Uncover Secrets with Emio: The Famicom Detective Club Adventure
Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club is a 2024 visual novel and point-and-click adventure game developed by Nintendo and Mages for the Nintendo Switch. It is the fourth installment in the Famicom Detective Club series and the first new entry in 27 years, following BS Tantei Club: Yuki ni Kieta Kako from 1997. The game was officially revealed on July 10, 2024, and released on August 29, 2024.
Story and Setting
The game centers on a chilling murder case tied to an urban legend. A junior high school student is found dead with a paper bag featuring a smiling face over his head—a signature linked to "Emio," a legendary serial killer from 18 years ago. Emio is said to offer crying girls a smiling paper bag in exchange for their lives. Players take on the role of an assistant private investigator at the Utsugi Detective Agency, tasked with solving this crime alongside the police. The narrative explores whether the murders are connected to Emio's legend, a copycat killer, or something else entirely.
Gameplay
The gameplay follows a classic visual novel format with point-and-click mechanics similar to the remakes of Famicom Detective Club: The Missing Heir and The Girl Who Stands Behind. Players use commands to investigate areas, question characters, and uncover clues. For the first time in the series, Ayumi Tachibana, a recurring character, is playable during certain segments.
Development
The game was directed by Yoshio Sakamoto, who also worked on previous entries in the series. Sakamoto aimed to create a grounded yet suspenseful story by focusing on urban legends rather than ghost stories. The development team built upon lessons learned from remaking earlier titles, striving for deeper storytelling and improved animations.
Reception
Critics praised Emio – The Smiling Man as a successful modernization of the franchise while retaining its classic appeal. Its dark themes, engaging mystery, and polished presentation have made it one of the standout Nintendo Switch games of 2024.
Additional Information
- A free demo covering up to Chapter 3 was released prior to launch.
- The English version includes text options in multiple languages but retains Japanese voiceovers.
- A Collector’s Edition was released exclusively in Japan, featuring an artbook, soundtrack CDs, and replica evidence.