| Title | Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club |
| Released | August 29, 2024 |
| Developer(s): | MAGES |
| Publisher(s): | Nintendo |
| Platform(s): |  |
| Genre | Horror, Visual Novel, Adventure |
| Rating | M |
Completed on Nintendo Switch in Docked Mode.
HowLongToBeat Time: 12.5 hrs | My Clear Time: 12hrs
Background
Prior to the release of the MAGES developed Famicom Detective Club remakes, producer Makoto Asada entertained a new entry into the Famicom Detective Club series.
Our goal for the project was to create the pinnacle of 2D text adventure games, so we actually used development techniques originally planned for other games as well. Thanks to Nintendo and their development team, we made the best game we possible could, but looking back, we were quite reckless. How will we ever make something this good again? (laughs) We developed a fair amount of know-how working on the game, expertise I’d like to one day use on a new Famicom Detective Club one day (Jarop, 2021).
– Makoto Asada
Nintendo recently launched a cryptic drip marketing campaign featuring a disturbing image of a man with a paper bag over his head, accompanied by the question, “Who is Emio?” The campaign quickly sparked speculation and concern among fans, with some fearing that Bloober Team might be involved—a studio that has garnered mixed reactions in recent years. However, others were excited, hoping for a revival of the cult classic Eternal Darkness from the Nintendo GameCube era.
On July 17th, the mystery was finally unveiled: the game is a new entry in the Famicom Detective Club series. The announcement featured a video introduction from producer and original designer Yoshio Sakamoto, marking the first installment in the series in over 27 years. Notably, this new entry is also the first M-rated title within Nintendo’s in-house IP lineup.
The development staff of Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club consists of:
- Yoshio Sakamoto (Writer) – Known for Metroid, Super Metroid, Metroid Fusion, Metroid Dread, Wario Land 4
- Tsuyoshi Tonosaki, Hideo Sudo (Directors) – Known for Steins;Gate Elite, Yu-No: A Girl Who Chants Love at the Bound of this World
- Yukihiro Matsuo (Character Design)– Known for Chaos;Head: Noah, Chaos;Child, Anonymous;Code
- Takeshi Abo (Composer) – Known for Chaos;Head: Noah, Steins;Gate, Anonymous;Code, Robotics;Notes
- Yoshio Sakamoto, Makoto Asada (Producers) – Yoshio is known forMetroid,Super Metroid, Metroid Fusion, Metroid Dread, Wario Land 4.
Makoto is known for DeathSmiles II X, Corpse Party: Blood Drive, Anonymous;Code
Experience
Prior to playing Emio, I have completed the previous two Famicom Detective Club entries, the Spirit Hunter series, the first two Danganronpa titles, Fate/ Extra, Chaos;Head Noah and many other titles in the adventure game and visual novel genres. MAGES, formerly known as 5pb, I know of for the SciAdv universe, Muv-Luv, and Corpse Party.
Impressions
Visual and Animation Quality
From the moment you select “Start Investigation,” Emio The Smiling Man immediately draws you in with its remarkable animation work that surpasses MAGES’ previous efforts in the Famicom Detective Club remakes. The protagonist’s entrance into the Utsugi Detective Agency is striking, with even the smallest details, like the sway of his hair, fully animated. The characters, especially those who gesture while speaking, are brought to life with fluid, natural movements.
Background characters, such as a police officer dusting a fence for fingerprints, are also animated, adding a layer of immersion as you engage with officers in the foreground who salute or make hand motions in sync with their dialogue. This level of polish in the animation is a significant upgrade, making the presentation truly stand out.
Mature Themes and Narrative Depth
One of the most notable aspects of Emio is its use of the M rating, which brings a level of creative freedom that was previously unexplored in the Famicom Detective Club series. This rating allowed the team, led by Sakamoto, to craft an unsettling murderer and atmosphere, touching upon mature themes such as suicide, grief, and other heavy subjects. These elements come together to form a gripping story that takes you on a whirlwind of emotions and keeps you guessing until the very end. The mature themes add depth and complexity, making the narrative more engaging and impactful.
Gameplay and Sound Design
As the animations transition to gameplay, Emio offers a fully voiced recap whenever you load a save, ensuring you’re never lost in the narrative. The in-game journal is a thoughtful touch, keeping track of key details—people, items, descriptions, and events essential to the investigation. MAGES has streamlined conversations since their previous titles, with important text highlighted in yellow to guide players through critical dialogue. However, this feature can be turned off in the options menu if you prefer a more traditional experience.
The game follows multiple protagonists, giving you a broader perspective and a larger scope of the investigation. The soundtrack is another highlight, with compositions that perfectly capture the mood of each scene, whether it’s a somber moment, a cheerful interaction, or a tense confrontation. The sound design further enhances the experience with realistic audio effects, like footsteps and car doors closing, deepening your immersion in the story.
