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

Nintendo's latest mystery, "Emio, the Smiling Man," is the newest addition to the revived Famicom Detective Club series. Producer Sakamoto positions it as the culmination of the entire series.

A New Chapter in the Famicom Detective Club Saga

The original Famicom Detective Club games, The Missing Heir and The Girl Who Stands Behind, debuted in the late 1980s. This new installment, Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club, casts players as assistant detectives at the Utsugi Detective Agency, investigating a series of murders connected to the infamous serial killer, Emio.

Launching globally on August 29, 2024, for the Nintendo Switch, this marks the franchise's first new entry in 35 years. A cryptic pre-release trailer hinted at the game's dark tone.

The game's synopsis describes the discovery of a student's body, his head covered with a paper bag bearing a chilling smiley face – a symbol echoing a string of unsolved murders from 18 years prior and linking to the urban legend of Emio, the Smiling Man, who supposedly grants his victims "a smile that will last forever."

Players will investigate the murder of Eisuke Sasaki, following clues that lead back to cold cases. They'll interview classmates and others, examining crime scenes for vital evidence.

Assisting in the investigation is Ayumi Tachibana, a returning character known for her sharp interrogation skills, and Shunsuke Utsugi, the detective agency director who previously worked on the 18-year-old cold cases.

Mixed Reactions from Fans

The initial cryptic teaser generated significant buzz, contrasting with Nintendo's typically cheerful image. While some fans correctly predicted the game's nature, others expressed disappointment, particularly those who preferred different genres. Some social media comments highlighted the surprise of encountering a visual novel format.

Exploring Diverse Mystery Themes

Producer Yoshio Sakamoto, in a recent YouTube video, discussed the series' origins, explaining that the first two games were designed to feel like interactive movies. The Famicom Detective Club series is acclaimed for its compelling narratives and atmospheric storytelling. The positive reception of the 2021 Switch remakes fueled the creation of this new installment. Sakamoto drew inspiration from horror director Dario Argento, citing his influence on the mood and style.

Emio, the Smiling Man, is an original urban legend for the game. Sakamoto aims to deliver a gripping experience centered around the thrill of uncovering the truth behind this urban legend. While this installment focuses on urban legends, previous games explored superstitious beliefs and ghost stories.

The Missing Heir involved the death of a member of the wealthy Ayashiro family, connected to a village saying about the dead returning to protect their wealth. The Girl Who Stands Behind centered on the murder of a high school girl, intertwined with a local ghost story.

A Collaborative Masterpiece

Sakamoto has highlighted the creative freedom during the development of the original games, emphasizing Nintendo's trust in the team's vision. The original games received positive critical reception, achieving a 74/100 Metacritic score.

Sakamoto describes Emio – The Smiling Man as the culmination of the team's collective experience, promising a meticulously crafted narrative and animation. He anticipates a divisive ending, hoping to spark ongoing discussion among players.