Pasokon Retro offers a nostalgic glimpse into the formative years of Japanese PC gaming, celebrating everything from the specialized computers of the 1980s to the beloved days of Windows XP. One notable title from this era is Clock Tower, a suspenseful point-and-click adventure that captivated players with its chilling chase sequences and unexpected plot twists when it was released in 1997.
Exploring the PC Experience
The question arises: what was the optimal platform for experiencing Clock Tower? Should players have opted for a controller on a sluggish Nintendo console, or embraced the power of a PC running Windows 95, which was renowned for its crisp pixel art and engaging mouse-driven gameplay? As I sought out a Windows 95 copy, my anticipation grew, fueled by a passion for niche horror game ports. Surely, I thought, the PC version would deliver an enhanced experience.
(Image credit: Human Entertainment, Internet Archive)
However, the experience was less than I had hoped. The game opened with a lackluster CG intro featuring a rather uninspiring clock tower. To my dismay, I encountered crude dithered mist effects that replaced the original’s atmospheric transparencies, which set the mood so effectively in the earlier versions. This prompted me to delve into the game files, suspecting a rendering error. Yet, I discovered that the graphics were stored as basic BMPs, revealing that the visual shortcomings were intentional.
While the cutscene artwork in the Windows version boasted slightly improved quality, the overall presentation left much to be desired. The graphics had been subtly redrawn, resulting in a smudgy softness that detracted from the original’s charm. The expanded color palette introduced dithering where once there had been clean, flat colors, creating an effect reminiscent of a photocopy of a masterpiece—similar yet somehow lacking.
Reflecting on the ’90s, it was clear that PC gaming often fell short of delivering the best versions of its titles. While some ports excelled, others struggled to meet expectations. Despite these drawbacks, Clock Tower remained a thrilling experience, offering heart-pounding moments as players navigated a mansion filled with traps and surprises. The game’s randomization of key item locations ensured that each playthrough felt fresh, allowing for endless exploration and discovery.
Despite the shortcomings of this particular port, it was not without merit. The mouse controls were intuitive, enhancing gameplay significantly compared to the original. Remarkably, the game ran smoothly on Windows 11 without any need for adjustments, allowing for spontaneous gaming sessions at a moment’s notice.
In the end, while my expectations for a premium version of Clock Tower were not fully met, the experience served as a reminder of the evolution of PC gaming. Today, players can anticipate polished ports that often surpass their predecessors. Yet, this early version of Clock Tower holds a unique place in gaming history, offering a valuable lesson in the journey of game development and adaptation.
