Forgoing any kind of puzzle mechanic, which is a staple of the series, the game will instead focus on combat between the player character and the hideous monsters that infest the in-game world.

In the Wii version of the game, the Wii remote will have special functions; it will be used as both a flashlight for the player characters as well as an in-game cell phone and GPS locator.Kotaku: Shattered Memories redoes Wii, PS2 and PSP (April 6, 2009)

The main player character, Harry, awakens in his broken down vehicle on the outskirts of Silent Hill. His daughter, who had been in the car with him, is no longer there. Upon further investigation, Harry sees a girl who looks much like his daughter running down the street and he begins his search.

The player will investigate several areas of Silent Hill during his search including a school, hospital, and several city streets, all while battling the demons that now inhabit the town.