The game is a platform scrolling beat 'em up, with varying elements of racing, climbing and vehicle-based obstacle courses. Players start with three lives each time the game is started, which get replenished every time the player continues after getting defeated. The game contains no saving system or password features.[8] The player has a maximum of six hit points that can be replenished by eating flies.[9] While the levels of Battletoads vary greatly in gameplay style, the game is generally presented as a "beat'em up", in which players progress by defeating enemies while avoiding the hazards in the environment.[10]
Most of the attacks in the game have a "Smash Hit" variant, which triggers after a series of hits,[11] or as the final hit to the enemy, and delivers a powerful blow to the enemy, often enlarging the body part delivering the blow.
The Toads's regular hit is a regular punch,[12] with its Smash Hit variant, "Kiss-My-Fist". Also, while running, which is done by tapping left or right on the D-pad twice in a row, the toads can deliver a head-butt.[13] The head-butt's Smash Hit has the toads delivering a headbutt with giant ram horns, named the "Battletoad Butt". In addition, by standing close to them, most enemies can be picked up and thrown overhead.[12]
