Famicom's 'Murder Thriller' Sequel to Captivate With Masterful Storytelling

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 franchise.

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 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 centers on a student found murdered, his head covered with a smiley-faced paper bag—a chilling echo of unsolved cases from 18 years prior. The signature smiley face connects the current crime to the legendary killer, Emio, who supposedly grants his victims "a smile that will last forever."

Players must investigate the murder of Eisuke Sasaki, uncovering clues that lead to past cold cases. They'll interview classmates, examine crime scenes, and search for evidence. Assisting in the investigation is Ayumi Tachibana, a returning character known for her sharp interrogation skills, alongside Shunsuke Utsugi, the agency director, who previously worked on the 18-year-old cold cases.

Mixed Reactions to the Announcement

Initial cryptic teasers generated significant buzz, with one fan accurately predicting the game's nature. While many welcomed the return of the point-and-click murder mystery, others expressed disappointment, particularly those who preferred different genres. Some humorous online comments highlighted the surprise of a narrative-focused game from Nintendo.

Exploring Diverse Mystery Themes

Emio, the Smiling Man, is an original urban legend created for the game. Sakamoto aims to immerse players in the thrill of uncovering the truth behind this legend. While this installment focuses on urban legends, previous games explored themes of superstition and ghost stories, as seen in The Missing Heir and The Girl Who Stands Behind.

A Collaborative Creative Process

Sakamoto has spoken extensively about the creative freedom the team enjoyed during development. Nintendo provided minimal direction, allowing the team to fully realize their 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. The game's script and animations were meticulously crafted, and the producer anticipates a divisive yet memorable ending that will spark lasting discussions among players.