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Review of Clock Tower on PlayStation

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Oct 1997
Cover image of Clock Tower on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 7.2
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 10 Oct 1997
Genre: Point-and-click Survival Horror
Developer: Human Entertainment
Publisher: ASCII Entertainment

Introduction

In a world that has seen more sequels than a bad reality show, Clock Tower dares to be different. While many games of the time were busy blasting zombies, this gem was busy invoking the age-old horror trope of being chased by a guy with giant scissors. Yes, Scissorman is back, and he's ready to carve out a few memories on the PlayStation.

Gameplay

Clock Tower utilizes a unique point-and-click interface, allowing you to guide our heroine, Jennifer (or Helen if you make the right choices), through various scenarios filled with puzzles, horror, and enough existential dread to make you question your life choices. Players often find themselves in panic mode - which, let's be honest, we all experience when we get chased by an actual scissor-wielding maniac - which adds tension to the gameplay. It's like living your own horror movie, but thankfully without the shaky cam. The rounded graphics may not compete with the likes of games like Resident Evil, but the dreadful atmosphere is well maintained, reminding us that sometimes what's unseen is scarier than what's in plain sight.

Graphics

What we can say is that Clock Tower was one of those brave souls that dared to step into the 3D realm when everyone still had their nostalgia goggles on for 2D graphics. The environments are reminiscent of creepy old movies, and the details give off an unsettling vibe. You might find yourself questioning whether that shadow in the corner is just poor lighting or a cleverly placed jump scare. Admittedly, compared to its contemporaries, the graphics are a bit rudimentary - but hey, charm counts for something, right?

Conclusion

Clock Tower is a title that struggles between charming and frustrating. It throws you into a mix of nostalgia, horror, and anxiety that few games manage to capture so effectively. While the slow pace can leave some players as restless as the undead, the multiple endings and branching scenarios provide enough replay value to keep the curious gamers chomping at the bit. If you're looking for a game that blends horror with adventure and you're not afraid to slow down a bit (after all, life is a journey!), then dust off your PlayStation, grab your vintage oversized scissors, and dive into the twisted world of Clock Tower. It might just leave you hanging - sometimes on the edge of your seat and sometimes in a hot panic!

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