Blackwell Deception

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In "Blackwell Deception", join Rosa, a genuine psychic, and her spirit guide Joey as they investigate a series of mysterious deaths linked to deceitful street psychics. Uncover the truth behind the illicit world of psychic scams in various locales, from downtown nightclubs to luxury yachts, while addressing some of Joey's own buried secrets. This thrilling supernatural adventure game promises to offer a captivating and mysterious experience.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

96%

Audience ScoreBased on 672 reviews

story228 positive mentions

optimization6 negative mentions

The story is engaging and well-written, with character development that keeps players invested.
The game features improved graphics and a more polished interface compared to previous entries.
The puzzles are clever and logical, providing a satisfying challenge without being overly difficult.

Some puzzles can feel overly complex or unintuitive, leading to moments of frustration.
The character sprites and animations are less appealing than in previous games, which may detract from the overall experience.
The hint system can be inconsistent, sometimes providing too much help or failing to update appropriately.

story
572 mentions
40 % positive mentions
58 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The story in "Blackwell Deception" is widely praised for its depth and character development, effectively weaving together threads from previous installments while introducing new elements that enhance the overarching narrative. Players appreciate the engaging plot, clever puzzles, and the emotional resonance of the characters, particularly as more backstory about Joey is revealed. While some critiques mention pacing issues and a less compact storyline compared to earlier games, the overall consensus is that the game successfully builds anticipation for the series' conclusion.
- “The overarching storyline is compelling, drawing threads from the first three games while introducing new elements that deepen the lore.”
- “The ending not only leaves you eager for more but also hints at exciting possibilities that could take the story in intriguing new directions.”
- “The story is getting better and better.”
- “The cases you investigate are interesting by themselves, though the main storyline they are tied to is a bit lackluster.”
- “The story is extremely boring, literally kept falling asleep while playing.”
- “While there is thankfully a small bit of backstory finally given for Joey, Rosa's unwillingness to press him for details is stretching past the point of believability by this point.”
graphics
170 mentions
24 % positive mentions
69 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The graphics in the latest installment of the Blackwell series have received mixed reviews, with some praising the improved pixel art and overall aesthetic, while others criticize the lack of depth and a perceived decline in quality compared to previous entries. Many players appreciate the retro style and character portraits, but some find the animations and user interface lacking, suggesting a need for a new engine to enhance visual fidelity. Overall, while the graphics may not meet modern standards, they are often considered charming and fitting within the context of the game's narrative and gameplay.
- “The visuals, a mesmerizing dance of colors and shadows, beckoned players to explore the depths of a narrative both haunting and ethereal.”
- “This installment was amazing, with a great storyline, fascinating characters, and amazing pixel graphics.”
- “The artwork is really good, as well as the soundtracks.”
- “The graphics didn't seem improved and the gameplay became more convoluted, even more akin to old-school point-and-click adventures.”
- “Right off the boat: the main menu - the artwork is atrocious, - the UI execution suffers too; the whole thing looks like an early 2000s Russian-made flash game - what has happened?”
- “The characters look abysmal, especially Joey - just compare the artwork with the previous chapters and you will instantly know what I am on about.”
music
128 mentions
45 % positive mentions
52 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its diverse and well-composed soundtracks, particularly highlighting the jazzy and noir elements that enhance the overall atmosphere. While some players noted that the music can occasionally become overpowering or repetitive, the quality of the compositions and the integration of voice acting have been praised as standout features. Overall, the soundtrack significantly contributes to the game's engaging narrative and immersive experience.
- “One of the standout features of the game is its stunning soundtrack, composed by the talented Thomas Regin.”
- “The music in this game is just brilliant and so beautifully composed.”
- “The jazzy sax soundtrack always sets the tone for the noir detective vibe, and it is clear from the commentary how much care, purpose, and deliberation went into the retro art style.”
- “Convergence had this awesome credits theme (and not much else), but this game has no notable music to speak of, at all.”
- “The game finally lets you control the volume of the game which was missing from the previous three, though you still can't control the music volume which is often too loud.”
- “Music should be interspersed with ambient sound; it shouldn't be music for every single scene all the way.”
gameplay
120 mentions
32 % positive mentions
66 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The gameplay in this installment of the series has been refined and expanded, particularly with Joey's enhanced role in solving puzzles, which adds depth and balance to the character dynamics. While some mechanics remain familiar, the introduction of new features like Rosa's smartphone and a more intuitive clue system have been well-received, although some players noted that the gameplay can feel convoluted at times. Overall, the game maintains a solid balance of challenge and accessibility, with a focus on immersive storytelling and character interaction.
- “The gameplay features unusual mechanics, like combining abstract ideas from your notes, which help it sidestep many of the frustrations with illogical or obtuse puzzles that plagued 90s point-and-click games.”
- “The fact that Joey now has a more active part in gathering information and solving puzzles, being able to pass through doors, read notes without people noticing, and move small objects by blowing on them, is a welcome change and adds some more depth to the gameplay.”
- “Playing the series from start to end, I really enjoyed the evolving development of the game's core mechanics as they are tweaked and finessed along the way, and while I stumbled a little at times working out which tools are available to make progress in the game, they eventually start feeling very intuitive.”
- “The graphics didn't seem improved and the gameplay became more convoluted, even more akin to old-school point-and-click adventures.”
