In Planet Patrol it is your misssion to destroy fuel depots of the enemy. You are flying from right to left while dodging oncoming missiles and shooting down enemy ships. In order to replenish your fuel you firstly have to fly into a black ship which will cause a landing strip to appear. After having succesfully landed a truck will refill your ship with fuel. After nightfall enemy ship are not discernable from the background anymore. In order to see them the player has to fire his weapons which makes the enemy ships briefly visible again in the ensuing muzzle flash.