Players take on the roles of four main characters from the popular animated film Madagascar , each with unique abilities that can be switched between to overcome obstacles. Marty the zebra, Alex the lion, Gloria the hippo, and Melman the giraffe must work together to navigate through various levels set in New York City's Central Park Zoo and the fictional island of Madagascar.
The Game Boy Advance version features action-packed gameplay that utilizes the handheld console's capabilities. The touch-screen is used to switch between characters, fight enemies, and interact with the environment. Players must explore levels to find hidden collectibles, some of which are only accessible after unlocking each character's special abilities. With the game's fast-paced action and challenging platforming sections, fans of the movie will enjoy this adaptation.