Independent game studio WayForward, in collaboration with publishing partners Sunsoft and Limited Run Games, is releasing an enhanced version of the original 16-bit survival-horror game, Clock Tower. The game, which was originally released on Super Famicom in 1995 in Japan, will now be officially translated and released in North America and Europe for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC in early 2024.
Clock Tower immerses players in the eerie Barrows family manor, where they must navigate the environment while being pursued by a murderous psychopath known as Scissorman. Playing as Jennifer Simpson, a teenage orphan, players use a point-and-click interface to explore the mansion, search for items, uncover secrets, and find ways to survive Scissorman's attacks. With no offensive abilities, Jennifer must rely on her wit and resourcefulness to escape with her life and achieve one of the game's multiple endings. The game is renowned for its tense atmosphere, chilling sound effects, detailed 2D animations, and randomized elements that enhance replayability, making it a groundbreaking title in the survival-horror genre.
The enhanced version of Clock Tower utilizes Limited Run Games' Carbon Engine, maintaining the authentic gameplay, graphics, and sound of the original while incorporating modern features and enhancements. These include a new vocal theme song performed by Mary McGlynn (known for her work in the Silent Hill series), a new animated opening, motion-comic cutscenes, a bonus art gallery, border artwork, save states, multiple language options, and more.
The key features of the enhanced version of Clock Tower include its first official translation and release in North America and Europe, allowing players to experience this survival-horror classic. Players will navigate the game by running, hiding, and using survival tactics to evade the psychotic Scissorman. The game features atmospheric 2D art, detailed animations, and haunting sound effects, creating an immersive experience. Multiple endings and randomized gameplay elements increase replayability and provide jump scares. The game also includes a new animated opening, motion-comic cutscenes, and a vocal theme song by Mary McGlynn. Additionally, players can enjoy an art gallery, save states, and other modern enhancements for an enhanced gaming experience.
WayForward will initially release Clock Tower digitally in North America and Europe, followed by a physical version offered on select platforms by Limited Run Games. Further information, including details about the physical preorder window, will be announced at a later date. For updates, interested individuals can visit the websites www.wayforward.com and www.limitedrungames.com, as well as follow @wayforward and @limitedrungames on social media.
Check out the trailer below.