Clock Tower - The First Fear
Clock Tower - The First Fear is a PlayStation puzzle game released in 1997 developed by Human Entertainment. It centers on story, case, or mission progress, rule recognition, and spatial or logical judgment, with controls and information arranged around the directional pad, shoulder and face buttons, plus DualShock twin analog sticks and vibration where supported.
- AI score · out of 10
- 7.3 / 10
About this game
Clock Tower - The First Fear is a PlayStation puzzle game centered on story, case, or mission progress, rule recognition, and spatial or logical judgment. Compact stages add conditions and tighter constraints over time, with progress divided into stages, tasks, matches, or growth milestones that make immediate goals understandable. Its value depends on whether these rules continue to create judgment and room for mastery rather than on length, sales, or series recognition. Short campaigns are judged by repeat-challenge value, while longer ones are judged by variety, pacing, and recovery after failure. Graphics, audio, and input feedback need to support decisions directly, while early 3D graphics, pre-rendered backgrounds, CD audio, and full-motion video need to preserve targets and interface readability on a television. The genre-specific limitation is that limited explanations, input recognition, repetition, or abrupt difficulty can stall progress. Platform conditions also include disc loading, Memory Card saves, regional video standards, digital or analog control support, vibration, and dedicated peripherals affect original-hardware use. This description covers only this platform release and does not import features or conveniences from remasters, emulators, or other console editions.
Collected in series
Clock Tower is a horror-adventure series built around vulnerable protagonists, unsettling discoveries and desperate escapes. Searching a room for clues can suddenly become a scramble for somewhere to hide when a pursuer arrives.
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AI review
AI reviews are subjective assessments, not player ratings. See each review for its evidence and limitations.Published date:
Strong cinematic horror, with unforgiving ending conditions and repeated investigation.
The First Fear lets you observe a horror film while helping a vulnerable girl investigate a mansion and escape pursuit. Pointer-based exploration begins slowly, but danger makes familiarity with rooms and routes urgent. That vulnerability is its strongest attraction. Detailed two-dimensional staging and unsettling music invite imagination rather than relying on large characters or elaborate spectacle. Different endings encourage another route through the house, although avoiding bad-ending flags can demand repeated experimentation and the limited volume does not always offset that repetition. Separate pointer, direct-movement and save controls provide practical access, with mouse support as another option. Learn those roles before a tense encounter. Patient horror investigators are better served than players expecting forceful combat or explicit objectives.
Strengths
- Vulnerable escape and cinematic horror staging
- Multiple endings reward investigating different routes
Weaknesses
- Unforgiving ending flags encourage repeated experimentation
- Limited volume and musical variety
Who it is for: Patient players attracted to gothic horror and revisiting ending conditions.
Play notes: Original Japanese PS release, not the 3D sequel or Rewind. Learn pointer, movement and saving controls; a mouse is optional, not required.
View scoring basis
| Dimension | Review state | Score | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimension Multiple endings reward revisits, but repeated bad-ending flag searches can become trial and error. | Reviewed | 6.8 / 10 | Not provided |
| Dimension Vulnerable investigation and consequential choices support suspense, though important conditions are unforgiving. | Reviewed | 7.4 / 10 | Not provided |
| Dimension Side-on staging and unsettling music effectively create a horror-film atmosphere, with small figures and limited musical variety. | Reviewed | 8.0 / 10 | Not provided |
| Dimension Separate pointer and character movement, card saving and mouse support aid access, though tense scenes require learning the button roles. | Reviewed | 7.0 / 10 | Not provided |
Review sources
Not provided
Core information
- Developer
- Human
- Release date
- 1997
- Platforms
- PlayStation
- Content kind
- Game
- Release state
- Released
- Region
- Worldwide
- Official website
- Not provided
- Offline minimum players
- Not provided
- Offline maximum players
- Not provided
- Online minimum players
- Not provided
- Online maximum players
- Not provided
- Categories
- Adventure · Primary genre
- Tags
- Puzzle SolvingSolo-friendlyPick-up and Play3D GraphicsStory-drivenSlow BurnLow Entry BarrierShort SessionsMain Story Under 10 HoursReplayableFixed Camera
- Supported game languages
- Not provided
- Requires base game
- Not provided
- Standalone
- Not provided
- Age ratings
- Not provided
- Play modes
- Single player
- Perspectives
- Side view
Release editions
- PlayStationWorldwide1997
Game gallery
Sources
Not provided