Gameplay in Madballs is an amalgamation between Super Monkey Ball and Smash T.V. Players roll their marble-like creature (only two of which are from the actual "Madballs" toy line) around levels, and shoot their guns at everything that moves. The game features two camera modes: a 3d camera that is the meat of the game (and the better mode in which to play), and a retro-styled 2d top-down camera that really calls to mind the arena feel of old arcade shooters.

The control is easily handled with an Xbox 360 controller – if you’re a PC gamer without one, then the “standard” FPS controls feel forced into working with the game, much the same way that the recent Prince of Persia games are. While play is certainly possible without a controller, the experience feels much more fluid if you leave the keyboard and mouse behind. The top-down view becomes especially awkward, as the mouse aiming feels more suited to an RTS game than a fast-paced shooter.