Looking for an aged classic that can really scare you? Try this game out.
After playing the game I found myself actually scared. Resident Evil was scary, but there was something about this game that really makes you sweat bullets. I will explain more about that in the gameplay section of this review.
Graphics/Environment:
Of course the graphics is nothing like the graphics we see now; however the graphics was pretty good for its time. The environments always quickly turn dark and creepy when Scissor man makes his appearance. Even the pictures on the walls seem creepy. You will find classic strategies like cutting the power in this game and unexpected kills.
Story:
The story is about a slasher called Scissor Man. In the SNES verison, which I encourage others to try, an orphan named Jennifer survived the Clock Tower murders committed by a pychopath named Scissor Man. Scissor Man's actual name is Bobby. Jennifer is taken in by a woman named Helen, who happens to be an assistant of a psychiatrist. Jennifer is getting treatment to help her deal with the trauma caused by the Clock Tower murders. Just when Jennifer was starting to get her life back the nightmare returns. Scissor Man is back to finish what he started.
Gameplay:
The game's control scheme is really simple. It uses a point and click system; which works a look like a mouse. Due to the fact that you are using a gamepad the controls is really easy and works well. You move by clicking on the area you would like your character to go and you click on items and areas of interest by clicking on them. Its quite simple. The game is a mystery game; therefore solving puzzles, finding clues, and evasion is the key to success in this game.
What makes this game really scary is the fact that you are absolutely helpless. You can't fight back against Scissor Man in this game; because you will die if you try. When you collect important clues Scissor Man will come to greet you and Scissor Man will consistently stalk you as well to slow down progress. When he does get close to you the character will go into panic mode. If Scissor Man gets too close you have to rapidly mash the panic button in order to avoid him; however if you are too slow to react or your health is too low he will kill you.
Scissor Man likes to cut the power and jump out of places you would hide in order to get you as well. And don't think you are going to get a lot of help from others; because he likes to kill them off first. Scissor Man also has his own theme music; which plays when ever he is near. Every time you hear that music it adds urgency and fear to your current situation, especially if you are in a room with no hiding spaces. Its pretty cool how the music goes away when he temporary gives up. The absence of music also makes you feel uneasy as you play.
I will never forget the part when Jennifer was woken up by a knock on the door of her dorm room. When you walk to the door she looks through the peep hole and you see a man. The guy was swaying from side to side like he was a zombie and he didn't say a word. I didn't like the look of that at all. As soon as I opened the door the guy falls to the ground and Scissor Man strolled right in behind the corpse. That was pretty darn scary. It almost scared the black off of my sister.
You can hide in different areas of the game. And hiding is full of suspense; because Scissor Man will walk up to the area you are hiding. He will either leave the room or just shove this scissors through your hiding place to kill you.
There are other ways to defend yourself as well. Sometimes you will find objects you can use to stun him or find areas that will force him away from you. For instance, I remember opening a door and my character fell off a ledge and was hanging on for her life. Scissor Man came up and fell as well, but he grabbed her leg in order to take her down with him. Thanks to the panic mode she was able to shake him off and you get to watch him fall. I sure wish that killed him.
You will play as different characters in the game, so trying to keep certain characters alive is important. The game has multiple endings; therefore replaying the game is highly encouraged. You get different endings based on the clues you collect, the puzzles you solve, and the people who are still alive. The puzzles isn't as simple of Resident Evil; there it may take a bit more time.
Playing this game really scared the heck out of me. This is one of the few games that forced me to take a break just to regain the composure I lost after constant chases and close calls. My eyes was wide open, heart was pounding, hands were slightly shaking, and I was sweating a bit. I did a bit of yelling as well. I cursed a few times as well. I hate it when stuff jumps out of nowhere.
Final Thoughts:
This game maybe old; because is one of the few games that really tried to put the F in the word fear. I never got all of the endings. I got most only two endings; and they were both bad. I will get this game to try and find the other endings during Halloween.
Pros:
+Uses similar tactics of loved classical horror movies.
+Scissor Man has his own theme music that only plays when he is near.
+Multiple characters and finding clues effects the ending.
+Scissor Man consistently tries to kill you.
+Helplessness adds more charm and fear.
+Control scheme works.
+Investigation is more of a challenge.
Cons:
-Evasion can be tricky when you are trying to hide.
-Its dated.
This game is deserving of a 8 out of 10; because of some classic scare value that is missing in many newer survival horror games.