Nintendo's Emio Reveal Disappoints Some, But the Famicom Detective Club Sequel Looks to Deliver a Masterful Murder Thriller

Nintendo's latest entry in the Famicom Detective Club series, "Emio, the Smiling Man," has sparked mixed reactions, but promises a gripping murder mystery. Producer Sakamoto positions it as the culmination of the entire series.

Famicom Detective Club Returns with a New Case After Three Decades

The original Famicom Detective Club games, released in the late 1980s, captivated players with their countryside murder mysteries. "Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club" continues this tradition, placing players in the role of assistant detectives at the Utsugi Detective Agency. The task? Solving a series of murders connected to the infamous serial killer, Emio, the Smiling Man.

Launching globally on August 29, 2024, for Nintendo Switch, this marks the first new Famicom Detective Club game in 35 years. A cryptic pre-release trailer hinted at the unsettling nature of the case.

The game's synopsis reveals a chilling discovery: a student found dead, his head covered with a smiley-faced paper bag—a striking resemblance to clues from 18-year-old cold cases linked to Emio, a killer whose legend promises victims "a smile that will last forever."

Players investigate the murder of Eisuke Sasaki, uncovering clues that lead back to past unsolved crimes. Interrogations, crime scene investigations, and meticulous clue gathering are key to solving the mystery.

Ayumi Tachibana, a returning character known for her sharp interrogation skills, assists the player. Shunsuke Utsugi, the detective agency director, also plays a crucial role, having worked on the same cold cases eighteen years prior.

A Divided Fanbase

Nintendo's cryptic teaser generated significant buzz, with one fan accurately predicting a new, darker Famicom Detective Club game. While many welcomed the series' revival, others expressed disappointment, particularly those who prefer genres other than visual novels. Some social media reactions humorously highlighted the surprise of encountering a text-heavy game within the Nintendo lineup.

Exploring Diverse Mystery Themes

Sakamoto's inspiration, as revealed in a Wired interview, includes horror filmmaker Dario Argento, whose stylistic choices influenced the series' mood and pacing. Composer Kenji Yamamoto's work, particularly the climactic scene in "The Girl Who Stands Behind," exemplifies this influence through dramatic audio shifts.

Emio, the Smiling Man, is a new urban legend specifically created for the game. Sakamoto aims to deliver a thrilling journey centered on uncovering the truth behind this legend. Previous installments explored themes of superstition and ghost stories, contrasting with this new focus on urban legends.

"The Missing Heir" delved into the death of a family member and a village curse, while "The Girl Who Stands Behind" intertwined a murder with a local ghost story.

A Product of Creative Freedom

Sakamoto has spoken about the creative freedom afforded to the team during development. Nintendo provided only the title, allowing the team to develop the narrative freely. The original games received positive critical reception, earning a 74/100 Metacritic score.

Sakamoto describes "Emio – The Smiling Man" as a culmination of the team's experience, emphasizing the extensive creative process behind the screenplay and animations. He also hints at a potentially divisive ending, anticipating ongoing player discussion.