Excelsior is an adult-themed shooter game. The objective of each stage is to destroy blocks to reveal the hidden woman behind them.
At the start of the game, the player selects one of three character avatars, and then chooses one of five girls (and one man) as the hidden character during the bonus stage.
In each normal stage, the player uses a power tool to break through blocks that obscure the appearance of the naked girl below. Various enemies appear at regular intervals, and the player must avoid or destroy them with gunfire or bombs. Sometimes, different power-ups can be collected by the player to increase firepower or piercing ability. When 65% of the obstructing blocks are destroyed, the background image changes from a dark, shadowy image to a bright, full-color image. The level is cleared after 81% of the blocks are eliminated.
After each stage, the player returns to the same bonus stage. Here, the player cleans a brick wall without enemies interfering. Various items and score bonuses are hidden in the wall and can be collected by the player. Again, when 65% of the blocks are cleared, the image lights up, and the level is finished after 81% of the bricks are destroyed. Once a player clears the bonus stage, they return to the selection screen to choose a different girl (or man) of their choice.
The player has a life bar and a number of lives. The player takes damage when they come into contact with an enemy or are hit by one. The game ends when the player loses all their lives.
