Famicom Detective: The Girls Mysterious Secret Unveiled

Famicom Detective Club: The Girl Who Stands Behind is a classic murder mystery adventure game developed by Nintendo, originally released in Japan in 1989 for the Family Computer Disk System. It serves as a prequel to The Missing Heir and was later remade and localized for the Nintendo Switch in 2021 with updated graphics, music, and modernized gameplay mechanics.

Story Overview

The game follows a young, self-named protagonist who becomes an assistant at the Utsugi Detective Agency after running away from home. His first major case involves investigating the murder of Yoko Kojima, a high school student found strangled near a river. Yoko had been researching a ghost story about "The Girl Who Stands Behind," a spectral figure rumored to haunt her school. As the investigation unfolds, the protagonist uncovers connections to another murder that occurred 15 years earlier, blending elements of suspense, horror, and classic detective work.

Gameplay

The game combines visual novel storytelling with adventure game mechanics. Players interrogate suspects, search for clues using an interactive magnifying glass, and explore various locations to piece together the mystery. The remake retains its cinematic presentation with realistic animations and dramatic moments while offering both modernized visuals and the option to play with the original 8-bit soundtrack.

Release and Reception

The 2021 remake was praised for preserving a piece of Nintendo's history while introducing it to new audiences. Critics highlighted its engaging plot and polished presentation but noted its relatively short playtime (approximately 6-8 hours). The game received a Metacritic score of 74 and is rated "Teen" for its themes of murder and suspense.

This title is part of the Famicom Detective Club duology and can be played independently or alongside The Missing Heir. Both games are available on the Nintendo Switch, with a discount offered for purchasing them together.