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 revitalized Famicom Detective Club series, Emio, the Smiling Man, has sparked mixed reactions. Producer Sakamoto positions it as the culmination of the series' legacy.

A New Chapter in the Famicom Detective Club Saga

The original Famicom Detective Club games, released in the late 1980s, captivated players with their countryside murder mysteries. Emio, the Smiling Man continues this tradition, placing players in the role of assistant detectives at the Utsugi Detective Agency. The case? A series of murders linked to the infamous Emio, the Smiling Man.

Launching globally on August 29, 2024, for the Nintendo Switch, this marks the first new entry in 35 years. The game's premise, teased with a cryptic trailer, centers around a student found dead, a paper bag with a smiley face echoing a pattern from unsolved murders 18 years prior. Emio, a figure of urban legend, is said to bestow a "smile that will last forever" upon his victims.

Players investigate the murder of Eisuke Sasaki, uncovering clues that lead to past cold cases. They'll interview classmates, examine crime scenes, and piece together the puzzle. Ayumi Tachibana, a returning character known for her sharp interrogation skills, assists the player, alongside Shunsuke Utsugi, the agency director who worked on the 18-year-old cold cases.

A Divided Fanbase

Nintendo's initial 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 preferred different genres. Some social media comments humorously highlighted the surprise of encountering a text-heavy visual novel.

Exploring Darker Themes

Yoshio Sakamoto, the series producer and writer, explained in a recent YouTube video that the original games were designed to feel like interactive movies. The Famicom Detective Club series is lauded for its immersive narratives and atmospheric storytelling. The positive reception of the 2021 Switch remakes spurred the creation of Emio, the Smiling Man.

Sakamoto drew inspiration from horror filmmaker Dario Argento, citing his use of music and quick cuts as influential. Kenji Yamamoto, the series composer, described creating a terrifying final scene for The Girl Who Stands Behind, using dramatic volume changes to create a jump scare effect.

Emio, the Smiling Man, is a new urban legend created specifically for the game. Sakamoto aims to deliver a thrilling experience centered on unraveling this urban legend. Previous games explored themes of superstition and ghost stories, contrasting with the urban legend focus of Emio, the Smiling Man.

The Missing Heir involved the death of a family member and a village curse, while The Girl Who Stands Behind centered on a ghost story connected to a murder.

Creative Freedom and Legacy

Sakamoto has discussed the creative freedom afforded to the team during development. Nintendo provided only the title, allowing for unrestrained brainstorming. The original games received positive critical acclaim, holding a 74/100 Metacritic score.

Sakamoto describes Emio, the Smiling Man as the culmination of the team's experience, emphasizing the extensive work on the script and animation. He anticipates a potentially divisive ending that will spark long-lasting discussion among players.