Hail to the Chimp

The gameplay involves competing on themed party boards, collecting clams to score points and raise votes while avoiding obstacles and attacks from rival opponents. The results are shown in a news-themed stats screen, with animal newscasters presenting overall stats. Players can form alliances, recruit rival candidates, and turn against them later.

There are ten animals to choose from in multiplayer mode, where four human opponents compete against each other. In single-player "Campaign" mode, the player competes in ten stages, each themed for a different animal, completing events tailored to that character. The game also features three CPU opponents in place of human opponents.