Montezuma's Return is a 1998 action/adventure video game and the sequel to the original Parker Brothers game Montezuma's Revenge. The game as originally released was a platform game, such as Jumpman, Lode Runner and Mario. According to Steve Bergenholtz, the Utopia Technologies spokesperson, the musical score was written by a TV and film veteran.

The main objective is to control Max to the ending destination of the level. There are eight levels (nine in newer versions) In every level the player collects treasures, defeats enemies, maneuvers across tricky and puzzling platforms, jumping pads, climbing ropes until the player finally reaches the boss room. The boss must be defeated to access the exit of the level. Not every boss can be defeated directly and requires a specific action to affect them (e.g. Using the Lava Lord's own exploding lava rocks against him). If the player has collected 100% treasures, the player can play the bonus level, which involves collecting all the treasures.

Many traps exist in the levels that harm Max, especially lava surfaces. Some traps like deep pits and spikes will kill Max instantly on impact. Some enemies that cannot be harmed like skulls serve as traps. Traps also kill enemies (except the deep pits). To reach higher places, Max may need to climb ropes horizantally and vertically. Platforms that move require the player to correctly time jumps. Max can attack enemies by punching and kicking which can also be done in midair. Max now and then will need to swim in some areas, in which the player will have to watch the oxygen level and surface before Max runs out of air and health. Enemies die if they are pushed in water.

There are other collectable items as well as treasures. Max can collect bananas or watermelon chunks to heal damage and key artifacts to unlock barriers.