The gameplay involves Radical Rex using a skateboard or gliding down hills, jumping, kicking, and breathing fire to overcome obstacles. Tougher enemies require multiple hits, and when burnt, Radical Rex needs to kick them once more to destroy them or use his scream (which hits everything on the screen). While playing, Radical Rex collects eggs, health, power-ups for his fire breath, and scream refills. Checkpoints are shown as torches that need to be charged with fire.
After each level, there is a Bomberman-like sequence to earn an extra continue. The game features various enemies, including flies, turtles, toads, and different types of dinosaurs.