Tempest is a single-player and multiplayer arcade game in which players control a claw-shaped spaceship that moves along the edge of a three-dimensional, tunnel-like surface, shooting enemies and avoiding incoming threats. In this game, the setting is a sci-fi universe where players navigate through various tunnel configurations, battling enemies in a visually dynamic environment that utilizes vector display technology. It stands out with its innovative 3D gameplay, the use of color-quadrascan vector graphics, and a unique skill system called 'SkillStep' that allows players to select their starting level based on previous performance, enhancing replayability and challenge.