The Blackwell Deception
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The Blackwell Deception
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Blackwell Deception is a point-and-click computer adventure game. This game intentionally recreates the look and feel of the 1990's vintage games, giving it an "old-school" aesthetic. The story revolves around a girl's unique ability to see spirits that have been trapped between this world and the next, and it is her job to set them free. There are references to violence and death in the story but no violence is depicted during gameplay. In addition, there is one character who has a cigarette in his mouth for the duration of the game.
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What’s It About?
THE BLACKWELL DECEPTION centers around a girl who has the uncanny ability to see spirits of people who have died in this world but for some reason or another are unable to move on to the afterlife. The girl, Rose, tracks down clues and solves mysteries to find what is keeping each respective spirit here and what she needs to do so it can be free to move onto the next world. There is somewhat of a dark tone to the story, as it is implied the victims were killed rather than died of natural causes, though the details of their deaths is not drawn out in detail.
Is It Any Good?
The Blackwell Deception provides a throwback to computer games of the 1990s, with its intentionally poor graphical style and limited gameplay controls. Players should be aware of this before deciding to buy the game, but this is by no means a limitation on the game's experience. The story is captivating enough to hold players' interest throughout the game. Players can finish the game in as little as five or six hours; it is presented more as an interactive story than a compelling video game. As such, the gameplay controls are sometimes uninspired and there are points when the game becomes secondary to the story and it feels more like completing a chore to unlock the next part of the story. Nevertheless, the unique and well-scripted tale that unfolds is worth playing through the entire game.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the references to violence and death in this game. How can you cope with tragic events like this?
What is the best way to set computer time limits so that kids don't play for too long?
Game Details
- Platform: Windows
- Subjects: Language & Reading: following directions, reading comprehension, using supporting evidence
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: analyzing evidence, deduction, solving puzzles
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Wadjet Eye Games
- Release date: October 12, 2011
- Genre: Adventure
- ESRB rating: NR
- Last updated: August 29, 2016
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