Blending first-person shooting action with flight combat sequences set in space, Falcone: Into the Maelstrom has players earning a living as an intergalactic pirate. During space episodes, players and computer-controlled teammates battle rival fleets to weaken their defenses. Once security has been compromised, players can board vessels from a first-person viewpoint and use a variety of weapons to bring the crew to its knees.
As players become more skilled as a pirate their lore will increase, which helps attract new recruits to their cause. The opposite also holds true, so in order to keep the crew of hackers, assassins, and demolition experts happy, players need to keep earning money and treasure. A total of 20 levels await would-be pirates, and multiplayer support via simultaneous split-screen or the broadband network is also available.