Iru! was developed by Soft Machine and published by Takara. Released exclusively in Japan on March 26, 1998, the game remains a rare find outside of its home country.
Set in a high school featuring a large mechanical clock at its center, Iru! follows a group of students who find themselves locked in overnight. As night progresses, students are killed one by one, and the protagonist must navigate the school’s eerie halls to uncover the truth behind these mysterious deaths and escape the nightmare alive
Platform & Release Dates:
The game was released exclusively for the Sony PlayStation console. In Japan, it debuted on March 26, 1998, and has not been officially released in other regions.
Genre & Playability:
Iru! is a first-person survival horror game that draws comparisons to titles like Clock Tower and Echo Night. Players assume the role of a young boy trapped in his school overnight, where eerie events unfold, and classmates begin to disappear. The gameplay emphasizes exploration, puzzle-solving, and stealth, as players must avoid or hide from lurking threats
Composer & Art:
The game’s music and creature designs contribute to its atmospheric tension, though specific details about the composer and artist are not widely documented.
Importance in Survival Horror History:
While Iru! may not be as widely recognized as other survival horror titles, it holds a unique place in the genre for its first-person perspective and emphasis on stealth and puzzle-solving. Its atmospheric tension and narrative-driven gameplay offer a distinct experience for fans of psychological horror.
Availability & Collectibility:
Iru! is a rare title, especially outside of Japan. Physical copies can occasionally be found through online marketplaces, but due to its limited release, they are considered valuable by collectors.
Reception vs. Historical Value:
Upon release, Iru! received mixed reviews. Some praised its atmospheric tension and unique gameplay mechanics, while others found its pacing and mechanics lacking compared to contemporaneous titles. Over time, the game has gained a cult following, appreciated for its distinct approach to survival horror
Play It Now?
Currently, Iru! is not available on modern digital platforms. To experience the game, players would need to find a physical copy and play it on a compatible PlayStation console or through emulation.
Gameplay: