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' legacy.
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, captivated players in the late 1980s with their countryside murder mysteries. 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 the Nintendo Switch, this marks the first new entry in 35 years. A cryptic pre-release 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 reveals a chilling premise: "A student is found dead, his head covered with a paper bag bearing an unsettling smiley face. This disturbing image echoes a clue from a string of 18-year-old cold cases, linking it to Emio, a legendary killer who supposedly grants his victims ‘a smile that will last forever.’"
Players will investigate the murder of Eisuke Sasaki, a junior high school student, following leads that connect to past unsolved crimes. Interrogation, crime scene investigation, and meticulous clue gathering are key to solving the mystery.
Assisting in the investigation is Ayumi Tachibana, a returning character known for her sharp interrogation skills. Shunsuke Utsugi, the detective agency director who previously worked on the cold cases, also plays a crucial role.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
Nintendo's initial cryptic teaser generated significant buzz, particularly due to its contrast with the company's typically family-friendly image. While some fans correctly predicted the game's nature, others reacted negatively to the visual novel format. Social media discussions revealed disappointment from players expecting a different genre, such as action-horror.
Exploring Diverse Mystery Themes
Producer Yoshio Sakamoto, in a recent YouTube video, discussed the series' origins, explaining that the first two games were designed to feel like interactive movies. He cites the positive reception of the 2021 Switch remakes as the impetus for creating a new installment. Sakamoto's creative process, drawing inspiration from horror director Dario Argento, is also highlighted, particularly the influence of Argento's techniques on *The Girl Who Stands Behind*.While Emio, the Smiling Man centers on urban legends, previous Famicom Detective Club games explored themes of superstition and ghost stories. The Missing Heir involved a village curse connected to a series of killings, while The Girl Who Stands Behind featured a ghost story linked to a murder.
A Collaborative Creation
Sakamoto's past interviews reveal the creative freedom granted during the development of the original games, with Nintendo focusing primarily on the titles and allowing the team significant autonomy. The original games received positive critical acclaim, boasting a 74/100 Metacritic score.
Sakamoto describes Emio – The Smiling Man as the culmination of the team's collective experience and a product of extensive creative discussions. He anticipates a divisive ending that will spark ongoing debate among players. The game's script, he says, directly reflects his initial vision, which may lead to differing interpretations.
