Second Chance Heroes is a 4-player cooperative action game. Each player takes control of a different historical figure. The game is 3D, and the action takes place on a horizontal plane viewed from a slanted overhead camera.
Combat
Each player controls two of the historical figures, with the ability to switch between the two freely. They are then faced with waves of enemy zombies. Some characters use short-range attacks, such as Abraham Lincoln's chainsaw, whereas others use long-range projectile attacks, such as Queen Elizabeth's gatling gun. However, all characters also have a small knockback attack if enemies crowd to close.
Each character has a unique special attack that varies greatly character to character. For example, Julius Caesar has a "Great Caesar's Ghost!" special that turns him invisible and makes him faster. Joan of Arc has a "Leap of Faith Attack" that greatly damages enemies while also healing her nearby teammates.
Characters can be upgraded, both offensively and defensively, with the gold players collect during the stages. In addition to that, the players can collect Relics, which can be equipped in between stages (up to 3 on a single character). These Relics supplement their abilities.
Collectibles
The main object of the game is to progress through levels to find lost pieces of DNA which Hubert Beasley needs to stop the zombies. In addition to collecting DNA, players can also collect gold. This is found by killing zombies or destroying objects in the environment.
Powerups and relics are scattered throughout the levels. Powerups give the player specific, short-term bonuses such as increased strength or speed. Relics are unique, one-off bonuses that can greatly change the battle. These include The Anvil of Hephaestus, which drops anvils and kills anyone in range, Holy Grill, which lights enemies on fire, and the Automata of Al-Jazari, which summons a robot to help in battle.
