Clock Tower for SFC

Image: MobyGames

Clock Tower

Running with scissors

Genre: adventure - point n click

Publisher: Human Entertainment

Year: 1995

System: SFC

Gameplay Score: 3

Gameplay Notes:

It's point and click, but the developers were kind enough to make the reticle turn into a huge box when mousing over a selectable item. This greatly simplifies the process of finding and interacting with the environment. My only real complain is that Jennifer moves so, dang, slowly. I guess it's realistic, but man does it make the gameplay suffer. Actually, another complaint is the awful draw distance. You have to be within 5-10% of the edge of the screen before it begins to scroll. And the scrolling is not smooth at all. Besides that, and the occassional run and hide sequence, it's pretty standard fare for the genre in terms of finding keys, investigating clues, and opening up new areas.

Level Design Score: 4

Level Design Notes:

The mansion is large, and would benefit greatly from a map, but that would take away from the immersion the game creates. Rooms have memorable features, which makes it easier to navigate. There are multiple endings, which encourage repeated playthroughs.

Theme Score: 4

Theme Notes:

Besides Super Metroid, this is probably the most immersive 16-bit title. You are Jennifer, with her limitations and fears. The HUD consists only of a picture of you which demonstrates your current mental state. Your inventory is hidden away in a discreet menu. None of this screams "video game" and instead encourages you to see only what Jennifer would see.

Art Style Score: 4

Art Style Notes:

The graphics fit the theme perfectly. The game employs a realistic look, a dark aesthetic, and scary imagery in the occassional cutscene.

Audio Score: 2

Audio Notes:

The lack of music adds to the tension, even if it also conflicts with the world around you. This game is best played without any distractions. Music only plays when in Panic mode, and unfortunately it's pretty hokey. Most of the time you only hear sound of your own footsteps, and they are annoyingly loud.

Overall Score: 66

Review ID: 1571