I've always felt that the best way to describe the experience of playing Clock Tower is to compare it to the black and white horror films of the 30's and 40's. Like them, the game does not rely whatsoever on fancy graphics effects; in fact sometimes the game is ridiculously amateurish in it's visuals. Like those old movies, however, it does rely on fear, not blood and guts, though there's some to be had in Clock Tower anyway, and often where you least expect it. The voice acting could have used some heavy work, but you'll get used to it soon enough into the story. Sometimes it's even funny.

Speaking of the story, the plot involved is definitely a solid one. A homicidal maniac from Norway, thought to have been killed in the original Clock Tower (on another system released only in Japan) via massive explosion, has somehow returned and is now terrorizing the english countryside in search of the sole survivor of the first game. Many questions surface as to the true identity of the killer, known only as Scissorman, dubbed such from his penchant for eviscerating his victims using a large pair of stainless steel shears. In the game, you assume the role of either Jennifer, the 18 year old survivor of the original title, or Helen, her legal guardian. Depending on who you choose and the choices you make thereafter, there are several different endings, some happy and some.. well, not very pretty.

This is a 'point and click' adventure, meaning you guide a cursor around the screen and click where you want to go or what you want to examine; so there is no need to have super reflexes unless Scissorman is in hot pursuit. Once he catches you though, it's not particularly easy to avoid a blood-curdling fate, though the fates of most of the victims he leaves behind are far worse. Overall, the control scheme works surprisingly well and if you're smart, you won't get killed.

The character of Scissorman himself is an enigma, even when you discover who he really is at game's end. Clock Tower is very much like a psycho-thriller film, only you direct the choices of the characters, and thus, the consequences that befall them. The way he continuously clangs his shears together and disturbingly (not to mention slowly) lumbers forward, bobbing his head up and down as if the only thing on his mind is killing someone is truly brilliant in it's fear factor, and the clanging serves as a warning that he's close.

Last but not least, with a game of this type, sound is of the utmost importance in getting the point across that there is someone after you, and the developers have spared no expense in giving the player the best audio quality; whether it be the screams of your character as they are cut to pieces, the subtle sound of something moving in the closet across the room, the loud footstep echos on old cobblestone castle floors, or the excellent theme song of Scissorman himself as her draws nearer, your ears will be as attached to the game as the rest of you. If you like horror, you'll love Clock Tower. Aside from the voice-acting, it's a spine-chilling experience that deserves a shot. Just don't play it with the lights off.


Recommended:
Yes