Angels 22 is a sidescrolling 2D flight action game that takes place in the near future, where economic turmoil has split the world once more into East and West. You are a U.S. fighter pilot on an advanced aircraft carrier, and when the New Soviet Republic invades Western Europe, you and your fellow pilots must lay your lives on the line against terrible odds to prevent the Soviets from pushing the NATO armies into the sea.

Unlike many sidescrolling games which have your ship continuously moving along a set path, Angels 22 allows the player full 360 degree movement around the level.