- “The whole experience to me was less polished, with the previous seamless immersion of gameplay and story hitting snags and hurdles ever so often, especially where they interface: the clue/hint combination/location system is no longer quite as reliable, with entries missing or overstaying their welcome.”
- “And the expanded gameplay elements at times turn this eclectic piece of interactive fiction into a more conventional point & click experience, which is not a good fit for the series.”
emotional
24 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised, with players noting the impactful classical music and intricate storytelling that evoke deep feelings. Many reviewers mention experiencing significant emotional moments, including gut-wrenching scenes and heartfelt character interactions that resonate personally. The series is recognized for its excellent writing and ability to create a strong emotional connection, making the finale particularly memorable and touching.
- “The classical pieces remain just as impactful, with their intricate melodies perfectly capturing the emotional depth of the story.”
- “The fourth game has a lot of emotional gut punches, and there were a couple of times some of the characters and their motivations were hitting too close to home that I had to turn the game off.”
- “This is just a great series with excellent, emotional writing.”
atmosphere
22 mentions
55 % positive mentions
32 % neutral mentions
14 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and engaging qualities, with many reviewers highlighting the effective blend of music, voice acting, and visual style that enhances the narrative experience. The shift in visual presentation in the latest installment has been particularly well-received, addressing previous criticisms and contributing to a richer, more captivating ambiance. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered a significant strength, making it a compelling entry in the series.
- “Ghostly noir narrator: (exhales, creating an ethereal mist) the atmosphere, as thick as the fog rolling in from the river, was laden with anticipation.”
- “The story and gameplay were really intriguing; I loved the game's atmosphere and tone, and it was all-around a really solid entry in the series that left me very excited for the next game.”
- “I loved the whole Blackwell series; the story was interesting and kept me wanting to discover more, and the atmosphere and general theme of the series was very enjoyable.”
- “The change in visual style for the 4th installment in this series is refreshing; all my previous gripes with the art (rough animation, bad perspective/pixelation, flat atmosphere) have all been fixed-- and beautifully.”
- “My philosophy on this is that there are some instances in which a game may not necessarily have that much in the way of gameplay (take Amnesia for example), but the story/atmosphere/whatever it may be is reason enough to pick it up.”
- “The music really fit the atmosphere of the game (although the ending soundtrack of Blackwell Convergence was better).”
humor
22 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its charming and snarky humor, featuring warm and engaging dialogue that balances funny moments with deeper emotional themes. Players appreciate the well-developed relationship between characters, particularly Rosa and Joey, and highlight amusing elements like a cute dance routine that adds to the overall enjoyment. Overall, the humor complements the intriguing story and puzzles, making it a delightful experience for fans of witty narratives.
- “It's got some good snarky humor, that very familiar Wadjet Eye/Dave Gilbert art style and flow to it.”
- “Shout out to the funny dance routine that the developers applied to one of the characters; it was cute and brought laughter to my partner and myself.”
- “Rosa and Joey's relationship is fully developed by this point and is quite hilarious.”
character development
12 mentions
50 % positive mentions
25 % neutral mentions
25 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is praised for its depth and complexity, particularly in how it intertwines with the narrative, enhancing the overall story progression. While players appreciate the growth of characters like Joey and Rosa, some feel that there is still room for improvement in their development. Additionally, changes in the pixel art style have impacted character designs, but the engaging puzzles and charming quirks of the characters contribute positively to the experience.
- “Speaking of narrative, deception does a fantastic job of weaving together character development and story progression.”
- “It provided much greater depth and complexity with excellent story and character development.”
- “Character development and puzzles are engaging, pixel art is gorgeous all around, and I've grown to like Joey and Rosa for their own quirks.”
- “While you will learn more about Joey and Rosa, there is still much to be desired in regards to character development.”
- “A new pixel artist was chosen for this game, so the slowly improving character designs have taken a few steps back.”
- “Each title has that old school adventure vibe and interconnecting plotline, plus character development, throughout the series.”
optimization
10 mentions
20 % positive mentions
20 % neutral mentions
60 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is generally solid, with no significant performance issues reported by players, except for one character, Penelope, whose performance was criticized. The developers appear to be improving their optimization over time, resulting in a more professional presentation across most characters.
- “I noticed no performance issues playing on my computer.”
- “Overall, I felt it was much more professional across all the characters. Gavin's performance was very good, and I believe the same voice actor was in Technobabylon, which was also one of the best performances of any Wadjet Eye game.”
- “Only one character (Penelope, the old lady) is a poor performance in my book.”
- “Every Blackwell game has one or two bad performances, but they seem to be getting better at this with time, and this installment is no exception.”
grinding
4 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate that the grinding aspect has been significantly reduced, with achievements now being less tedious to obtain. The game shifts its focus back to solving cases rather than delving into tedious lore, enhancing the overall experience.
stability
4 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant stability issues, including being locked in a small full-screen resolution and experiencing problematic alt-tabbing. Players have reported frequent bugs, particularly in the early stages, requiring them to reload saves due to missing dialog options when actions are taken out of order.
- “The game is locked into a tiny resolution full screen mode, with buggy alt-tabbing.”
- “Also was too buggy, especially early on: I had to reload an earlier save a couple of times because dialog options didn't appear when I did things out of order.”