Buggy Run is a game that lets players race dune buggies in a championship over 15 possible tracks (plus 4 in 2 player mode) each winning money that can be used for dune buggy upgrades. There are 4 different modes that can be played in single player mode, including Race, Vs Com, Freerun, and Battle.
In the main mode Race, the player is given $20,000 starting cash to upgrade their buggy. The upgradable features of the buggy include Tyres (grip), Engine (speed), Suspension (limits bounce), Steering (cornering), Transmission (performance). All the upgrades cost a certain amount, and the player doesn’t need to get them in order.
Within the race, the player will be racing against 4 other cars to reach the chequered flag on an isometric scrolling track. Some hazards on the track include lumps and jumps, bumps, rough road, and mud. Special power-ups appear on the track, which can give the player a boost or extra money.
The prize money for winning varies depending on position: $30,000 for first place, $20,000 for second, $10,000 for third, and $5,000 for last. The game has three stages of racing: beginner, intermediate, and expert, each with 5 races.
In Vs Com mode, the player plays against the computer one on one on any track chosen. Upgrades can be allocated to vary upgrades, and item slots can be used for either the Nitoro or mine.
Freerun is a time trial where the player races alone without upgrades on any track against the clock.
Battle mode allows the player to pick 3 computer players to battle on a round arena with the objective of knocking opponents off. The last player standing wins.
The game also features two-player modes, including Race, 1P vs 2P, and Battle, each with their own unique gameplay mechanics.