The game features a variety of game modes, each introducing new challenges and gameplay opportunities:
- Classic - standard, balanced gameplay
- Superflat - like classic, but all track segments generate at the same vertical height
- Low gravity - enables longer air time at the expense of jump accuracy
- Too much brake - near-limitless braking ability
- Ultra mega - enemy carts spawn more frequently and move faster
- Late start - start with more points and gain an initial speed-boost
- Crocodile craze - holes don't spawn, and enemies spawn more frequently
- No holes barred - enemies don't spawn, and holes spawn more frequently
All game modes can also be played with two players on the same system in split-screen multiplayer.
Minecart Madness supports keyboard and controller input modes for one or two players. All inputs are customizable.
