Power Drift is an arcade-style racing game that lets players race dune buggies at high speed on various tracks. The game features five distinct tracks, each divided into five stages, including cityscapes, deserts, and even underwater sections. With 12 playable drivers to choose from, ranging from suits-clad businessmen to punk-rock skinheads and mohicans, players can select their preferred racing persona. Players must navigate the track by shifting through two gears: high and low. Once the green light appears, it's a matter of accelerating full throttle and aiming for a third-place finish or higher to progress to the next stage.
Crashing into other buggies or obstacles along the road will not only slow down the player's buggy but also deduct points from their score. While the buggies are surprisingly resilient, repeated crashes can still be costly. The ultimate goal is to complete all five stages of each track and earn a bonus level.