The first thing that stands out about space waves is how easy it is to manage, yet how deep it is. To make the arrow go up, players merely have to hold down the mouse button or the key that goes with it. To make the arrow go down, they have to let go of the button. It may sound straightforward, but keeping the balance between these tasks so that you don't hit anything demands complete focus and rapid reactions. Every little mistake might make the adventure start anew, which adds tension and drama to every minute of play.

There are 33 levels in space waves, and they become harder as you go. The levels are split by colorful emoticons, with simple levels for novices and hard levels that only experienced players can beat. Each level has a different design that not only tests the player's skill to manage their character but also sparks their inventiveness as they navigate across vast open roadways and small tunnels with obstacles that keep coming. The game motivates players to practice all the time so they may become better and beat each level properly.