Fighting Course[edit]
The player controls Mach Rider on a mission across ten different Sectors that have been invaded by evil forces. Mach Rider travels from Sector to Sector looking for survivors and destroying the invaders. Each Sector has a choice of two routes (A or B).
- After clearing ten Sectors, the story starts over with ten entirely new Sectors to play (referred to as Sectors 11 to 20)
- After clearing ten more Sectors, the story starts over back at Sector 1
On Sector 1, you have an Energy bar. The amount of energy you have remaining at the end of Sector 1 determines how many Extra Lives you receive for the rest of the game. You earn more Extra Lives every 3 Sectors.
Endurance Course[edit]
The player must travel a specified number of kilometers within a time limit. You must navigate enemies and obstacles to meet the target. While you do not have extra lives in this mode, taking damage will slow you down.
Solo Course[edit]
The player must travel a specified number of kilometers within a time limit. In this mode, there are obstacles, but no enemies. The target distances are higher than in Endurance Course mode.
Design Mode[edit]
The player can design their own Sector and then race on it in Fighting, Endurance or Solo mode. In the Japanese version, it is possible to save and load designs using a peripheral called the Famicom Data Recorder. No such recording device was released outside of Japan, although the options to save and load can still be found in the game.