Gertrude's Secrets features rooms filled with puzzles to be solved by arranging objects by shape and color.

[2] A review in the Journal of Learning Disabilities called Gertrude's Secrets's puzzles "challenging and highly entertaining" for children.

[3][4] Commodore Microcomputers stated that Gertrude's Secrets "is intuitive and easy for kids of all ages to understand".

The magazine approved of its lack of "nerve-wracking time limits or invading aliens" and encouragement of "exploratory learning ... built on rock-solid educational principles".

commented that the game required involvement from a parent, being designed to challenge children in addition to teaching them.