The Simpsons: Bart vs. the World is a side-scrolling platform that compiles smaller games belonging to different genres. In each stage, Bart must navigate through the area, collecting items such as firecracker balls for self-defense and Squishees to restore health By grabbing a cape, Bart can become his superheroic alter-ego, Bartman, and fly for limited periods. The most important items in each stage are Krusty-brand souvenirs. There is one in every stage, and Bart must find them all in order to get the best ending. There are also several mini-games in each area, with puzzles such as a matching-card game and a trivia game based on events in actual episodes.
On the Krusty the Clown Show, Bart Simpson wins the opportunity to participate in a Round-the-World scavenger hunt. However, the contest has been rigged by Mr. Burns' assistant, Smithers, in order for Burns to rid himself of the Simpson family for all the trouble they have caused him over the years. Burns sends his agents and fellow family members to take care of the Simpsons during the scavenger hunt. Bart travels through various real-world locations collecting items, with occasional cameos from the other Simpsons family members.
