BEST Port of Clock Tower?! | SNES vs PS1 vs Win95 Comparison | Port vs Port

It's October, it's spooky, and the return of the Port vs Port series is back covering Clock Tower over three platforms INCLUDING the original Windows 95 version! Archaic, and simplistic but worth the view, but which version of Clock Tower works best?! Let's find out!!
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#clocktower #portvsport #comparison

[@Silanda]

The problem with the text in the Windows version not looking like the other versions is simply due to it using system fonts. It should be possible to address that problem with a custom font and a little hacking. I did consider doing that before releasing my translation, but in the end it was simpler not to as I'm a neophyte when it comes to x86 hacking.

[@Kelphelp]

Ahhhhhhhh so YOU were the one who did the translation of Clock Tower on PC. My biggest apologies for not giving you credit, but my God thank you so much for all your hard work on this!!! The translation js wonderful, but I didn't know the font uses system font but makes perfect sense

[@Silanda]

@@Kelphelp Thanks! It wasn't all me, to be fair. A programmer by the name of Mario/Maddjakkal originally released a patch with autotranslated text and tools to extract and inject the scripts, and I couldn't have released anything without those tools. I used then used those tools to release two patches with better scripts and also edited some graphic files that contained cutscene text in Japanese. With the first patch I had a bit of a problem as the font used in the game was so large that I was having to minimize the number of words in order to fit them on screen. The second patch had a new script and I figured out how to reduce the font size. There's are still small issues with the text in endings of the final released patch. I was working on fixing those, and the version I have on my PC is slightly better, but the lack of manual saving and having to play though the game over and over made testing a pain. I got sidetracked and never finished it. I might take a look at it again sometime.

[@TheClayKinderSurprise]

There's actually a romhack for the original Clock Tower that adds content from the PlayStation version, mouse support, and some other quality of life improvements. It's called Clock Tower Deluxe and it works with the various fan translations for the game. It's probably the best way to play the SNES version of the game.

[@Kelphelp]

I Def heard of it and wanna try it, but unfortunetly don't have an ever drive. I think it sounds like a great way to play the original SNES title.

[@beardalaxy]

I knew there would be someone in the comments talking about a mod for one of these versions that made it definitively the best one, thank you

[@АвтандилЮсубов-щ9ь]

Do you know how to launch Deluxe mod? Should you use it with some emulator or?

[@Kelphelp]

Usually you can either use an emulator or everdrive which let's you play it on the console itself. Prolly the best way to do so!

[@АвтандилЮсубов-щ9ь]

@@Kelphelp thank you

[@dukemagus]

The dream is a version with SNES color palettes, PSX's extra content and (almost) all sound effects and music and PC's keyboard and mouse controls. I'd keep SNES screams and scissors sound, though Quite a pickle

[@Kelphelp]

Right? There really is no perfect version but it's worth seeing the differences between em. Snes always gripes my hearts

[@dvader518]

​@@KelphelpClock Tower: Rewind is calling. (Though IDK if it has the extras from The First Fear.)

[@Kelphelp]

Only time will tell right?

[@spectrumforthesoul6322]

@@dvader518 As a matter of fact, it does

[@dvader518]

@@spectrumforthesoul6322 Neat.

[@trochbri194]

I think the zooming in on the eye in the SNES port when Jennifer gets scared is what does it for me

[@Kelphelp]

Yea you truly see how they both look there and it's somewhat night and day

[@PrinceMallow]

Gotta go with the SNES/Super Famicom version on this one. I just think it captures the mood and feeling the best, especially with the fog in the bathroom and the title screen (I love how each letter fades in with each chime of the bell).

[@Kelphelp]

Agreed. As minimal as that is it's an indicator of how much the mood has changed. My absolute favorite version of em all

[@r3viladdict54]

Just found out today that Limited Run Games announced an enhanced version of this game for the modern consoles as well as PC. It will launch in early 2024. That was a hell of an announcement. Hope to see part 2 coming out, too.

[@Kelphelp]

I just found out as well and I'm co.pletely ecstatic. I really wanna see how this turns out!!!!

[@kingbullyrock8739]

@@Kelphelp Sorry bud, that's Not the PlayStation version of clocktower you showed in your video. The PlayStation version uses 3D Polygon graphics not 2D sprites. The game is in English and is a lot more violent and graphic than the Super Famicom version.

