Namco marketed Point Blank as a non-violent shooting game which may sound like a bore but the arcade game merely featured many levels of marksmanship as opposed to blowing up enemy soldier. Equipped with two light guns on the front of the console, Point Blank attracted many followers who wanted to test their shooting skill.

Players were introduced to game characters Dr. Don and Dr. Dan, a team of scientists who tagged along for the ride. Some times the two doctors were innocent by-standers and other times they explained the action that had to be completed during a stage. At all times though, Dr. Don and Dr. Dan were to be protected and penalties were incurred for allowing their demise.

There were several stages to shoot through, sporting a wide variety of backgrounds and scenarios. Players chose from one of four levels: Beginner, Advanced, Expert and Very Hard/Insane. Missions arranged in groups of four could be completed in any order and were preceded by a briefing where you found out which targets were off limits.

Shooting ranges included police academy-style cardboard targets (criminals mixed with innocent civilians), rapid questions where you had to shoot the right answer, accuracy tests and fast-draw tests. Each player started out with three lives that could be lost along the way for various reasons: losing Drs. Don and Dan, shooting a bomb (that exploded) or shooting targets designated for the second player.

Point Blank was fun and challenging despite its lack of blood, gore and ripped out spines. Non-violent didn't mean non-destructive as one stage involved riddling an out of control Camaro with hundreds of bullets and the kids appreciated the chance to wreak havoc.