The gameplay is simple: There are fifteen cities that are featured, starting with a drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco and ending back in Los Angeles. KITT can be upgraded with more fuel and shield capacities. It can also have its top speed upgraded, and how many lasers/missiles it starts with. In the first six missions, there are allies, represented by Knight trucks who will give a powerup to the player.
Mission mode
Terrorists have raided a U.S. military site; only a man and his robotic car can chase them across the United States to stop their evilplan. A time limit helps put pressure on the player as he attempts to defeat the terrorist forces. There are three types of vehicles in this mode: Red, blue and yellow. KITT has structural shielding; however the vehicle is considered destroyed if it repeatedly crashes or enemy gunfire depletes the shielding. Despite the non-violent premise of the television show, "Mission Mode" makes use of firearms as way to enhance play, similar to RoadBlasters. Shooting non-combatant vehicles deducts from the timer, making the completion of a level more difficult. After every third level, Devon will offer the player a password that can be used to resume the journey from that point.
Drive mode
There is also a drive mode that allows players to go on a simple drive through the game's stages without weapons or enemy fire.
Music
The game pointedly does not include the iconic theme from the Knight Rider television show.