[1] Similar to the arcade game Marble Madness, the goal is to complete a series of 15 race courses in as short a time as possible while avoiding various obstacles.

Instead of a marble, however, the player controls a hamster in a clear plastic exercise ball.

By following invisible paths on the courses, players can unlock appropriately themed multiplayer combat arenas.

During this mode of play, "Rodent Rumble", the goal is to knock opponents' hamsters off the edge or into lethal obstacles as many times as possible within a time limit.

[2] During the 7th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences awarded Hamsterball with "Computer Downloadable Game of the Year".