Based on the 1983 Konami arcade game and ColecoVision cartridge, Roc 'n Rope puts you in the role of an explorer searching for the Golden Bird of Fortune. To achieve your goal, you must use your rope to climb three stages of prehistoric cliffs (platforms). While on your mission, cavemen and dinosaurs will come out of their caves to thwart your efforts. You can shine a flashlight at these creatures to stop them in their tracks and make them temporarily harmless. Also, you can pick up magic eggs that will give you the power to eliminate your enemies by touching them or shining your light on them.
Unlike the ColecoVision game, the Atari 2600 version of Roc 'n Rope doesn't have the Flying Roc character, the waterfall, the bonus feathers or any moving platforms. In both games, your ultimate goal is to score as many points as you can by making it to the top of each of the three stages as many times as you can and as quickly as you can.
Once you have been through three stages, they begin repeating themselves in order.