A.S.P. Air Strike Patrol is a side-scrolling shoot 'em up game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Players assume the role of a jet pilot in the Coalition forces, piloting either an F-15 Eagle or an A-10 Tankbuster. The objective is to thwart the invading Zarak army by completing various missions, targeting ground units, radar sites, and other enemy installations across eight distinct areas. Players select their aircraft and armaments before each sortie, strategizing to engage air or ground threats while navigating hostile environments.
Playing as a jet pilot of the `Coalition` force, players take control of either an F-15 Eagle, or an A-10 Tankbuster jet. The mission is to neutralise the offensive forces of the Zarak army, who have recently invaded a smaller neighbouring country. The Zarak army has many ground units, including tanks, stinger-missile launchers, SCUD missiles and armored vehicles.
To accomplish the ultimate goal of defeating the Zarak army, players venture out on numerous missions (called `sorties`) that have varied and specific objectives. Typically, various installations such as radar sites, air bases or ground units are the target. Other missions include disabling an oil-pipeline and destroying SCUD launchers before they fire.
Pre-mission screens ask the player to select from the two planes. Then, the player can specify the armament to carry into the sortie. Air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles are available for each of the planes. Here, a strategic choice between countering either air units or ground units has to be made, as each area (of which there are eight) is patrolled by opposing enemy F-15 jets.