Tom Thumb is a scrolling platform game where you take the role of Tom as he explores the Tomb of Pharaoh Manilo for fabulous wealth. As you explore the Tomb, you will encounter various creatures as well as traps that include spikes and floors that disappear when walked on. If you touch a creature, trap or fall from a certain height then you lose one of five lives. Blocking certain routes are doors that require keys to be found and used on them. Ladders can be used to move up or down to other platforms and floors of the Tomb. As well as the having the ability to jump, you also have the ability to run.