Description taken from Nintendo Entertainment System version of this game

Wrecking Crew is an action game in which Mario seeks to evade construction crew baddies while bursting blocks with his hammer. You must destroy all of the blocks on a particular level to advance. Mario runs and hammers down blocks, but he doesn't do anything else. This introduces a puzzle factor to Wrecking Crew. Because of obstacles and bombs as well as Mario's limited capabilities, you must be strategic in your moves. All of this while you run for your life.

You can choose from 100 different boards, each designed to be increasingly challenging. There is also a mode where you can design your own levels. ~ Jeff Irwin, All Game Guide