Emio - The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club review - an engaging mystery with 35-year-old mechanics

Let's lay out the facts of the case: Eisuke Saski, a high schooler, has been found strangled by a pumping station outside of the city. The object used to kill him is missing, but the true oddity is the paper bag with a grinning face drawn upon it placed over his head. A regular high schooler no more, this bag connects Eisuke to an uncaught serial killer from 18 years ago, who did the same thing to their victims. The twist? All three of those original victims were teenage girls. (Here's where the 'dun dun' would go if this was a Law and Order episode.)It's for this reason Inspector Kamada has asked the Utsugi Detective Agency to assist with the investigation. Alongside the stern Detective Kuze and slightly careless Detective Kamihara, you'll use your little grey cells to discover why Eisuke was in such a remote location, who killed him, and if his death is truly connected to the unsolved murders from so long ago - even if Kuze, somewhat suspiciously, would really prefer if you were off the case.This isn't all you'll have to contend with, however. Something spooky is afoot, for that paper bag ties the case to the urban myth of Emio, the Smiling Man. He appears in front of crying girls and promises to give them a smile. A permanent one. If the girl laughs then Emio walks away, but if she doesn't… Well, she doesn't have anything to smile about. Read more

Emio - The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club review - an engaging mystery with 35-year-old mechanics

Emio - The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club review - an engaging mystery with 35-year-old mechanics

Emio - The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club review - an engaging mystery with 35-year-old mechanics

Emio - The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club review - an engaging mystery with 35-year-old mechanics

Emio - The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club review - an engaging mystery with 35-year-old mechanics