Nitro is a racing game where four cars compete for first place in over 20 levels. These levels are divided into four themes, with some played at night, adding an extra challenge to navigation due to reduced visibility. During the day, the eight-way-scrolling maps can be difficult to navigate, but nighttime levels require relying on your headlights to find your way.
The game's difficulty lies in balancing racing skills with resource management: money is needed to upgrade your car, and refueling is also essential. You have three types of cars to choose from, each suited to specific terrain types. Making the right choice can give you an edge, but failing can be costly.