Publisher Raw Fury decided to release not one but two games set in a large mansion this year. Despite some surface similarities, these projects have very little in common. While Blue Prince is a roguelike puzzle game packed with an unimaginable number of secrets, The Séance of Blake Manor is a story-driven detective adventure.

We’ve already reviewed the first game and gave it a high rating, but it would be wrong to ignore the second one. The Séance of Blake Manor is just as remarkable in its own way and has rightly earned “extremely positive” reviews on Steam.

A Detective Adventure in 19th Century Ireland

We are transported to Ireland in 1897 — a time when the country had not yet gained independence from the United Kingdom, and its population had been declining for decades due to unemployment and mass emigration. Around the same period, a revival began in Irish literature, partly thanks to the works of William Butler Yeats, who published Celtic Twilight, a book exploring the folklore and ancient myths of the region. Though it was not a bestseller, the book inspired writers and artists for years and became an important cultural foundation for the country’s eventual independence.

In The Séance of Blake Manor, we do not walk the streets of Ireland, but the ancient estate, already converted into a hotel, feels authentic to the era. Its library is filled with towering cabinets of literature, almost every room contains books on magic, myths, and legends, and a collection of unusual people has gathered there. The upcoming grand spiritualist ritual, known by the French term séance, has drawn mediums and other “sorcerers” from around the world. Yet, we are here for a different reason — private detective Declan Ward, the protagonist, has received a letter reporting the disappearance of a girl named Evelyn Dean from the estate.

Much like uncovering hidden clues in the manor, players who enjoy exploration and discovery may also find excitement in unexpected rewards, such as using Hidden Jack promo code to try new online games without any risk — a modern twist on the thrill of seeking secrets and surprises.

Declan is not shy about discussing the appearances of the characters he meets.

Everyone in the building is busy preparing for the expected event, and Evelyn’s disappearance does not seem to concern them much. It falls to us to solve the main mystery by exploring the rooms, wandering the corridors, and questioning everyone we encounter. It quickly becomes clear that the guests did not arrive by chance — each of them carries their own motives, anxieties, and secrets. Some brought them with them, while others developed them during their stay. One is haunted by a ghost, another has brought an urn with ashes, a third wants to prove their abilities to a fourth, or seek help from a fifth. It is our task to understand all these people, initially strangers, more deeply.

The game features more than two dozen characters, each intriguing in their own way. There is a young Italian woman lecturing on ghosts, spirits, and phantoms, trying to understand why none communicate with humans. A holy father spreads Gnostic teachings, claiming that people already live in hell. A woman who can see the future predicts that the ritual will result in the disappearance of all living things and tries to prevent this disaster, though she lacks the right magic. Players also uncover many fascinating details about the Blake family, whose estate we explore, often by reading books in the library. For instance, one ancestor walled up two people alive in the mansion — not exactly a comforting family history.

The game contains enough shocking elements to evoke a sense of dread, but The Séance of Blake Manor is not a horror game. There are no jump scares, but sometimes strange noises or ghostly apparitions appear — either to assist a guest in the story or simply while wandering the corridors. The protagonist also experiences nightmares and feels compelled to discuss them with the other residents. Declan is deeply curious about everyone’s past, present, and future, sometimes resorting to less-than-honest methods to uncover the truth.

Investigating Evelyn’s Disappearance in Blake Manor

We arrive at the estate late in the evening, and the manager informs us that Evelyn left long ago and that there is nothing to worry about. He says she left him a note saying she was leaving, although for some reason she didn’t want to record it in the guest book. It quickly becomes clear that the letter is fake — but who tried to deceive the manager, and why?

All the guests become suspects, and we must piece together a portrait of the culprit bit by bit. To do this, we get to know everyone, uncover details about Evelyn, and try to protect them from the upcoming séance — it’s better not to tempt fate. Beyond the central mystery, there are dozens of smaller mysteries related to each guest. Some can refuse the session, while others may need protection if something goes wrong.

The game encourages careful observation. You can study a character’s appearance — noticing scars, tired expressions, or graphite residue under fingernails — or talk to them about other guests in the hope of hearing something useful. Most information, however, comes from exploring rooms, breaking into locked cabinets, reading letters, and discovering hidden items.

All your finds are recorded in a dedicated section of the menu, complete with brief descriptions, character portraits, and a “map of mysteries.” This map visualises connections between clues, discoveries, and characters. For example, a bloodstained napkin and a pack of pills in someone’s room suggest a serious illness, which can later link to a doctor visit. Each guest has their own web of clues, plus additional cards tied to Evelyn’s disappearance.

A Deeply Immersive Detective Adventure

The Séance of Blake Manor is not a full-fledged detective game — Declan Ward, the protagonist, often understands connections before the player. He knows which topics can be discussed with one character, three, or twenty. He draws connections using colour codes: some require additional evidence, while others are immediately obvious. Once enough clues are collected, he confronts characters with his conclusions.

Without these hints, the game would be much more difficult, but there is still plenty to do. After a linear introduction — during which you dissuade two guests from the session — you are free to explore: roam the estate and its grounds, talk to everyone, eavesdrop, enter unlocked rooms, and search for keys. Clues may appear in unexpected places, like the garden maze north of the building.

The in-game timer adds tension and realism. Every action — dialogue, reading a letter, interacting with objects — consumes time. Characters move to different locations hourly, attending lectures, dining, or visiting the bar. You must plan interactions carefully, or you risk missing important opportunities. The timer also guides your focus, ensuring you prioritise meaningful exploration over irrelevant objects.

Some interface elements are less convenient. Fast travel is missing, so traversing large sections of the estate can become tedious. Small character portraits require extra clicks to access schedules. Despite this, the depth of exploration and interaction outweighs minor inconveniences. Dialogues are abundant, puzzles are varied, and the library is filled with fascinating Celtic symbols, myths, and legends.

Conclusion

The Séance of Blake Manor is a compelling detective adventure that is difficult to put down. Its rich story, diverse characters, and intricate estate create a world that rewards curiosity. While some may find the hints too generous or the loading screens tiresome, the game consistently delivers surprises and keeps players engaged.

Pros: