The Lawnmower Man is the game based on the 1992 movie of the same name, loosely based on a Stephen King short story. The game follows Dr. Lawrence Angelo, a scientist working for Virtual Space Industries in "Project 5", a secret research that aims to increase intelligence using psychotropic drugs and VR training.
After one of the chimps escapes and shoots a guard, Dr. Angelo is given a forced vacation and notices Jobe Smith, a simpleton who makes his living by mowing grass. The first experiments quickly increase Jobe's intelligence, but he starts to develop telekinetic powers after an accident. The Shop, a secret agency overseeing Project 5, reinserts the drugs responsible for violent behavior into the program, causing Jobe to take revenge on those who abused him.
Players control Dr. Angelo or Carla Parkette in typical side-scrolling shooting action. Collecting better weapons or data discs allows players to morph into the Virtual Suit, giving protection against a first hit. Locations from the movie are featured, such as the gas pump and VSI headquarters. The game features four different virtual worlds: Virtual World, Cyber War, Cyber Run, and Cyber Tube. Each world takes a slightly different approach, with varying obstacles and requirements for success.