Incubation: Time Is Running Out takes gamers to the distant future. People learned to make interstellar flights, after which they began to explore space. The action takes place on Nostalgia. This is the name of the colony of earthlings that is subject to attacks by the Skygers. Local life forms mutated under the influence of microorganisms brought from Earth and became hostile. The player controls a squad of fighters. The team was tasked with rescuing the surviving members of humanity and destroying mutants. The game itself is turn-based tactics. Units can walk, attack, defend, and turn on interception mode to cover their teammates. The story campaign is divided into missions. Between tasks, you can upgrade your fighters and replace their equipment. They also sometimes let you choose cards at forks.

In the Russian translation, the title is known under the slightly modified name Incubation: Space Marines. Battles with creatures take place in research laboratories, on the streets of futuristic cities, space ports, factories and other locations. Each type of enemy requires a different approach. For example, one of the types of monsters can be killed only by going behind the enemy’s back. Some adversaries prefer close combat. Others like to attack from afar. Fighters earn experience and ammunition points. The first resource is spent on increasing characteristics, and the second is needed to purchase more powerful equipment. The game has a wide selection of weapons and auxiliary items. Guns need to be reloaded and cooled regularly. You also need to prevent the barrel from overheating.