Game release and platforms
The Séance of Blake Manor was launched on Steam on October 27, 2025, and later became available on the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop on October 27, 2026, priced at twenty euros. It was developed by the Irish studio Spooky Doorway, known for its earlier title The Darkside Detective.Setting and narrative
The game is set in Ireland in 1897, where players take on the role of Declan Ward, a private detective tasked with finding Evelyn Deane, a missing woman. The story unfolds during the Great Séance, a fictional event believed to make the boundary between worlds thinner.Gameplay mechanics
Players experience the game in first-person, exploring Blake Manor, interacting with suspects, and searching for clues. A key feature is time management, as every action consumes time, and players must solve the mystery by Sunday evening, starting from Friday night.Visual and audio design
The game's graphics follow a comic book style, inspired by Mike Mignola's Hellboy, and the soundtrack is described as unsettling and of high quality. The narrative is immersive, with well-developed characters and a setting rooted in 19th-century mystical Ireland.Limitations and criticisms
The game lacks a French translation, requiring players to understand English, including some literary or uncommon phrases, which may be a drawback for non-English speakers. Loading times on the Nintendo Switch 2 are also noted as somewhat frustrating, especially during frequent scene changes.Reception and recommendations
Despite these issues, the game is praised for its intelligent gameplay, immersive experience, and detailed storytelling. However, some aspects, such as the ease of discovering suspects' schedules and the repetitive movement between locations, are criticized. The game is recommended for fans of investigative games who are comfortable with English, offering a unique and engaging experience despite its flaws.
