Players progress along winding paths around the island, avoiding fireballs and trying to steal Vul-Kar's jewel and carry it to the escape boat.

The game concept was originally developed by artist / toy designers Bruce Lund and Chuck Kennedy.

The game mechanics in Fireball Island are moderately complex, requiring both skill and luck to win.

The object of the game is to escape the island with the jewel, which must first be stolen from the top of the mountain on which Vul-Kar sits.

There are significant changes to gameplay, with somewhat less luck and more player agency,[3] a redesigned and expanded board, and optional expansion content.