Pocky & Rocky 2 is an overhead shooter, featuring Shinto shrine maiden Pocky and a number of sidekicks in their quest to rescue the kidnapped Princess Luna.

Pocky is joined by Rocky the Tanuki, Little Ninja, Bomber Bob and other characters unlocked during the game, such as Tengy, Scarecrow and Digger. Pocky throw her scrolls and shake her wand to kill the enemies, and can also use Magic, which replaces her for the partner temporarily. In boss battles, Pocky can throw her partner into the boss for a special move.

Instead of the hearts of the first game, Pocky's life is measure by her clothes and rabbit ears, and she can also improve her power by collecting orbs. In each level there is a shop in which Pocky can buy keys to open chests, clothes and even guides to the boss. 

The game can be played cooperatively. If the second player is not present, the partner is controlled by the AI. Unlike the prequel, the first player always controls Pocky (except when using Magic) and the second player controls her partner.

P&R 2 features 9 levels, including 2 levels that are single-player only, and 1 practice level.