WayForward is developing a “Port+” ofClock Tower
In a world wheregames likeTrials of Manahave official English translations, the pool of unlocalized SNES gems is shrinking. As someone wholoves SNES gamesand grew up on fan translations through the 2000s, I am all for this trend. So you can imagine my reaction when I learned thatWayForward will bring Human Entertainment’s horror classicClock TowerWest for the first time, with a slew of new features.
Announced during the Limited Run Games 2023 showcase, WayForward calls this a “Port+” ofClock Tower. It looks like a faithful recreation of the SNES original, with a fresh localization and bonus features. Extras in this new edition ofClock Towerinclude an animated opening, “motion-comic cutscenes,” a vocal theme by Mary McGlynn (known for her work on theSilent Hillseries), and some quality-of-life features like save states. In short, it looks similar in concept to last year’sRiver City Girls Zero.
While some may feel disappointed thatClock Towerwon’t see a full remaster, the original visual style holds up well. There’s something about retro horror that really gets under my skin, like Capcom’s Japan-only classicSweet Home.
A partnership with Limited Run Games
WayForward’sClock Towerwill utilize Limited Run Games’Carbon Engine, which specializes in porting vintage titles to modern hardware. As you’d expect,Clock Towerwill also see a physical release through Limited Run Games on “select platforms”. Further details will be announced at a later date.
I’m incredibly curious to see howClock Towerwill fare with a new, modern audience. I honestly could never get far in the original back in my teenage years. Mostly because I couldn’t stand the oppressive feeling that all my bad choices were leading everyone to their deaths at the hands of the Scissorman. I also wonder if the original point-and-click interface will see any modernization. After all,fans have already done as much for the SNES original.
If you feel ready for some retro horror,Clock Towerwill launch on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC in early 2024.
