While Maniac Manors is a spooky good point-and-click title that pays tribute to the LucasArts games of old, its imperfections are hard to ignore. That said, there's enjoyment to be had, whether it's wandering in the darkness or trying to figure out a puzzle. On that note, here are some beginner's tips.
-Some puzzles take a while to figure out, mainly because the game doesn't provide any sort of tutorial system or hints. Do like we did - search the environment and see what you can interact with, then choose something that works for you. For instance, when it comes to getting through the gate with the chain on it, you'll need to pry it open with a wrench. Look for one on the top of the crates, behind the truck. It'll break once you use it, but at least you'll get through the entryway.
-You must interact with items in the environment to move on. For example, you'll need a key to get into a door, but it's sitting inside a paint can that you'll pry open. To do this, you go to a nearby grave to retrieve a screwdriver to get the key out. However, it's not the right key, but it does open a nearby shed. You'll grab a hammer, which can then be used to break a nearby pot of soil, which contains the real key. Playing with items in the environment is vital to figuring out what you need to get ahead. It's mildly frustrating, but will help you progress further into the game.
-Some puzzles will take time to figure out. Regarding the one with the valves, pay attention to see what's routed where, and try each valve near the top end to activate the switch. The tile puzzles will take even longer to solve, especially the one involving multiple colors. The key is to match patterns that go together.
-When you suffer from mental health, which means a drop in your "brain count" in the corner of the screen, you'll experience dizziness. The best way to bring it back up is to find pills or whiskey. While drinking and taking drugs would normally be frowned upon to take care of mental problems, here they can provide anywhere from five to twenty "mental" points to bring you back to a steady frame of mind. Check for the whiskey in the dining room, and pills in the operation room. Mind the bloody gurney.
