Over a leisurely breakfast, I find myself in the company of an undertaker and a charming widow, their conversation momentarily interrupted by the clatter of dishes. Seizing the opportunity, I discreetly swipe an unattended room key, setting the stage for my investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Evelyn Deane from Blake Manor in Ireland. It quickly becomes apparent that Evelyn was no ordinary guest; her absence hints at deeper, more sinister currents flowing beneath the surface of this grand estate.
The Intrigue of Blake Manor
As I engage in light banter with my fellow guests, it becomes clear that Evelyn’s vanishing act is merely the gothic spire of a much larger iceberg. The atmosphere is thick with secrets, and I am determined to sift through the layers of intrigue that envelop Blake Manor. The Seance of Blake Manor, a cleverly designed mystery experience, invites participants to delve into the lives of each guest, piecing together a web of evidence that reveals the hidden truths lurking in the shadows.
Equipped with a mystery menu that outlines potential avenues for investigation, I find myself grateful for this visual aid. My handwriting, notoriously abysmal, makes the mind map an invaluable tool as I navigate the labyrinth of clues. Each interaction with the guests serves not only to heighten the thrill of the chase but also to unearth the darker motivations that may lie behind their polished façades.
Stepping onto the grounds, I am transported to a world reminiscent of 2015’s Crimson Peak, where the line between the living and the spectral blurs. The art style, characterized by inky black shadows, evokes a sense of foreboding, and a fleeting glimpse of a shadowy figure by the fountain, accompanied by a murder of crows, only deepens the mystery.
Once a private estate, Blake Manor has been transformed into a hotel, attracting an eclectic mix of spiritualists and skeptics alike. They gather for a seance on All Hallow’s Eve, eager to bypass the medium and communicate directly with the spirit world. However, the stakes are high; this is no mere parlor trick but a dangerous ritual that threatens to tear a supernatural rift in the fabric of reality.
As I ascend the staircase, the charming widow engages the grumpy receptionist about a replacement for the key I have pilfered. Time is of the essence in this investigation, and every moment counts. The Seance of Blake Manor cleverly incorporates time as a resource; each question posed to a guest or piece of evidence uncovered advances the clock, while moments of contemplation allow for a pause, granting me the space to strategize my next move.
In the widow’s chambers, I stumble upon a stack of passionate letters addressed to her late husband, penned in a handwriting strikingly similar to that of Evelyn Deane. The implications are tantalizing, suggesting motives that could unravel the very fabric of the relationships within Blake Manor.
Before I can confront the widow, I am drawn into a captivating conversation with the undertaker, who shares insights about the Celtic goddess Bríd and her various incarnations. The parallels he draws between Bríd, Saint Brigid of Kildare, and voodoo’s Maman Brigitte are fascinating, yet I must reluctantly excuse myself to attend a talk on Ireland’s fair folk, aware that time is slipping away.
As the evening progresses, I find myself immersed in tomes detailing Irish history and folklore, the clock chiming late into the night. The moment to confront the charming widow has passed, and as guests begin to file towards the hedgemaze, I realize that my distractions have cost me dearly. While four guests remain to recount their tales, my own investigator, Declan Ward, is tragically engulfed by green flames, a stark reminder of the dangers lurking within Blake Manor.
Though All Hallow’s Eve has come and gone, the allure of The Seance of Blake Manor persists, offering a captivating mystery that beckons to be unraveled at any time of year. A demo is available on Steam, inviting players to step into this enigmatic world and uncover its secrets.