The Séance of Blake Manor

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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 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.”

“The exacting detail with which it's all been put together keeps the illusion strong.”

“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.”

“This enthralling mystery quickly had me in its ghostly grip and refused to let go.”

“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.”

“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 is not just a mystery; it’s also a look at guilt, faith, and the ghosts that history leaves behind. The structure of solving a mystery is satisfying, but the real power of the work lies in the emotional and cultural depth beneath it. The story goes far beyond being a ghost story because of its themes of colonial exploitation and lost identity. The supernatural parts give it an otherworldly feel that stays with you long after the credits roll.”

“A chillingly enthralling mystery, The Séance of Blake Manor resonates with an eeriness earned not by cheap thrills but with carefully crafted tension.”

“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 draws you in with its rich atmosphere, striking art, and supernatural mystery, but uneven pacing and time pressure hold it back from fully blossoming; it’s a compelling yet flawed detective tale that intrigues as much as it frustrates.”