A Remote Retreat Turns Sinister in the Gripping 'Séance of Blake Manor'
Private investigator Declan Ward's arrival at Blake Manor, a grand hotel on Ireland's west coast, sets off a chain of events that exposes a dark web of secrets and lies. This is no ordinary detective adventure; it's a gothic drama steeped in mystery, menace, and the supernatural.
In October 1897, Ward seeks out Evelyn Deane, one of the manor's guests who has gone missing under mysterious circumstances. As he delves deeper into the case, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters, including a psychic researcher, a vodouist oungan, and a Brazilian woman tracing her family roots. They have all gathered at Blake Manor for a grand seance on All Hallow's Eve, when the boundary between the living and the dead is at its thinnest.
Ward's investigation is an immersive experience, presented in the style of a graphic novel. He must navigate the ornate rooms and meticulously planned gardens, talking to suspects and witnesses, exploring for hidden clues, and analyzing his findings in graphical inventory screens. The game has an internal clock and a timetable that Ward must fit into, making efficient use of his detective skills.
As Ward digs deeper, he uncovers a complex web of motives and backstories. However, the more he learns, the more he realizes that this is not just a simple period adventure. The game tackles themes of appropriation, colonialism, sociocultural destruction, and diaspora, weaving these into the central narrative of Evelyn's disappearance.
The Séance of Blake Manor is an absolutely gripping detective tale that masterfully explores complex themes within a single location and event. It immerses players in its world of clashing cultures and supernatural revenge, making it a must-play for fans of interactive folk horror. With its blend of challenging puzzles, thrilling gameplay, and thought-provoking storytelling, this game is an autumnal treat that will have you rushing to the bookshop or library to read more about spiritualism, folklore, and ancient Irish history.
In short, The Séance of Blake Manor is a joyous discovery – a game that challenges, delights, thrills, and educates in equal measure. If you're looking for an immersive detective adventure with a touch of the supernatural, look no further than this gripping game.
Private investigator Declan Ward's arrival at Blake Manor, a grand hotel on Ireland's west coast, sets off a chain of events that exposes a dark web of secrets and lies. This is no ordinary detective adventure; it's a gothic drama steeped in mystery, menace, and the supernatural.
In October 1897, Ward seeks out Evelyn Deane, one of the manor's guests who has gone missing under mysterious circumstances. As he delves deeper into the case, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters, including a psychic researcher, a vodouist oungan, and a Brazilian woman tracing her family roots. They have all gathered at Blake Manor for a grand seance on All Hallow's Eve, when the boundary between the living and the dead is at its thinnest.
Ward's investigation is an immersive experience, presented in the style of a graphic novel. He must navigate the ornate rooms and meticulously planned gardens, talking to suspects and witnesses, exploring for hidden clues, and analyzing his findings in graphical inventory screens. The game has an internal clock and a timetable that Ward must fit into, making efficient use of his detective skills.
As Ward digs deeper, he uncovers a complex web of motives and backstories. However, the more he learns, the more he realizes that this is not just a simple period adventure. The game tackles themes of appropriation, colonialism, sociocultural destruction, and diaspora, weaving these into the central narrative of Evelyn's disappearance.
The Séance of Blake Manor is an absolutely gripping detective tale that masterfully explores complex themes within a single location and event. It immerses players in its world of clashing cultures and supernatural revenge, making it a must-play for fans of interactive folk horror. With its blend of challenging puzzles, thrilling gameplay, and thought-provoking storytelling, this game is an autumnal treat that will have you rushing to the bookshop or library to read more about spiritualism, folklore, and ancient Irish history.
In short, The Séance of Blake Manor is a joyous discovery – a game that challenges, delights, thrills, and educates in equal measure. If you're looking for an immersive detective adventure with a touch of the supernatural, look no further than this gripping game.
I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! The way they wove together all these different storylines and themes was so cleverly done 
. And the atmospheric setting of Blake Manor is just perfect for a creepy, gothic vibe 
. I love how it explores those complex themes like appropriation and colonialism - it's not always easy to tackle these topics in games, but they did an amazing job 
. The puzzles were challenging enough without being frustratingly hard 
, and the gameplay was just so immersive... I felt like I was right there with Declan Ward, investigating all those creepy clues 
. Can't wait to dive into some more books on Irish history now too 
I'm literally OBSESSED with this game right now! The way they've woven together these super complex themes like appropriation and colonialism into the main story is SO impressive 
. But what really gets me is how it explores the darker side of folk horror – it's not just some cheesy ghost story, it's actually got substance 
10/10 would recommend to anyone looking for a real brain-twister 
. Like, they were just sitting there, staring at you with their glassy eyes... it was like they were waiting for something to happen. Anyway, the shop owner told me that the owner of the doll collection used to be a famous spiritualist or something. I don't know, but it made me think about how some people are just fascinated by the supernatural and stuff, even if there's no concrete evidence to back it up 
. Like, Declan Ward in this game is trying to figure out what happened to that girl, but at the same time, he's also getting drawn into this whole world of spiritualism and voodoo... which just raises more questions than answers, you know?
the game seems really immersive with all these puzzles to solve and suspects to question, but also super thought-provoking about colonialism and appropriation... i'm not sure if i'd be into it though since it sounds like it might get a bit too dark 
, with a dash of detective work that'll keep you on the edge of your seat 
the writing is so atmospheric, you'll feel like you're exploring those creepy manor halls alongside declan ward 
check it out if you're into interactive folk horror or just great storytelling in general: 
. I'm obsessed with the themes of sociocultural destruction and diaspora - it's like they're speaking straight to my activist soul 
. But what really gets me is how they subvert traditional detective tropes while still delivering an awesome whodunit experience 
The way it explores themes of appropriation and colonialism is so thought-provoking and important - like, I know it's set in the 1800s but these issues are still SO relevant today 
It sounds like such a unique blend of detective work and supernatural mystery. I need to play this ASAP 
. One thing that's got my attention, though, is the way they're tackling some heavy topics like appropriation and colonialism... it's not often you see games exploring those kinds of themes in such a thoughtful way 
. Still, if it's got puzzles and gameplay that challenge me, I'm in! Just don't expect me to be swooning over all the "atmosphere" and "immersion"... give me a good ol' fashioned mystery to solve any day 
️ I'm already seeing a ton of people hyped up about this game! But can we talk about how messed up the themes are? Like, appropriation and colonialism? That's some heavy stuff to tackle in a game that's basically just a murder mystery 
. It sounds like it's gonna be super immersive and all, but at what cost? Are they really diving headfirst into those complex issues without doing their research or being sensitive to the communities they're representing? 
. And I have to say, the graphics are stunning – the hotel setting is so atmospheric and immersive 
.
. It's a true page-turner (or should I say, screen-play-er? 
) that will keep you guessing until the very end. If you're a fan of detective adventures with a touch of the supernatural, this one is a must-play 
what's that show like again lol is it related to Scooby Doo? i've been meaning to check out some Irish history books too