Clock Tower (1995)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Clock Tower (1995)

Clock Tower is a survival horror point-and-click adventure game developed and published by Human Entertainment for the Super Famicom in 1995. It is the first installment of the long-running Clock Tower series. The game was directed by Hifumi Kono and features character designs by Takashi Takeuchi.

The story follows Jennifer Simpson, a young woman who is invited to spend the weekend at the Barrows Mansion by her friend, Helen Maxwell. However, upon arriving at the mansion, Jennifer soon learns that something is amiss. The mansion is dark and empty, and there is a strange atmosphere of dread hanging in the air.

Jennifer soon discovers that she is not alone in the mansion. She is being stalked by a mysterious figure known only as Scissorman. Scissorman is a tall, slender man with a porcelain mask and giant scissors. He is incredibly strong and relentless, and he will stop at nothing to kill Jennifer.

Jennifer must use her wits and courage to survive the night and escape the mansion. She must explore the mansion, solve puzzles, and avoid Scissorman at all costs. The game features multiple endings, depending on the choices that Jennifer makes throughout the game.

Clock Tower was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, its suspenseful atmosphere, and its memorable characters. The game has been cited as an influence on many other survival horror games, including Resident Evil and Silent Hill.

Gameplay

Clock Tower is a point-and-click adventure game. The player controls Jennifer Simpson as she explores the Barrows Mansion and tries to avoid Scissorman. The player can interact with objects in the environment by clicking on them. Jennifer can also run, jump, and climb.

The game features a unique “Panic” system. When Jennifer is in danger, her heart rate will increase and her vision will become blurred. The player must press buttons on the controller to calm Jennifer down and avoid a panic attack.

Characters

  • Jennifer Simpson: The protagonist of the game. Jennifer is a young woman who is invited to spend the weekend at the Barrows Mansion by her friend, Helen Maxwell. However, upon arriving at the mansion, Jennifer soon learns that something is amiss. She is being stalked by a mysterious figure known only as Scissorman. Jennifer must use her wits and courage to survive the night and escape the mansion.
  • Scissorman: The antagonist of the game. Scissorman is a tall, slender man with a porcelain mask and giant scissors. He is incredibly strong and relentless, and he will stop at nothing to kill Jennifer.
  • Helen Maxwell: Jennifer’s friend who invites her to spend the weekend at the Barrows Mansion. Helen is a kind and caring person, but she is also hiding a dark secret.
  • Simon Barrows: The owner of the Barrows Mansion. Simon is a wealthy and eccentric man who is obsessed with clocks. He is also a cruel and sadistic person who takes pleasure in tormenting his guests.

Setting

Clock Tower is set in the Barrows Mansion, a large and dilapidated mansion located in the English countryside. The mansion is full of dark secrets and hidden dangers. The mansion is also home to a number of strange and mysterious creatures, including ghosts, zombies, and giant spiders.

Themes

Clock Tower explores a number of dark and disturbing themes, including childhood trauma, mental illness, and the nature of evil. The game also features a strong feminist message, as Jennifer must use her wits and courage to overcome the obstacles that are thrown her way.

Legacy

Clock Tower was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, its suspenseful atmosphere, and its memorable characters. The game has been cited as an influence on many other survival horror games, including Resident Evil and Silent Hill.

Clock Tower has also been the subject of much controversy over the years. The game’s violent content and disturbing themes have led to it being banned in several countries. However, the game has also been praised for its artistic value and its ability to provoke thought and discussion about difficult issues.

Clock Tower remains a popular and influential game today. It is a classic example of the survival horror genre, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers around the world.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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