Players take on the role of Jennifer Simpson, a young orphan who arrives at the Barrows Mansion after her foster family’s mysterious death. Shortly after entering, she discovers the mansion is the hunting ground of Scissorman, a psychotic killer wielding giant scissors.
The game emphasizes stealth, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Jennifer cannot fight the killer directly; her survival depends on hiding, unlocking doors, and gathering key items to navigate the mansion safely. Multiple endings are possible depending on which characters survive the deadly pursuit
Developer: Human Entertainment
Publisher: Human Entertainment
Platforms: Super Famicom (SNES in Japan)
Original Release: December 22, 1995 (Japan)
North America / Europe: Not officially released for SNES; later adapted for PlayStation as Clock Tower: The First Fear (1996)
Clock Tower is a point-and-click psychological survival horror game. It is notable for introducing the stalker enemy mechanic, where a nearly unstoppable antagonist pursues the player unpredictably. This mechanic influenced later horror games, including the Resident Evil and Silent Hill series.
The Importance in Survival Horror?
This Title is important because it pioneered the “stalker enemy” and vulnerability mechanics in horror games. By making the player defenseless and forcing them to rely on stealth, hiding, and problem-solving, it created intense suspense and psychological tension. Its multiple endings and story-driven approach influenced later survival horror titles, particularly in how fear and unpredictability can drive gameplay rather than combat alone.
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