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Riddlewood Manor: A Game that Doesn't Know What it Wants to Be

 Riddlewood Manor: A Horror or Humor Game?

riddlewood manor


Jumpscares and Hilarious Moments    

I'll admit I wasn't sure about what I was getting into with Riddlewood Manor. Tis the season to be horrific, so I was happy to receive a key from Stride PR to check out the game. I'm no fan of jumpscares, so I'm extremely happy the game provided a jumpscare alert so I could whip off my headphones and brace myself. My viewers at times love to use my alerts to make me nearly lose my lunch. Downwards.

riddlewood manor



I was excited to jump into the first horror-based game for the 'ween season. Plus, puzzle games are kind of my thing (you did get that it was a puzzle game, correct?). As one of the few keys I've received for the season, I wasn't sure what to expect.

riddlewood manor


Expect the Unexpected: Almost Horror

Riddlewood Manor needs no tutorial (although it has one) but it's a straightforward adventure/horror/humor game that throws in some mostly intuitive puzzles. There's not a lot of challenge here, and so I'd give it a PG-13 although there are some jumpscares which I'm not privy to (I hate jumpscares). Although players at times will find that there's more to it than just horror. 

Imagine giving three ghosts toilet paper and having them...use it. Or being eaten by a giant mouth disguised by a door. Or riding out into the sunset on a random duck. Yes, that actually happens.

While it's an interesting game, I felt at times that it didn't quite mix. Thankfully, the game provides a jumpscare warning alert so if you're squeamish about getting a downtown brown, you can rip your headphones off just before the screamy moment.


riddlewood manor


Jumpscares and Laughter

That's to say I don't think the game is bad by any means. It's got an interesting "flash-like" presentation and the game's puzzles require some figuring out and heavy thinking at times. My thoughts are just that it's mixed genre nature doesn't quite fit at times. You may scream, you may laugh, but it's a mix that doesn't quite work.

riddlewood manor



You, as the protagonist, are tasked with destroying all evil in the Riddlewood Manor that's haunted by Emily and her dolls. Eventually you unravel a narrative of Emily's story and find the truth behind why she's haunting the manor. The game gets surprisingly deep as you discover what's happened and so I'd argue there are strong "anchor points" to the game that really justify a purchase. However I didn't feel it was right for me because I felt guided between two extremes of emotions. For example:



It's moments like that where I have this bewildered response--and while funny, I couldn't quite grasp the genre mix. I'd still recommend it for those wanting a horror game as it's inexpensive, but I felt that it would be a strong idea to warn players that it's not entirely what you'd expect. Maybe that's a good thing.



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