The player can edit different gameplay modes to alter how the numbers in the problem are chosen, or if their questions are timed.

It was the first educational video game for the VCS, with others companies also releasing arithmetic-themed cartridges in the same year for the Fairchild Channel F and RCA Studio II.

Both contemporary and retrospective reviews were generally unenthused by the game with common criticism being that it had poor quality graphics and was not appealing in terms of gameplay or control.

In Basic Math, each game features 10 rounds of arithmetic problems involving either addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.

[7] Kevin Bunch, author of Atari Archive: Vol.1 1977-1978, suggested that these releases were part of a push for the first generation of programmable consoles to be seen as more than game machines and would include educational programs.

[8] She joined the company after studying art at San Jose State University and connected with Atari through Rick Guidice.

[17] David H. Ahl of Creative Computing also commented that a number keypad would be more suitable for the game, while enjoying the musical tune when a correct answer was given.

[20] Skyler Miller's review in AllGame said that while Basic Math might be a good way for children to practice arithmetic, it was ultimately a low quality game due to its poor graphics and how complicated it was to adjust the different gameplay modes.

[16] Brett Weiss, in his book Classic Home Video Games 1972-1984 also spoke negatively about the graphics as well as a lack of a two-player mode, while finding the music jingle and timed challenges to be highlights.

[1] Bunch, in his book Atari Archive: Vol.1 1977-1978 wrote that the game never taught the players how to reach a correct answer, which limited it as an educational tool and that it would not be fun for either children or adults.