In single player mode, the player controls one of eight deceased characters who must fight in a tournament to escape hell and gain a second life.
Fight for Life is a 3D polygonal fighting game. The gameplay mechanics are very similar to those used in Virtua Fighter, with two notable exceptions. First, the player starts the game with no special attacks, but has the ability to "steal" two special attacks from defeated opponents. In this way, the player can create a unique fighter. Secondly, unlike most fighting games of the corresponding time period, the fighters could move in three-dimensional space. Among the maneuvers available to the player was a step to the side, which allowed the fighter to move in a circle in a counterclockwise direction, while remaining facing the enemy.
Most gaming magazines reviewed the game negatively, noting weak graphics and sound. Seanbaby reviewer for Electronic Gaming Monthly ranked the game #3 on their list of "The 20 Worst Games of All Time".