Darkwing Duck is the first video game created for the Darkwing Duck franchise. It was developed in the wake of the 1989 hit DuckTales, another Capcom game utilizing the Mega Man formula. Darkwing Duck was released for the NES in 1992 and 1993, and was ported to the Game Boy in 1993.

Upon starting a new game, the player is given a selection of three levels that can be completed in any order. Darkwing runs, jumps, and shoots his way through various levels, defeating minor enemies until the boss room is reached. Each boss must be defeated to complete the stage. Once the first three levels are completed, a second set of three levels becomes available. Once those three levels are completed, the final level becomes available.

DW has several abilities to use throughout the game. His normal attack is his basic gas gun. DW can collect special gas gun ammo that allow him to shoot different types of gas shots with different effects. DW also has the ability to duck, shoot while ducking, block projectiles with his cape, fall through platforms, and grab onto the bottom ledge of platforms.