The Séance of Blake Manor Reviews
The Séance of Blake Manor is something special. It borrows some of the modern trappings of new-wave detective games - freeform exploration, a sprawling but structured mystery to unpick, sentence-completion deductions, and more - but guides you quite strongly to keep the investigation flowing.Its broad cast of characters, vivid writing and engaging voice performances make it akin to curling up with an interactive, supernatural Agatha Christie novel – one that will spook you just enough for a cosy Halloween.
Much like a magic ritual it requires you to be diligent and patient. For me I am very excited to see what Spooky Doorway brings us next. I can only hope it will involve more Irish history and folklore.
Some unfortunate bugs aside, The Séance of Blake Manor is an easy recommendation for any gamer who is a fan of point and click adventures or visual novels. The narrative is truly gripping from beginning to end, the presentation is frequently excellent, and the gameplay manages to be both accessible for newcomers and still engaging for those expecting more challenge. At $19.99 and with a Game Pass Ultimate launch, this is one ‘whodunit’ you don’t want to miss.
This enthralling mystery quickly had me in its ghostly grip and refused to let go.
The exacting detail with which it's all been put together keeps the illusion strong.
An atmospheric folk-horror adventure combines colonial guilt, spiritualism and supernatural chills in a tale of secrets and seances on Ireland's haunted west coast
The Séance of Blake Manor is an elegant, humane twist on folk horror and detective design. It's patient, smart, and disturbing in ways that linger.
If you’re looking for a mystery game that’s more spooky than outright frightening, The Séance of Blake Manor is for you!
With its one-of-a-kind charm and narrative chops, The Séance of Blake Manor is a master class in the detective genre and a delicious supernatural treat for the exact kind of freak I am.
The Séance of Blake Manor is an intriguing detective game with a horror twist that makes every minute count (quite literally). Though it can be a bit wordy at times, it is definitely worth the price of admission.
Without a doubt one of my favourite experiences of 2025, The Séance of Blake Manor is a rich and beautiful narrative puzzle game where you're fully in charge of your own detective work. Blending together stellar storytelling with Irish folklore and spooky mysteries, it's a game that's going to stay with me for a long time to come.
The Séance of Blake Manor offers a quiet and intelligent investigation experience that focuses on narrative, exploration, and connecting evidence more than its reliance on challenge or action. It is characterized by its masterfully crafted mysterious atmosphere and its gradual story building that grants the player full freedom in progressing without imposing a specific path, which enhances the sense of immersion and analysis. Although the frequency of loading screens and the slow pace at times may affect the smoothness of the experience, the game remains a distinctive and polished experience for fans of investigation games and deep storytelling.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Despite its flaws, The Séance of Blake Manor is a thoroughly enjoyable supernatural detective game, whether we look at its gameplay, story, cast of 25 characters, eerie environments, or overall atmosphere. And while the time limit may initially seem like it could create a stressful experience, the game is actually not difficult at all, and the mysteries lurking in the background are easy enough to unravel. Every room, hidden object, and overheard conversation brings us closer to the climactic séance, and the gradual drip-feeding of answers is so absorbing that I often had to make a conscious effort to turn the game off in the evenings. Unfortunately, a handful of bugs and the uneven quality of the puzzles do leave their mark and slightly tarnish the overall picture. Even so, it’s easy to recommend—a moody and engaging experience that offers around 16–18 hours of atmospheric entertainment.
Review in Unknown | Read full review
If you’re looking for a creepy mystery, you won’t do much better than The Séance of Blake Manor. It looks great, it sounds fantastic, and it offers a wonderful cast of characters who you’ll love investigating. From the first time I sat down with it until I figured out all the mysteries hiding in that hotel I couldn’t stop playing it. This is one of the very best games of 2025.
The Séance of Blake Manor is the third game from developer Spooky Doorway, and it’s the small Irish studio’s most ambitious yet. My playthrough lasted about 20 hours, but I took the time to have extra conversations, finish side quests, and explore every nook and cranny. The love that has been poured into Blake Manor — literally and in-game — is apparent. I feel lucky to have entered these hallowed grounds and hope it will be made available on more platforms soon so that more people can experience it.
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Review in Italian | Read full review
The Seance of Blake Manor is an essential game for fans of detective games, making complex investigation gameplay feel accessible for all with comprehensive mindmaps and timetables so you plan your sleuthing hour-by-hour.
The Séance of Blake Manor aims to improve rather than reimagine the detective genre. Confidence, not complication, is what makes it unique. It is a gothic mystery about faith, reason, and human fragility, and it understands exactly what kind of story it wants to convey.
A chillingly enthralling mystery, The Séance of Blake Manor resonates with an eeriness earned not by cheap thrills but with carefully crafted tension.
The Séance of Blake Manor is an intriguing supernatural mystery filled with interesting characters and secrets to discover. While the time management aspect might feel intimidating at first, it adds a sense of urgency and helps the player feel like a detective while offering enough freedom not to feel stifled. Overall, it’s an excellent game for fans of mysteries and the supernatural.