Most of the gameplay in Dragon View takes place through a side-view Action RPG hybrid system. Action occurs on a widescreen display, with a large panel displaying character and enemy information taking up the lower part of the screen. A decorative bar at the top of the screen provides a buffer and helps to present the game in a cinematic light.

Gameplay in this mode is reminiscent of Zelda II for the Nintendo Entertainment System. The character navigates various areas, exploring and fighting monsters in the traditional sense; an x plane (left and right motion) and y plane (jumping) control system. Movement through depth via z coordinates is also an important part of gameplay as it useful for evasion. While side-scrolling Action games in the past have used similar systems of movement (such as Final Fight), Dragon View is unique amongst them for blending this style in a medieval setting and with RPG elements.

Drakkhen is a world filled with dragons. As the leader of a band of four adventurers that you create, your task is to locate the eight dragon princes and princesses who have control of the eight tears of Drakkhen. These 'tears' are actually stolen stone gems representing all the forces of magic in the universe. The eight dragon princes and princesses are the offspring of the four master dragons who control the forces of nature (earth, water, fire, air). Unfortunately, these eight are split into two political factions: the evil Alliance of Fire and the benevolent League of the Ninth Tear. You must retrieve all eight gems, resurrect the great dragon and bring equilibrium to the universe's realm of magic. This role playing game features a linear storyline, a large arsenal of spells and more than a hundred different monsters and evil beings who stand between you and success or failure.