![Clock Tower [Model SHVC-AJEJ-JPN] screenshot](images/game/61150_2.png "Clock Tower [Model SHVC-AJEJ-JPN]")
Clock Tower © 1995 Human Ent.
Clock Tower is a foundational survival horror title that pioneered the "stalker horror" subgenre. As an orphan named Jennifer Simpson, the player explores the sinister Barrows Mansion, attempting to escape the relentless pursuit of the antagonist, "Scissorman" (Bobby Barrows). Unlike typical adventure games of the era, the title emphasizes vulnerability, forcing players to navigate the mansion via a point-and-click interface, relying on hiding, running, and environmental interaction rather than direct combat to survive.
GAME ID: SHVC-AJEJ-JPN
It supports the Super Famicom Mouse for enhanced point-and-click navigation.
Released on September 14, 1995 in Japan.
Genre Innovation: The game is widely recognized as one of the earliest examples of pure survival horror. It deviated from the action-heavy trends of the time, establishing the "helpless protagonist" trope that would later be popularized by games like Resident Evil and Amnesia.
Stalker Mechanic: The antagonist, Scissorman, is not a static encounter. He utilizes a randomized AI pattern, appearing suddenly to hunt the player throughout the mansion. This unpredictability creates constant tension, as the player never knows when or where he will strike.
Multiple Endings: The game features a complex branching narrative with numerous endings (ranging from S through H). These are determined by the player's survival, specific items collected, and interactions with other characters, rewarding multiple playthroughs.
Cinematic Inspiration: The game’s aesthetic and narrative tone are heavily influenced by the films of Dario Argento, particularly Phenomena (1985), from which the character Jennifer Simpson was visually modeled.
Technical Notes: The game utilizes a sophisticated (for the time) animation system to track panic levels, which affect the character's movement and responsiveness during chase sequences. If Jennifer becomes too frightened, her movement speed decreases, making her vulnerable to being cornered.