Gaming primarily on consoles, The Séance of Blake Manor had managed to slip past me in late 2025 when it initially launched. I’m so glad the console release flashed across my social feeds though. It’s an outstanding supernatural detective adventure that demonstrates just how compelling a mystery game can be when it trusts players to think for themselves. Combining an intriguing Victorian-era setting, a wonderfully unsettling atmosphere and some genuinely satisfying investigative mechanics, Spooky Doorway has created something special.
Set in 1897 Ireland, the story follows private investigator Declan Ward, who arrives at the remote Blake Manor hotel to investigate the disappearance of Evelyn Deane. Unfortunately, the circumstances surrounding her disappearance are anything but straightforward. The manor is hosting an unusual gathering of spiritualists, mystics and other intriguing personalities, all brought together for a grand séance intended to communicate with the dead. With Halloween approaching and the guests seemingly more interested in their supernatural gathering than the missing woman, Ward has plenty of questions to answer.
What follows is a wonderfully constructed mystery that gradually reveals its many layers. Without spoiling any of the revelations, the writing does an excellent job of keeping you guessing, regularly introducing new information that challenges your assumptions and encourages you to reconsider earlier discoveries. There is considerably more happening beneath the surface than initially meets the eye, and the narrative touches upon some surprisingly mature themes alongside its supernatural horror. The characters are particularly memorable, each bringing their own personalities, motivations and secrets to the table.
Gameplay is where The Séance of Blake Manor really distinguishes itself from other mystery adventures. Rather than simply following a predetermined trail of clues, you’re given loads of freedom to investigate the hotel, question its inhabitants and decide which leads deserve your attention. Every discovery can potentially open up another avenue of investigation, whether that’s finding an overlooked object, uncovering a character’s hidden motivation or connecting two seemingly unrelated pieces of information.
One of the cleverest aspects is the way time is handled. The adventure takes place over two days leading up to the séance, and practically every investigative action advances the clock. Examining objects, questioning guests and searching rooms all consume precious minutes, while the various residents follow their own schedules throughout the day. Being in the right place at the right time can uncover conversations and events that might otherwise pass you by. This creates a fantastic balancing act between exploring your surroundings and making sure you don’t miss something important. There’s a genuine sense that the world continues to function independently of your investigation.
Thankfully though, the game doesn’t simply leave you to figure everything out without assistance. Ward’s journal becomes an essential companion, recording discoveries and allowing you to connect evidence, people and potential motives through an increasingly elaborate web of information. You’ll regularly find yourself revisiting earlier discoveries, reconsidering conversations and piecing together details that initially seemed insignificant. Some deductions are relatively straightforward, while others require considerably more thought and a willingness to look beyond the obvious.
The puzzles really impressed me too, often requiring you to combine information gathered from different characters, objects and locations. Interviewing suspects felt varied and distinct because of their individual beliefs and backgrounds influence how they respond to certain questions. Learning about somebody’s interests, religious convictions or personal history can be just as valuable as finding physical evidence. The game’s occasional dot-to-dot mechanics, while a little repetitive were enjoyable, tasking you with connecting specific nodes on environmental sigils and archway puzzles to complete their intricate designs and unlock further secrets.
Visually, The Séance of Blake Manor is a real treat. Its distinctive comic-book-inspired art direction gives the experience a personality that immediately separates it from more conventional first-person adventures. The character designs are wonderfully expressive, while the environments are packed with period details that help bring late nineteenth-century Ireland to life.
Even the audio excels, with brilliant voice acting that gives the sizeable cast plenty of personality, making conversations feel engaging rather than simply serving as a means of delivering exposition. The soundtrack also does a fantastic job of establishing the appropriate mood, subtly shifting to reflect what’s happening around you.
There are a few minor frustrations though. The manor is quite expansive, and navigating between different areas can occasionally become a little tedious, particularly when you’re trying to track down someone whose whereabouts aren’t immediately obvious. During my 15 hours with the game I never became familiar with the manor’s layout, having to rely on the map even in the late game. Also, sometimes you can work out exactly what needs to be done and know the answer to a puzzle, only to discover that you’re missing one specific piece of evidence to actually progress; something I found myself resorting to a guide to resolve on more than one occasion.
The time-management system can initially feel quite intimidating, with so many leads to follow and activities competing for your attention. However, as I progressed, I found myself regularly using the hourglass located within the manor to advance time, as it quickly becomes apparent that you actually have considerably more time to complete your investigation than you might first expect.
These are relatively small complaints, though, and none significantly detract from the overall experience.
The Séance of Blake Manor is an exceptional detective adventure and an absolute must-play for anyone who enjoys a good mystery. Its wonderfully realised setting, intricate investigative mechanics and absorbing narrative make for an experience that’s difficult to put down. There are occasional frustrations with navigation and character schedules, but these are easily overshadowed by the sheer quality of everything else. Spooky Doorway has delivered something genuinely special.
-Jessica