[@Kelphelp]

First off you already commented that Same exact comment on a other post. The PS1 Clock Tower is very much a title existing on the PS1 called First Fear exclusively in Japan. Don't know what to tell you other than that.

[@chiefthunderhorse4430]

The SNES version by far going by this video looks to be the best, but I'm not going to lie, didn't know the Windows 95 version even existed until now and I'm going to track it down just to have

[@Kelphelp]

Ebay be your beat bet. They ain't expensive but elusive.

[@voltz15]

I love when you turn the sharpness down and the pixels merge. Looks truly fantastic!

[@Kelphelp]

Exactly man, and I'd you have a good scaler with scanlines it gorgeous.

[@Nostxalgic]

Love these look back at games that you hear about but never get to see reviewed in depth in any fashion. Keep up the great work!

[@Kelphelp]

That's why I love these comparisons because of that. Honestly they Hella fun to make despite the work. Thanks for the watch

[@ClevelandRock]

The SNES hack known as Clock Tower Deluxe is probably the best way to play. It adds the PlayStation version's new and uncensored content as well as mouse support like the Windows 95 version. There's a new version of Clock Tower coming out this year. I hope that ends up being the best version.

[@Kelphelp]

I've been wanting to check out the Deluxe for a while, ATM I do not have a ever drive test but it seems like a wonderful experience. I'm hella excited for the new remake, I hope that is done well too

[@MXUS_Horror]

It's finally happened... Clock Tower is finally released overseas under the title 'Clock Tower Rewind', and it will be release this fall on the Switch, PS4/5 & XBOX SERIES X/S

[@skangamerz]

I think I'd rather play the SNES one over the other ones, the PSX version is dark as hell and PC looks awful.

[@Kelphelp]

That's probably the best version for sure. Shame the PsX is too dark and the PC is just terrible all round

[@beardalaxy]

Could just change the settings on your TV for the psx version (or apply a filter if you emulate it)

[@symphony137]

Don't get the wrong impression of the PS1 footage. The game is not this dark, it's something in his setup chain. I personally think the PS1 version is the best and it's even one of those PS1 games which support the official mouse!

[@RanmaChan]

SNES is better, same for Win95!

[@Majuular]

Planning on streaming Clock Tower tonight, went to Google for the answer to this question - how serendipitous to find an entertaining & well edited answer to my question uploaded a month ago! Great video!

[@Kelphelp]

Thanks so much for the watch man and wishing the stream goes well for ya. Glad this helped!

[@Dracobyte]

And now Clock Tower will return!

[@Kelphelp]

In pog form!!! I mean in Switch form :3

[@jeremyhall2727]

I played the modded/hack snes version & it was great. It takes all the new stuff from all versions & puts them on the snes version. This one is my favorite now. And those a new remaster coming out for pc too.

[@fredjones2170]

Thanks for the video analysis; this was really informative! Not gonna lie, I really hope the upcoming enhanced port uses the SNES release as its basis, just for that excellently creepy fog! I hate to say it, but I thought the flipping sprite they replaced it with on the PS1 just looked… terrible.

[@Kelphelp]

Naw thanks for the watch! I would love if the Remaster uses the OG sprites and fog since I felt that was the best use, but only time will tell. We technically didn't get gameplay yet but hoping for the best!

[@jayhernanes7864]

thank you for this job. Clock tower 1995 is one of my favorite old games.

[@Kelphelp]

As is one of mine. Hell of a good classic favorite

[@SpartanG229]

I like how they tried so hard to stop the violence cause kids were playing the games and they failed miserably lol

[@cortadew]

I met your channel through a Dark Souls video and I must say you are awesome and your channel is really really good, very good content sir 😀

[@Kelphelp]

Very kind of you to say and glad it was helpful in some way! More for sure is to come. Thanks so much for the watch!

[@Metal-Gear-Moogle]

That's crazy because I randomly decided to fire this game up last night and play it

[@Kelphelp]

I read your mind that's why

[@buraddorun3043]

I've never played it, but im looking forward to Wayforward's upcoming release. I loved the sequel game we got on PS1 in the States and was interested in playing the Super Famicom original (that's where my vote for best goes, by the way). Let's hope the upcoming one does it justice!

