The game is based on a movie from 1985. A group of youngsters organizes a gang called The Goonies. You control one of the gang user, and your goal is to rescue your buddies, at the same time trying to escape from a level, avoiding pesky monsters and vicious rivaling gangsters.

The gameplay is platform action. You run through platforms, killing regenerating enemies (such as mice) by kicking them, and neutralizing pistol-shooting gangsters who are there to kill you (and whom you can't kill permanently). You collect items such as bombs, with which you can blast doors open, release your friends, or find valuable items. You can also jump and duck. There is a time limit for each level.

Unlike the sequel, the NES version was never released outside of Japan.

In a movie released in the 1980s, a group of youngsters formed a special gang and called themselves The Goonies. Nintendo banked upon the movie's popularity by releasing two games using the characters and theme from it, including the theme song by Cindi Lauper. This is their second game, the first being released only for the Famicom system outside the United States.

You play Mikey, one of the gang user, whose friends have been kidnapped by the gang's arch enemy the Fratelli family. Your buddies and Annie the Mermaid must be rescued, but it won't be easy sneaking into the dark and creepy underground hideout where they are being held. You must find a way to destroy their master computer and keep your friends from becoming road kill. If Ma Fratelli or crazy Cousin Pipsqueak doesn't stop you, one of her two crazy sons will!

Upon starting the game, Mikie is armed only with a yo-yo and the ability to jump. As the game progresses, he will find boomerangs, a gun, bombs, molotave cocktails and even scuba gear to help him. Fight snakes, spiders, skeletons, man-eating fish while exploring the huge world full of cellars, secret caverns and elaborate mazes.

There is more than typical side-scrolling action, although there's certainly a multitude of that. Seventeen magic implements and many secret messages await you. When Mikie enters a room he can talk to NPCs and try to find hidden items and doors by hitting the walls. A password lets you keep your possession for the next game.