The Lost Vikings is a side-scrolling platform puzzle game where three unique characters - Eric the Swift, Olaf the Stout, and Baleog the Fierce - work together to defeat their alien kidnapper, Tomator. The Croutonian ruler has collected various life forms for his gallery, and the three Vikings must use their skills to overcome obstacles and enemies.
The Lost Vikings features a unique gameplay mechanic where each Viking has distinct abilities that can be used in tandem with the other characters. Eric can jump, run, and break through walls, while Olaf's shield can block attacks or serve as an air glider. Baleog can shoot arrows to activate switches or kill enemies with his sword. The player must strategically switch between the Vikings to progress through increasingly challenging levels and puzzles.
The gameplay involves controlling each Viking individually but switching between them at will. Each character has limited inventory space for items, which can be used strategically to aid in progression. Each Viking has three health points, and losing all of these means death, forcing the player to restart from a previous checkpoint.