[@Kelphelp]

That's what I'm hoping too. I'd absolutely love to cover it when it releases. One of my favorite games of all time

[@HardwiredDevil]

I know you mentioned the original chips while covering the 98 build being run, but I will state that even with authentic hardware the music is not quite the same as the SNES/PSX versions. I have a Roland SC-88 Pro and the PC sounds very detailed - but it's replaced some instruments or omitted them outright. I'm fairly certain the original game was composed on an SC-88 but the mappings are slightly off and certain instruments aren't included in the MIDI files, or mapped totally incorrect. Only the SNES/PSX versions have the full SC-88 samples (at severely reduced quality) while the PC version used the standard General MIDI mapping that omits certain instruments. Interesting to note is the Don't Cry, Jennifer track (the first chase theme for Bobby) is different from SNES to PSX - in the SNES version the clock tower theme plays during the lull, but in the Playstation and PC version it's a different theme that doesn't quite sound right. That being said, I think the SNES version is the best version, in terms of sound and graphics.

[@Kelphelp]

Agree completely. It doesn't matter how good your midi tower is or sound card, it is difficult to replicate a proper instrument set that the SNES uses since the instruments aren't built like that for Win95. He'll ofna shame tbh but...what can we do right?

[@ShockerTopper]

Wait, how did Jennifer not die when Scissorman stabbed the bed?? I seem to recall that always killed me when he caught me and stabbed a dresser or bed. When people talk shit on this game, I don't get it. It's a great game from a classic period. However, if you didn't grow up in the 90's and played the SNES when it was the pinnacle of gaming, then you can't appreciate these games the same. I'm not talking to you, by the way haha, I'm talking generally for kids born in the mid 90's and still think they're "90's kids". That's like me saying I'm an "80's kid" despite being born in 84. I don't quite understand what's so hilarious about the sound lol...that was very abrupt and out of nowhere. It's not like the Resident Evil Directors Cut version of the game's score or anything with the funky instrumentation. It's for sure your capture card or computer man, I played this game emulated in the early 2000's on a Pentium 3 and it DEFINITELY did not look that dark.

[@qingm7855]

I have to admit that the Super Nintendo has the best graphics, but the sound effects are still better than the Play Station.（After all, Sony itself produces speaker products.）

[@agamaz5650]

old people used to say books are ruining children xddd so yeah some old toxic folks will complain when anything new comes along

[@Kelphelp]

What does this even have to do with Clock Tower?

[@liomanwhy]

While I do like what PS1 version adds, it has one big downgrade: its music. The chase theme is basically ruined in every other port, except the wonderswan one surprisingly. Also the title screen is downgraded too imho. The original one is ominous, dark and overall iconic, and while the windows one looks fine, the PS1 decided to turn it into PowerPoint presentation for some reason.

[@Kelphelp]

Agreed. I'm not too fond on some of the auditory changes on PS1, it just doesn't have that amount of dread I expect.

[@adnanasif9538]

0:09 Which port of "Chip's challenge" is this? I remember playing it on my windows 98, but i don't remember having this kind of animations and smooth movement.

[@Kelphelp]

Yea right? It confused me when I tried this port but it's pretty well made. This one is the steam version. Has options for classic windows graphics and smoother animations. Pretty amazing

[@adnanasif9538]

@@Kelphelp Its on steam? noice. gotta try it now

[@Kelphelp]

Recommended for sure. Shit...maybe I should do a chips challenge port comparison

[@The_RadicalOne]

Great video. I personally prefer the ps1 version.

[@Kelphelp]

Oh crap from Radical Reggie! Appreciate ya taking the time to watch!

[@emmanuelobandodiaz5860]

SNES is perfect, both in music and ambience. The only right thing that the ps1 did was additional content.

[@Kelphelp]

I do agree with this statement. SNES felt perfect but PS1 had some great content

[@Manic_Panic]

Yeah something is fishy with your footage. I have played the PS1 port on my Vita, it doesn't look nowhere near as dark your footage and it's not an emulation problem because the game officially released as a PS1 Classic in Japan for the PS3, PSP and PS Vita. Same with Clock Tower 2, way too dark. Either your SCART cable is messed up or Elgato screwed up the footage. The fog filter in the bathroom is my only complaint with the PS1 version, still miles better than the PC port.

