Star Wars: Super Return of the Jedi follows the storyline of the third and final movie of the original Star Wars trilogy. The first level is set outside of Jabba the Hutt's palace with the first goal being to rescue Han Solo. Then players head to Endor and finally the Death Star, as they take control of many of the film's main characters along the way. At the start of the game Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, and Chewbacca are selectable to play as. In later levels, players can also assume the roles of Han Solo or Wicket the Ewok.
Each character has a different weapon that can be more useful in some levels than others. While most of the action is of the 2D platform shooter variety, there are vehicle stages with the Millennium Falcon and a speeder bike, as the heroes battle it out with the likes of TIE fighters and Scout Troopers.