[2] The core gameplay mechanic of Concursion is the progress across a series of separately defined levels which each feature a different take on the interplay among five different two-dimensional video game worlds overlapping one another for mysterious reasons.

As the player passes through each geometrically defined genre region, the player's appearance and control scheme frequently transform in real time between: speed-based platformer, combat-based platformer, space shooter, jetpack explorer, and maze runner.

Throughout the game, there are “gem shards” to collect, which impact the player's ability to find the princess and put the world back to normal.

Christopher Hoag, an Emmy nominated composer best known for his work on the pilot episode of the TV show House, created a soundtrack for Concursion that features multiple versions of each level song, each aurally distinct from one another, which swap in real time, based upon which gameplay style is currently active in the game.

[11] Shael Millheim of Impulse Gamer explains, "The game provides a fun, classic atmosphere that's easy to hop into, and keeps players on their toes.