Nintendo's latest mystery, "Emio, the Smiling Man," is the newest addition to the revived Famicom Detective Club series. Producer Sakamoto positions this title as the culmination of the entire series.
Emio, the Smiling Man: 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, immersing players in Japanese countryside murder investigations. Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club continues this tradition, placing players in the role of assistant detectives at the Utsugi Detective Agency. Their mission: to solve a series of murders connected to the infamous serial killer, Emio, the Smiling Man.
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's dark tone, showcasing a mysterious figure in a trench coat and a smiley-faced paper bag.
The game's synopsis teases a chilling discovery: a student found dead, his head covered with a similarly decorated paper bag. This disturbing image echoes unsolved murders from 18 years prior, linking the case to the legendary Emio, who supposedly grants his victims "a smile that will last forever."
Players investigate the murder of Eisuke Sasaki, uncovering clues that lead to past cold cases. Interrogation of classmates and others involved, along with meticulous crime scene examination, are key to solving the mystery.
Ayumi Tachibana, a returning character known for her sharp interrogation skills, assists the player. Shunsuke Utsugi, the detective agency director who previously investigated these cold cases eighteen years ago, also plays a crucial role.
Mixed Reactions to the Announcement
Nintendo's initial cryptic teaser generated significant buzz, intriguing gamers with its departure from Nintendo's typically cheerful titles. One fan even accurately predicted the game's nature.
While many welcomed the Famicom Detective Club's return, others expressed disappointment, particularly those who preferred different genres. Some social media comments highlighted a humorous disconnect between expectations and the visual novel format.
Exploring Diverse Mystery Themes
Producer and writer 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 celebrated for its immersive storytelling. The 2021 Switch remakes inspired Sakamoto to create this new installment. He stated in the video, "I knew we'd be able to make something good. So, I decided to do it."
Sakamoto drew inspiration from horror director Dario Argento, citing Argento's use of music and editing techniques as influential, particularly in The Girl Who Stands Behind. Composer Kenji Yamamoto described creating a terrifying final scene, using drastic volume changes to achieve 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 around uncovering the truth behind this legend. While this installment focuses on urban legends, previous games explored themes of superstition and ghost stories.
The Missing Heir involves a village with an ominous saying about the dead returning to protect its wealth. The Girl Who Stands Behind centers on a ghost story connected to a murder investigation.
A Product of Creative Freedom
Sakamoto has mentioned his fondness for horror and high school ghost stories as inspiration for the original games. He also highlighted the creative freedom provided by Nintendo, allowing the team to develop the story with minimal interference.
The original Famicom Detective Club games were well-received, earning a 74/100 Metacritic score.
Sakamoto describes Emio – The Smiling Man as the culmination of the team's experience, emphasizing the extensive work invested in the script and animation. He anticipates a divisive ending that will spark ongoing discussion among players.
