Based on Taito's Japanese arcade game, Power Shovel puts players behind the controls of three earthmovers in a variety of construction-oriented events.

Three modes of gameplay are available: Arcade King, License Mode, and Level Editor.

Arcade King includes missions from the coin-op, such as demolishing a car, knocking over houses, and pouring large amounts of curry sauce over rice. Money earned in this mode is used to unlock more mini-games, artwork, music, and other items. Two players can also compete against each other in these events in a best of three competition. Players take turns completing each task until a winner is declared.

License Mode provides a series of timed tests (like knocking over poles, parking and digging sand) that must be completed in order to gain your operator's license.

The Level Editor lets players design their own courses on a 6 x 6 grid, with obstacles such as holes, electric fences, cones, and sheds. The three available shovels vary in their size, speed, capacity, and digging ability. In each event, players have the option of a first- or third-person perspective.

Step up and take charge of the POWER SHOVEL. You're the "New Guy" on site with a piece of heavy equipment and a crazy foreman. Do a great job, earn lots of money and go shopping! Do a bad job and you'll hear it from the boss.