[@Kelphelp]

Well I don't know what to tell you man, been using this setup for years. Scart is from retrogamingcables Framemeister has always been the firebrand X profiles. (Don't use this anymore) El Gato has been using the correct RGB colors. Don't know what to tell you man

[@ZwickTheEditor]

Baroque port comparison would be cool. ^_^

[@Kelphelp]

Baroque?

[@ZwickTheEditor]

@@Kelphelp It was a game that was released for Sega Saturn and PS1 in Japan and then remade for PS2 and Wii worldwide.

[@Kelphelp]

Hmmm never heard of it, but maybe I'll consider it!

[@symphony137]

The PS1 version is definitely not this dark. This must be something in your setup chain, and if you look at your footage of Clock Tower 2, it's also darker than it's supposed to be.

[@Kelphelp]

It's quite possible that was the case, although can't think what. Using Ps1 SCART (retrogamingcables) to Retrotink5x to El Gato 60s to computer. That's my chain

[@symphony137]

@@Kelphelp That seems like a pretty good setup. I would have suspected the cable but retrogamingcables stuff is high quality and I actually use one myself. I just booted the game on my PS1 and yeah, it's not this dark. Only difference is that I use an OSSC, but the RT5X is a very good device so there shouldn't be a problem. Maybe something with the capture settings? It could be an RGB range mismatch, your capture card might be set to expect a limited range signal (16-235) but the RT5X is sending full range (0-255)?

[@Kelphelp]

That could be but I'll double check. I'm using RetroRGb settings for OBS lossless so I don't know what to tell you man.

[@michaelarojas]

SNES appears to be the best I'm glad I have it!

[@Kelphelp]

Same tbh, it's 100% my fav out of the 3

[@mrfivegold]

What about the Wonderswan version?

[@Kelphelp]

I don't own a copy so I can't review it

[@mrfivegold]

@@Kelphelp Understandable. Still a neat port.

[@Kelphelp]

I'll check it out whenever I see it in person@

[@TylerEubank]

Is it possible to play it in English on the Super Famicom?

[@Kelphelp]

Nope, you need an ever drive to make that possible

[@TylerEubank]

@@KelphelpThank you. I’ll look into that. I love the aesthetics of the Super Famicom

[@Kelphelp]

Same here! I def recommend trying the translation whenever you get the chance.

[@pikaboom6539]

✂️ 😱

[@Kelphelp]

He's gonna getcha man be carefullllll ☠️

[@anime4evershiny]

Ps1 version better because clock tower 2

[@Kelphelp]

True it does follow suit

[@anime4evershiny]

​@@Kelphelprework coming ps5 and switch but no clock tower 2 remaster

[@Kelphelp]

@anime4evershiny that works for me. The wonderful Wayforward should be working on it, so it's gonna be lovely to see how it works

[@jag111]

the snes is the best

[@Kelphelp]

100% I agree.

[@jeremyhall2727]

I like the PS version the most

[@Kelphelp]

It's Def solid man, some interesting differences as well

[@jeremyhall2727]

@@Kelphelp I wished it was brighter 😅

[@Kelphelp]

That's how it be man, some games I've tested have looked a bit darker than I'd like it to.

[@imnotlikeothergays]

So I actually made the win95 mod you mentioned on your stream for this game! Im kinda working on an update atm. But yea, the pc version is god awful. Ypu may THINK the graphics are easy to change, but its literally impossible for the time being. You can kind of mod it, but if you mess with the pallete at all th e game crashes. The midi music is also impossible to change, its some obsucre alternate midi format like barely any other games use. But Gemini of RE Classic rebirth is working on decomping the pc version rn!

[@Kelphelp]

Oh wow I didn't know you made the Win95 mod at all! My apologies if I didn't give you credit on that was my mistake. And that's interesting how messing with the system files and replacing them results in a crash. A damn shame. I did see Gemini on Twitter is working on this so excited to see a full result when it comes!

[@thecolorpurple9844]

What about the wonderswan port

[@Kelphelp]

I didn't have it so I didn't cover it

[@mamas.8259]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@Kelphelp]

:3