As the first title in the series to be released for a handheld device, Silent Hill Origins uncovers how the quaint country town became a terrifying and abandoned wasteland. Players lead trucker Travis Grady around the foggy and rust-colored environments as they attempt to make it to the safety outside Silent Hill city limits.

Origins debuts the use of a "cineractive system" within the game that is designed to intensify the feelings of isolation and uncertainty. Gamers must react to interactive cut-scenes by entering button sequences to execute a counter attack or respond to the current situation.

As Travis works his way through the game, he can collect items including knives, portable television sets, and sledgehammers to use against the soulless monsters that inhabit Silent Hill. Each potential armament has a durability rating, and objects will eventually break. To complete the game, Travis must make his way through the traps, puzzles, monsters, and obstacles that face him at every turn. ~ Gracie Leach, All Game Guide