Congo's Caper is a side-scrolling platform action game set in a jungle. A magic ruby transforms the monkeys Congo and Congette into half-humans, and a demon-kid kidnaps Congette. Congo must rescue her by traveling across the jungle.
The gameplay follows a similar pattern to its predecessor Joe & Mac . Players control Congo as he moves through different locations on a map, each representing a level. Congo can perform various actions such as moving left or right, jumping, ducking, swimming, and using his club to attack enemies. If Congo is damaged, he transforms back into a monkey, losing a life. Collecting rubies allows him to regain human form or enter an invincible state as Super Congo. Diamonds grant extra lives, while sapphires spin the slot machine, potentially awarding bonuses.