Gameplay is similar to other political games, e.g. The Fourth Protocol or Floor 13, except a lot more tongue-in-cheek and much more limited. Most of your time is spent in the office, where you can answer the telephones, read incoming telexes, answer the intercom, check the diary in the desk drawer, and read memos that appear on the desk. You can also click on the safe to see the latest opinion poll, i.e. your score in the game. You can only go outside the office when you have a meeting to attend, at which time the game will prompt you to choose your destination. You can advance the time by using the clock, but there are usually enough events that demand your attention simultaneously that this is not necessary. Your actions are limited to choosing from multiple options during meetings and telephone conversations.

Overall, Yes Prime Minister is a fun, "light" strategy game that focuses more on funny dialogues and political parodies than on taxing your brain. Fans of the show will really enjoy the game, and the British humor may make non-fans curious enough to find out more about this classic comedy. Recommended, but as a neat adjunct to the show rather than a good game.