Mean Machine is a vertically scrolling top view racing game where the screen scrolls up as you move your vehicle while trying to complete a lap of a track to advance to the next race. You can speed up and slow down your car as you try to overtake the other racers. Be careful of those behind you as you try to complete the lap within a time limit. Your vehicle is armed with limited amounts of missiles and oil slicks, but more can be collected as you travel. You must stay on the track or road, as touching the sides increases the damage meter, but in the event of an accident it will be immediately replenished and you will lose one life in three. As with the other drivers, there are also obstacles such as wreckage and water that must be jumped over using ramps.