In Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff, players engage in fast-paced, arcade-style football with simple controls that allow for easy gameplay. The game emphasizes fun and excitement, featuring dramatic plays and engaging cut-scenes that enhance the overall experience.

The storyline of Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff revolves around customizable teams competing in a vibrant football league, where players can personalize their teams with unique colors, emblems, and player names, adding a personal touch to the gameplay.

Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff stands out with its stylus control system, allowing players to directly interact with the game by using the Nintendo DS stylus, as well as its customizable playbook, which lets players select their preferred running and passing plays for a tailored football experience.