The game's style was very typical for this side-scrolling genre. However, it turns into an semi-isometric view like in Streets of Rage once enemies appear on the screen. The Tick's signature humor is also present in various parts of the game, such as his unorthodox gestures and "Spoon!" battle cry after completing a level (and starting a level in the Genesis version). 44 levels make up the game with "wobble" environments and arcade style graphics.

However, in contrast to the popular animated series it was based on, the game was panned by critics. While the accurate graphics and jazzy background music were moderately well received, the game was criticized for having seemingly generic hordes of ridiculous lookalike enemies to combat and the limited punch-and-kick style. The game ending is also widely regarded as being empty and unrewarding. Brett Allan Weiss of Allgame had rated and evaluated The Tick as being "repetitive" and "boring."