Summary
- Release Year: 1994
- Genres: Adventure, Puzzle
- Platforms: 3DO Interactive Multiplayer
- Developers: Riverhill Soft Inc.
- Publishers: Matsushita Electric Industrial
Doctor Hauzer (1994): A Hidden Gem of Survival Horror
Released exclusively in Japan for the 3DO in 1994, Doctor Hauzer is a fascinating and obscure survival horror game that has gained a cult following among fans of the genre. Developed by Riverhill Soft, known for their detective-mystery visual novels, top-down RPGs, point-and-click adventure games, and Japanese localizations of Western games, Doctor Hauzer was the studio’s first foray into 3D.
The game follows the story of an investigator searching for the失踪した考古学者、Dr.ハウザーを探している捜査官（あなた）。捜査官はある場所に建てられた大きな家を見つけ、そこはDr.ハウザーの家だった。その家は発掘現場の上に建てられていて、Dr.ハウザーはケルビムという神に取り憑かれてしまった。Dr.ハウザーと彼のインターンに何が起こったのかを突き止めるのはあなたにかかっています。
Doctor Hauzer is one of the earliest examples of a survival horror game, and it features many of the hallmarks of the genre, such as a focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and resource management. The game’s atmosphere is also top-notch, with its creepy mansion setting and eerie soundtrack.
One of the things that makes Doctor Hauzer unique is its use of 3D graphics. While many survival horror games of the era were still using 2D graphics, Doctor Hauzer was one of the first to embrace 3D. The game’s graphics are not particularly impressive by today’s standards, but they were cutting-edge at the time.
Another thing that sets Doctor Hauzer apart from other survival horror games is its lack of combat. Unlike most survival horror games, which feature some form of combat, Doctor Hauzer is purely focused on exploration and puzzle-solving. This makes for a more unique and suspenseful experience, as you are never quite sure what is lurking around the next corner.
Despite its many strengths, Doctor Hauzer is not without its flaws. The game is relatively short, clocking in at around 1-2 hours. The game’s frame rate can also be quite choppy, especially on the original 3DO hardware.
However, despite its flaws, Doctor Hauzer is still a worthwhile experience for fans of survival horror games. It’s a unique and atmospheric game that offers a glimpse into the early days of the genre.
Gameplay
Doctor Hauzer is a third-person survival horror game in which the player controls an investigator exploring a large mansion. The game is played from a fixed camera perspective, and the player can switch between first-person, third-person, or overhead views.
The player’s goal is to find Dr. Hauzer and his interns, and to uncover the mystery of the mansion. To do this, the player must explore the mansion, solve puzzles, and avoid traps. The mansion is filled with deadly traps, so the player must be careful not to make any mistakes.
The player has unlimited save games, so they can experiment with different ways to overcome the traps. The player can also choose to view the death animations, which are often quite gruesome.
Development
Doctor Hauzer was developed by Riverhill Soft, a Japanese development studio that was well-known for their detective-mystery visual novels, top-down RPGS, point-&-click adventure games, and Japanese localizations of Western games. Doctor Hauzer was the studio’s first foray into 3D.
The game was influenced by the successful Alone In The Dark, which was one of the first survival horror games. Doctor Hauzer features many of the same elements as Alone In The Dark, such as a focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and resource management.
Release
Doctor Hauzer was released exclusively in Japan for the 3DO in 1994. The game was never released outside of Japan, due to a number of factors, including its relatively short length, its poor frame rate, and the fact that the 3DO was not a popular console in the West.
Reception
Doctor Hauzer received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised the game’s atmosphere and unique gameplay, while others criticized its short length and poor frame rate. However, the game has gained a cult following among fans of survival horror games, and it is considered to be one of the hidden gems of the genre.
Legacy
Doctor Hauzer is a significant game in the history of survival horror. It was one of the first games to use 3D graphics, and it helped to popularize the genre in Japan. The game’s influence can be seen in many later survival horror games, such as Resident Evil and Silent Hill.
Fan Translation
In 2009, a group of fans released an English translation of Doctor Hauzer. The translation is not complete, as the FMV sequences are still in Japanese. However, the translation makes the game much more accessible to English-speaking players.
Conclusion
Doctor Hauzer is a fascinating and obscure survival horror game that is well worth checking out for fans of the genre. It’s a unique and atmospheric game that offers a glimpse into the early days of the genre. Despite its flaws, Doctor Hauzer is still a worthwhile experience for fans of survival horror games.
Review Score
7/10
