenes. The PlayStation version is essentially the same except for sped up gameplay and a password feature that allows the player to pick up and play at their choosing.