Pacing and Narrative Continuation
Emio wastes no time in thrusting you into the heart of a murder investigation, quickly introducing a mix of familiar and new characters. The pacing is brisk, creating a sense of urgency as you rush from one location to another, mirroring the protagonists’ determination to solve the case. This urgency adds a layer of tension that keeps you invested throughout.
Post-Game Content
But the experience doesn’t end when the credits roll. After completing the game, a hidden epilogue unlocks, providing essential revelations that fill in any gaps in the plot. This epilogue delves into the backstory of the killer and other key details through character interviews, offering a deeper understanding of the narrative. As a final treat, the game includes an OVA, beautifully animated by Studio MAPPA, which ties together the story’s threads in a cinematic and satisfying conclusion. This additional content not only enriches the story but also rewards players who are committed to uncovering every facet of the mystery.
Sakamoto and the rest of the team have created what is arguably the best Famicom Detective Club entry to date, pushing the boundaries of the series and delivering an unforgettable experience.
Seiyuu Performances
The talented cast of seiyuu truly brings the characters to life, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. Their performances make the already compelling story even more engaging. Some notable seiyuu include:
- Megumi Ogata (known for Ken Amada from Persona 3, Nagito Komaeda from Danganronpa 2, Makoto Naegi from Danganronpa, Shinji Ikari from Neon Genesis Evangelion)
- Yuko Minaguchi (known for Videl from Dragonball Z, Momiji from Ninja Gaiden, Sailor Saturn/Hotaru Tomoe from Sailor Moon S)
- Rikiya Koyama (known for Kiritsugu Emiya from Fate/Zero, Taiga Saejima from Yakuza, Master Chief from Halo 4-5)
- Riki Kagami (known for Rauru from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Yoshida from Tamodachi Game, Mettius from Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker
- Yoji Ueda (known for Robert E.O. Speedwagon from JoJos, Astos from Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, Pazu from Ghost In The Shell)
- Ryoko Shiraishi (Known for Asuka Kazama from Tekken, Hikage from Senran Kagura, Mila from Dead or Alive)
- Miyuki Sawashiro (Known for Kurapika from Hunter x Hunter, Chidori Yoshino & Elizabeth from Persona, Celty Sturluson from Durarara!!, Mordred from Fate)
- Aoi Yuuki (known for Madoka Kaname from Madoka Magica, Lysithea from Fire Emblem, Futaba Sakura from Persona, Yuuki Konno from Sword Art Online)
Verdict
Emio The Smiling Man is a masterpiece that stands as the pinnacle of the Famicom Detective Club series. MAGES has outdone themselves, delivering a game that is visually stunning, emotionally gripping, and narratively complex. The leap in animation quality brings the characters and environments to life in ways that were previously unimaginable, making every scene feel vibrant and immersive.
The mature themes and darker tones push the boundaries of what the series has explored before, resulting in a story that is both thought-provoking and intense. Sakamoto and his team have expertly woven a narrative that tackles heavy subjects like suicide, grief, and mental illness, all while maintaining the core mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end.
The gameplay improvements, such as the streamlined conversations and fully voiced recaps, make the experience more accessible without sacrificing depth. The multi-protagonist approach expands the narrative scope, offering varied perspectives that enrich the investigation. The inclusion of a hidden epilogue and an OVA animated by Studio MAPPA adds layers of depth and satisfaction for those who invest the time to see everything the game has to offer.
Finally, the stellar performances from the cast of seiyuu bring the characters to life in a way that only enhances the story’s emotional weight. Each voice actor adds nuance and depth, making the characters’ struggles and triumphs resonate even more.
Emio The Smiling Man is not just a visual novel; it’s a complete experience that sets a new standard for the genre. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or new to Famicom Detective Club, this game is a must-play, offering a hauntingly beautiful journey that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
TLDR
Rating: 10/10
In Summary: Emio The Smiling Man sets a new benchmark for the Famicom Detective Club series with its outstanding animation and emotionally charged narrative. The game offers high-quality visuals, tackles mature themes with depth, and features streamlined gameplay with fully voiced recaps.
The multi-protagonist perspective enriches the story, while the hidden epilogue and Studio MAPPA’s OVA reward dedicated players. Though its mature themes and complexity may not appeal to everyone, and some content might be missed, the game is a must-play for visual novel and mystery fans, thanks to its compelling story and exceptional voice acting.
References
- Jarop. (2021, June 20). Famicom Detective Club Dev wants to make a new entry in the series. Nintendo Everything. https://nintendoeverything.com/famicom-detective-club-dev-wants-to-make-a-new-entry-in-the-series/
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