Clock Tower

Game Details:

Originally released on the SFC platform in 1995, "Clock Tower" is an early horror game that successfully combined "chase + puzzle" elements. The game uses a "point-and-click" control mode, where players explore rooms, pick up key items, and evade enemies. The experience is accompanied by oppressive music and sudden jump scares, ensuring a consistently tense atmosphere.

The protagonist, Jennifer Simpson, is an orphan who is brought to a mysterious mansion with other girls. However, she soon discovers her companions are disappearing mysteriously, and a strange man known as the "Scissorman" is hunting everyone in secret. The game has no combat system; the player's only means of survival are running, hiding, and deduction.

The game features multiple endings, determined by the player's choices at critical junctures and the survival status of the characters, adding to its replayability and exploration potential.

Editor's Recommendation:

If you are fond of psychological thrillers and story-driven suspense games, "Clock Tower" is undoubtedly an excellent work. It doesn't rely on excessive gore and violence, but rather creates a terrifying atmosphere through oppressive environments, sudden chases, and the helplessness of the characters. The game has a tight pace and a profound plot. The process of the protagonist gradually unraveling the mysteries of the mansion amidst immense fear is particularly captivating.

As one of the representative works of the early horror escape genre, it laid the design foundation for subsequent horror titles such as "Fatal Frame" and "Parasite Eve," truly a classic among classics. For players who enjoy old-school horror atmosphere and seek a tense experience with branching storylines, "Clock Tower" is definitely worth a try.

Game Guide:

"Clock Tower" is a horror game centered around escape and puzzle-solving. Mastering key survival skills and planning your routes are crucial for achieving good endings.

I. Basic Survival Skills

• Always pay attention to the "Fear Meter": When the character's fear level is too high, they will stumble, move slower, and are extremely vulnerable to death when encountering enemies. This can be alleviated by using a mirror to compose oneself or by resting.
• Scissorman Chase Mechanics: Not all areas are safe. Prioritize finding "hiding spots" (such as wardrobes, under beds, etc.). After hiding, be patient and wait for the enemy to leave.
• Limited Save Points: Plan your progression wisely. It is recommended to save once per stage of progress to allow for retrying different routes.

II. Important Items and Usage

• Red Potion: Used to lower the fear level, it is very rare, so use it sparingly.
• Keys and Scissors: Some items can only unlock hidden plot points or lead to specific endings. It is recommended to explore every room diligently.
• Birdcage and Letters: These relate to hidden plot clues. It is recommended to check the conditions for triggering them and complete the side quests.

III. Ending Branch Overview

• The game has multiple endings (A-H), with the main influencing factors being:
• Whether companions are dead
• Whether Scissorman is definitively defeated
• Whether Scissorman's true identity and motives are discovered
• Whether the secret documents behind the mansion are found
• Recommended Route:
• In the early stages of the game, try to keep companions alive and help them escape danger promptly.
• Trigger key plot points, such as the rooftop event, basement exploration, and the revelation of the mother's identity.
• Collect all clues and documents to trigger "Best Ending A."

IV. Additional Tips

• Sound cues are crucial; wearing headphones is recommended for playing.
• When encountering enemies, quickly clicking the interaction button can increase the chance of escape.
• There are significant plot twists in the later stages of the game. Avoid skipping ahead to experience the full story.