Iron Man / X-O Manowar in Heavy Metal is a linear beat 'em up Final Fight type game with the choice to play as one of two comic book heroes: Iron Man or X-O Manowar. The game follows the pattern of sidescrolling action in each level with a comic book boss at the end of each.

Levels are as follows:

-Nuclear Plant Siege with bosses Mr. Hyde and the Melter.
-Stark Enterprises with bosses Titania, Yellowjacket and Goliath.
-Retake New York City with bosses Vizier and Mistress Crescendo.
-Dromak Base Assault with bosses Absorbing Man and Dromak Gladiator.
-Assault on Zola's Castle with bosses Arnim Zola and Mistress Crescendo.
-Alien Dig: The Cosmic Cube with bosses Baron Zemo and Mistress Crescendo.
-Board Dromak Ship with Final Boss General Krytos.