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 Famicom Detective Club Murder Mystery After Three Decades

The original Famicom Detective Club games, The Missing Heir and The Girl Who Stands Behind, debuted in the late 1980s, immersing players in countryside murder investigations. Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club continues this tradition, placing players as assistant detectives at the Utsugi Detective Agency, tasked with solving murders connected to the infamous serial killer, Emio.

Launching globally on August 29, 2024, for Nintendo Switch, this marks the first new entry in 35 years. A previous cryptic trailer hinted at the game, showcasing a mysterious figure in a trench coat and a smiley-faced paper bag.

The game's synopsis describes a chilling discovery: a student found dead, his head covered with a similar paper bag. This unsettling detail links the case to a series of unsolved murders from 18 years prior, all connected to the legendary killer, Emio, who supposedly grants his victims "a smile that will last forever."

Players investigate the murder of Eisuke Sasaki, uncovering clues tied to past cold cases. They'll interview classmates, examine crime scenes, and gather evidence to solve the mystery.

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

Mixed Fan Reactions to the Announcement

Nintendo's initial cryptic teaser generated significant buzz, presenting a departure from the company's typically lighthearted titles. While some fans correctly predicted the game's nature, others expressed disappointment.

Social media reactions varied. Some celebrated the return of the beloved point-and-click mystery series, while others voiced their dislike for the visual novel format. Some even speculated that they'd hoped for a different genre, like action-horror.

Exploring Diverse Mystery Themes

Sakamoto drew inspiration from horror filmmaker Dario Argento, citing his use of music and quick cuts as an influence. Composer Kenji Yamamoto described creating a terrifying final scene for The Girl Who Stands Behind, using dramatic audio shifts to create a jump scare.

Emio, the Smiling Man, is a new urban legend created specifically for the game. Sakamoto aims to deliver a thrilling experience 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 involved a village curse connected to a family's wealth, while The Girl Who Stands Behind featured a ghost story intertwined with a murder investigation.

A Collaborative Effort

Sakamoto previously mentioned his fondness for horror and high school ghost stories as inspiration for the original games. He also highlighted the creative freedom afforded to the team during development.

The original Famicom Detective Club games garnered positive critical reception, currently holding a 74/100 Metacritic score.

Sakamoto describes Emio – The Smiling Man as the culmination of the team's collective experience, resulting from extensive collaboration and a dedication to crafting a compelling narrative and visuals. He anticipates the game's ending will spark considerable discussion among players.