Project Shift is a straightforward platformer game in which the goal is to escape from each level as you are being chased by a robotic guardian. During the race against this relentless opponent, the player must avoid other dangerous enemies, traps, and deal with various challenges along the way. The player is aided by his companion, a drone that can shoot projectiles at enemies. The projectiles cause the enemies to enter a ghost-like state, rendering them unable to see or harm the player, temporarily allowing the player to pass through them.