Famicom Detective Club Sequel Beckons with Captivating Murder Thriller Promise
Nintendo's latest entry in the Famicom Detective Club series, "Emio, the Smiling Man," has generated mixed reactions, but promises a gripping murder mystery. Producer Sakamoto positions it as the culmination of the entire series.
Famicom Detective Club Returns After Three Decades
The original Famicom Detective Club games, released in the late 1980s, captivated players 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. The case? A series of murders connected to the infamous serial killer, Emio.
Launching globally on August 29, 2024, for Nintendo Switch, this marks the first new Famicom Detective Club game in 35 years. A previous cryptic trailer hinted at the game's darker tone.
The game's synopsis reveals a chilling murder: "A student is found dead, his head covered with a paper bag bearing an eerie smiling face—a striking resemblance to clues from unsolved murders 18 years prior, and to Emio, a killer of urban legend who supposedly grants his victims ‘a smile that will last forever.’"
Players investigate the murder of Eisuke Sasaki, uncovering clues linked to past cold cases. They'll interview classmates, examine crime scenes, and gather evidence.
Assisting in the investigation is Ayumi Tachibana, a returning character known for her sharp interrogation skills. Leading the team is Shunsuke Utsugi, the agency director, who previously worked on the eighteen-year-old cold cases.
A Divided Fanbase
Nintendo's initial teaser generated significant buzz, with one fan accurately predicting a new, darker Famicom Detective Club game. While many welcomed the series' return, others expressed disappointment, particularly those who preferred different genres. Some social media comments humorously highlighted the surprise of a narrative-focused game.
Exploring Diverse Mystery Themes
Producer Yoshio Sakamoto, in a recent YouTube video, discussed the series' creation. He described the original games as interactive movies, emphasizing their engaging narratives and atmospheric storytelling. The success of the 2021 Switch remakes fueled his decision to create a new installment.Sakamoto drew inspiration from horror filmmaker Dario Argento, particularly Argento's use of music and quick cuts in films like Deep Red. Composer Kenji Yamamoto recalled Sakamoto's instructions to make The Girl Who Stands Behind's final scene as terrifying as possible, resulting in a dramatic audio shift.
Emio, the Smiling Man, is an original urban legend for the game. Sakamoto aims to deliver a thrilling exploration of this urban legend. While this installment focuses on urban legends, previous games explored superstitious sayings and ghost stories.
The Missing Heir featured a village with an ominous saying about the dead returning to protect their wealth, tying into the game's serial killings. The Girl Who Stands Behind involved a ghost story connected to the murder of a high school student.
A Product of Creative Freedom
Sakamoto has discussed the creative freedom afforded to the team during development. Nintendo provided only the title, allowing for unrestricted brainstorming. The original Famicom Detective Club games received positive critical reception, currently holding a 74/100 Metacritic score.
Sakamoto describes "Emio — The Smiling Man" as the culmination of the team's collective experience, emphasizing the extensive creative process behind the screenplay and animations. He anticipates a divisive ending, hoping to spark lasting discussion among players.
