The Blackwell Deception

 PC
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. GameWatcher
    Oct 28, 2011
    85
    It's seriously one of the best adventure games I've played in years that has words in it (I'm looking at you, Machinarium). It doesn't just tell a good story, it's tightly plotted too.
  2. Multiplayer.it
    Nov 2, 2011
    82
    With its great characters, solid plot, well written dialogues and interesting puzzles, Deception is probably one of the best point and click adventures of the year. Maybe the only real complaint is the lack of graphics coherence.
  3. Gamer.no
    Oct 19, 2011
    80
    The Blackwell Deception presents a solid and satisfying mystery to solve, enjoyable and logical puzzles and loads of well-written, believable characters. The result is one of the best adventure games of recent years.
  5. GamerNode
    Oct 5, 2011
    80
    If gamers want a new point-and-click adventure to sink their teeth into, Blackwell Deception gives all the features that they are most likely looking for.
  6. CD-Action
    Dec 27, 2011
    75
    A textbook example of a 2D point'n'click adventure game. Probably just a handful of players will decide to give it a chance but they will be rewarded with a good story served with 'early SCUMM' visuals. [January 2012, p.73]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. PC PowerPlay
    Dec 4, 2011
    70
    Blackwell Deception proves that adventure gaming is far from giving up the ghost. [Christmas 2011, p.70]
  8. GamePro
    Oct 12, 2011
    70
    Blackwell Deception has some good ideas and it's refreshing for a game to deal with ghosts and psychics in a way that's not entirely shallow. The script is at its best when it's disarmingly sincere, as the attempts at humor are hit and miss. It's just a shame then that the story is as old-hat as Joey's fedora.
  9. Adventure Gamers
    Oct 12, 2011
    70
    With a little more challenge and visual polish, this could have been a truly great adventure, but instead settles for being another solid supernatural mystery.
  10. Absolute Games
    Mar 13, 2012
    67
    Weak intrigue is a traditional soft spot of the Blackwell adventure games. The investigation is predictable, and all of our burning questions are answered in such a dull, ridiculous manner that all build up flies out the window.
  11. Gameblog.fr
    Oct 18, 2011
    60
    Blackwell Deception will appeal to point'n click lovers: the puzzles are solid without being frustrating, the characters duo and story are nice. If you didn't know about the game, don't hesitate to start from the beginning of the series. The only shortcoming: it lacks a good artistic direction and some ambition to give it a real touch.

Awards & Rankings

98
#98 Best PC Game of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 59 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 59
  3. Negative: 6 out of 59
  1. DantheMan
    Jan 31, 2012
    8
    Effective voice acting and a gripping story in a unique milieu makes for an above average game for those willing to tolerate it's 'classic'Effective voice acting and a gripping story in a unique milieu makes for an above average game for those willing to tolerate it's 'classic' graphics and sometimes regrettable puzzles. The fourth installment (the ending makes clear there will be more) in the Blackwell series has the most comprehensive and well-plotted story so far. The biggest downfall is the sometimes obtuse puzzles that require to you to possess constructive knowledge of certain items technological capabilities from out-of-game sources. The puzzles have always been one of the weaker aspects of the series but in Deception they can real roadblocks. A walk-through is handy simply because it helps keep the pacing of the story alive. But the hallmarks of the series remain: good voice acting, unique characters, and an unconventional story make for genuine immersion and entertainment. If you haven't played the series, I suggest you start at the beginning with the Blackwell Legacy.… Full Review »
  2. Fyxhcl
    Dec 1, 2021
    7
    The score refers to the entire serie, single games score would be one point lower, but all together they gain value.

    Classic point and    The score refers to the entire serie, single games score would be one point lower, but all together they gain value.

    Classic point and click games with very little innovation. The pixel graphic is nice, the story is good and the setting is fascinating.

    Gameplay is very simple, a few puzzles are a bit obscure and you don't receive many hints about them. Starting from the second game you can also use the second character, and while what you can do is limited, it's a nice addition.

    The games last few hours (except maybe for the last one) after which there is no replayability. You'll be entertained by them but it only makes sense to play them in a row since the plot is connected. Suggested only to the fan of the genre, play the first one and decide if you want to know what happens next.    … Full Review »
  3. MadAlf
    Mar 26, 2021
    9
    The 4-th episode of an interesting series of quests. That one feels like a full game, and a good one. The lore is wided, characters are moreThe 4-th episode of an interesting series of quests. That one feels like a full game, and a good one. The lore is wided, characters are more thoughtfull, and a story is good.… Full Review »
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