Nintendo's latest mystery, "Emio, the Smiling Man," is the newest addition to the resurrected Famicom Detective Club series. Producer Sakamoto positions this title as the culmination of the entire franchise.
Famicom Detective Club Returns with a New 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 the world of a young detective solving murders in rural Japan. Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club continues this tradition, placing players in the role of an assistant detective at the Utsugi Detective Agency, investigating a series of killings connected to the infamous serial killer, Emio.
Announced on July 17th and launching globally on August 29th, 2024, for the Nintendo Switch, this marks the first new Famicom Detective Club game in 35 years. A prior 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 the discovery of a student, his head covered with a disturbingly familiar paper bag. This unsettling detail links the current case to a string of unsolved murders from 18 years prior, all connected to the urban legend of Emio, the Smiling Man, who supposedly leaves his victims with a permanent smile.
Players investigate the murder of Eisuke Sasaki, following clues that lead back to cold cases. Gathering evidence through interviews with classmates and others, and meticulously examining crime scenes, is key to solving the mystery.
Assisting in 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 unsolved cases eighteen years ago.
A Divided Fanbase
Nintendo's initial cryptic teaser generated significant buzz, piquing the interest of gamers. The unexpected dark tone contrasted sharply with Nintendo's typically lighthearted image. One fan accurately predicted the game's reveal on Twitter (X), anticipating a darker, third installment following the Switch remakes of the first two games.
While many Famicom Detective Club fans welcomed the return of their favorite point-and-click mystery, others expressed disappointment, particularly those less inclined towards visual novels. Social media discussions highlighted this division, with some humorous comments about the reading requirement.
Exploring Diverse Mystery Themes
Producer and writer Yoshio Sakamoto, in a recent YouTube video, discussed the series' origins. He explained that the first two games were designed to be interactive cinematic experiences.The Famicom Detective Club series is lauded for its immersive narratives and atmospheric storytelling. The 2021 Switch remakes fueled Sakamoto's desire to create a new entry. He drew inspiration from horror director Dario Argento, particularly Argento's use of music and editing in Deep Red, which influenced The Girl Who Stands Behind. Kenji Yamamoto, the series composer, described the intense, almost jump-scare-like audio in the final scene of The Girl Who Stands Behind, a direct result of Sakamoto's vision.
Emio, the Smiling Man, is a wholly original urban legend created for the game. Sakamoto aims to deliver a thrilling experience centered on uncovering the truth behind this urban legend. While this installment focuses on urban legends, previous games explored superstitious sayings and ghost stories.
The Missing Heir investigated a death within a wealthy family, connecting it to a local saying about the dead returning to protect their family's wealth. The Girl Who Stands Behind involved a school ghost story and its connection to a murder.
A Product of Creative Freedom
In a 2004 interview, Sakamoto revealed his love for horror and high school ghost stories, which inspired the initial games. He highlighted the creative freedom Nintendo provided, allowing the team to develop the story with minimal interference.
The original Japanese releases received positive critical reception, earning a 74/100 Metacritic score.
Sakamoto describes Emio – The Smiling Man as a culmination of the team's experience and creative discussions, emphasizing the dedication to the screenplay and animations. He also anticipates a divisive ending that will spark ongoing discussion among players.
