In addition to standard running and jumping, Conker can perform a mid-air ground-pounding attack that can hit buttons to solve puzzles.

[3] The most enthusiastic reviews of Conker's Pocket Tales highlighted its depth, Official Nintendo Magazine calling it "one huge adventure you've gotta play".

[14] Similarly, N64 Magazine wrote that the game is "far more engrossing than you'd expect it to be after [its] dismal start", highlighting its length, puzzles and exploration aspect.

[1] Staff from Nintendo Power praised its length, number of mini-games, and a challenge level suitable for both young and experienced players.

[13] Dean Scott of Computer and Video Games found its gameplay too repetitive, as well as the environments and enemies too dull, for the player to be immersed in it.

[9] Comparisons were frequently made to The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, and many reviewers, even favorable ones, felt Conker's Pocket Tales was not as good.