SwitchArcade Round-Up: Reviews Featuring ‘Emio – The Smiling Man’, Plus Today’s New Releases and Sales

Hello, fellow gamers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Roundup for September 5th, 2024! It's Thursday already – where does the time go? We're diving straight into reviews today, with in-depth looks at Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate. Our contributor, Mikhail, also shares his thoughts on Nour: Play With Your Food, Fate/stay night REMASTERED, and the TOKYO CHRONOS & ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos TWIN PACK. We'll then cover the day's hottest new releases and round things off with our usual sales lists. Let's get started!

Reviews & Mini-Views

Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club ($49.99)

Sequels to long-dormant franchises are all the rage, it seems. Nintendo's surprising revival of Famicom Detective Club, a series largely unfamiliar to Western audiences except for a brief remake a few years ago, is a prime example. This marks the first new Famicom Detective Club adventure in years, a welcome development.

The challenge in reviving an old IP lies in striking the right balance between nostalgia and modernity. Emio – The Smiling Man largely maintains the style of the recent remakes, staying true to the originals. The result is a curious blend. The visuals are top-notch, and the story is more mature than anything from the 90s Nintendo era. However, the gameplay feels distinctly old-school, which will be a make-or-break factor for many players.

The game begins with the discovery of a deceased student, a paper bag bearing a smiling face over their head. This triggers a re-investigation of similar unsolved murders from 18 years prior, raising numerous questions. The urban legend of Emio, a killer promising eternal smiles, is brought to the forefront. Is it a copycat? The police are baffled, so it's time for the Utsugi Detective Agency to step in! Through investigation and interrogation, you'll uncover the truth.

Gameplay involves searching for clues, questioning suspects (often requiring multiple interactions), and piecing together the narrative. Fans of Ace Attorney's investigation segments will feel right at home. The investigative mechanics, however, could be smoother, and some logical connections could use clearer signposting. While not egregious by the standards of the genre, these aspects might frustrate some players.

Despite some minor story criticisms, Emio is largely engaging, twisting, and well-written. While certain plot points may not resonate with everyone, I'd advise experiencing the story firsthand. The narrative's strengths outweigh its weaknesses, particularly during its most captivating moments.

Emio – The Smiling Man is atypical of Nintendo, but shows no signs of developer rust. Its adherence to the original game's mechanics might be a drawback for some, and the pacing occasionally falters. However, these are minor flaws in an otherwise enjoyable mystery adventure. Welcome back, Detective Club!

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate ($29.99)

The Switch is getting a fantastic collection of TMNT games! From the Cowabunga Collection to Shredder's Revenge and Wrath of the Mutants, there's something for every fan. Splintered Fate offers a unique blend of beat 'em up and roguelite elements.

This title is a solid entry. It blends the familiar beat 'em up gameplay with the roguelite structure of Hades. Play solo or with up to four players locally or online. Online multiplayer worked well in our testing. The game is enjoyable solo, but multiplayer significantly enhances the experience.

The story involves Shredder and a mysterious power, leaving Splinter in peril. The Turtles must save him! Fight enemies, use tactical dashes, collect perks, and upgrade your abilities. Death sends you back to the lair to try again. While not groundbreaking, it's a well-executed roguelite beat 'em up. The TMNT theme elevates the experience.

Splintered Fate isn't a must-have for everyone, but TMNT fans will appreciate this unique take on the franchise. The well-implemented multiplayer is a plus. While other superior roguelites exist on Switch, Splintered Fate holds its own in a competitive genre.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

(Mini-Reviews by Mikhail Madnani continue below, following the same format as above. Images would be inserted here as well.)

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