"Emio – The Smiling Man' Reviewed: SwitchArcade's Latest, Plus New Releases and Sales

Hello, dear readers, and welcome to the SwitchArcade Round-Up for September 5th, 2024. It's already Thursday—time flies, doesn't it? Today, we're diving deep into reviews again. I've got two for you: Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate. Our friend Mikhail also joins us with his insights on Nour: Play With Your Food, Fate/stay night REMASTERED, and TOKYO CHRONOS & ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos TWIN PACK. We'll then explore the latest new releases and wrap up with a look at the new and expiring sales. Ah, Thursday, you'll be missed when Friday rolls around. Let's get started!

Reviews & Mini-Views

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

It seems like the latest trend is reviving long-dormant franchises, and video games are no exception. Nintendo has surprisingly decided to bring back Famicom Detective Club, a series that was briefly reintroduced to Western audiences through the Switch remakes of the first two games. Now, for the first time in this millennium, we have a brand new Famicom Detective Club adventure with Emio – The Smiling Man. That's quite exciting.

Reviving an old brand poses the challenge of balancing fidelity to the original with modern updates. Emio – The Smiling Man opts to maintain the style of the recent remakes, which closely resemble the originals. The visuals are impressive, matching those of contemporary games, and the story pushes boundaries beyond what Nintendo might have done in the 90s. However, the gameplay remains rooted in old-school mechanics, which could be a deciding factor in your enjoyment of the game.

The story revolves around a student found dead with a paper bag over his head, adorned with a smiling face. This eerie detail connects to unsolved murders from eighteen years ago, sparking an investigation into the urban legend of Emio, a killer who promises an eternal smile. Is it a returning killer, a copycat, or something else entirely? Enter the Utsugi Detective Agency, where you'll use classic detective techniques to uncover the truth.

The gameplay involves searching scenes for clues, interrogating characters, and piecing together the mystery. It's reminiscent of the investigation phases in Ace Attorney. While some might find the gameplay tedious, it's a staple of the genre. The story is engaging and well-written, though some plot points may not resonate with everyone. Overall, Emio – The Smiling Man is a solid mystery adventure, though it could benefit from smoother mechanics and clearer logic paths.

I enjoyed the game more than I didn't, and when it picks up, it really captivates. Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club is a unique offering from Nintendo, and while it sticks closely to the original mechanics, it delivers a compelling narrative. Welcome back, Detective Club—don't stay away so long next time.

SwitchArcade Score: 4/5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate ($29.99)

The Switch is becoming a haven for TMNT fans, with classics like the Cowabunga Collection, modern takes like Shredder’s Revenge, and now Splintered Fate, which offers a home console experience. If you've played this on Apple Arcade, you know what to expect, but for those new to it, let's break it down.

Splintered Fate blends a TMNT-style beat 'em up with the roguelite mechanics of Hades. You can play solo or with up to four players via local or online multiplayer. Mikhail and I tried the online multiplayer, and it worked seamlessly. The game is enjoyable solo, but it truly shines with more players, capturing the essence of TMNT.

The plot involves Shredder and a mysterious power threatening Splinter, prompting the Turtles to embark on a rescue mission. The gameplay involves fighting enemies, dodging attacks, collecting perks, and earning currency for permanent upgrades. If you die, you start over, but with the Turtles, it's always more fun.

While Splintered Fate may not be groundbreaking, it's a solid addition to the TMNT lineup. Fans of the series will appreciate this roguelite twist, and the multiplayer aspect is well-executed. For those not invested in TMNT, there are better roguelite options on the Switch, but Splintered Fate holds its own in a competitive genre.

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Nour: Play With Your Food ($9.99)

When Nour: Play With Your Food first launched on PC and PS5, I was surprised it didn't also come to Switch and mobile, given its experimental food art nature. I enjoyed it on PC, but it's not for everyone. If you're into playful sandbox experiences and love food, Nour might be your jam, though the Switch version has some drawbacks.

Nour lets you interact with various food types across different stages, accompanied by interesting music and whimsical elements. It's like an interactive app for food and art lovers. While it starts with basic interactions, the developers have added a lot to let you truly play with your food.

The lack of touchscreen support on Switch is disappointing, and the game can be heavy on the Steam Deck, with noticeable cutbacks on Switch to ensure smooth performance. Long load times are also an issue, both docked and handheld.

Despite these limitations, Nour: Play With Your Food is worth experiencing if you're passionate about food and art. While the Switch version isn't ideal, it's still a unique addition to the gaming landscape, complementing more traditional games. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 3.5/5

Fate/stay night REMASTERED ($29.99)

Fate/stay night REMASTERED hit Nintendo Switch and Steam about a month ago, and I've been eager to cover it. My journey with the Fate series began with Fate/Zero, and since then, I've explored various Fate-related releases. The arrival of Fate/stay night REMASTERED in English on Switch feels surreal, and it's definitely worth your time and money, with a few caveats.

This remaster of the 2004 Type Moon visual novel follows Emiya Shirou and the Holy Grail war, serving as the perfect entry point into the Fate universe. With over 55 hours of content, the low price is a steal. The remaster includes English text, 16:9 support, and improved visuals, though it doesn't reach the level of Tsukihime's recent remake.

The touchscreen support on Switch enhances the experience, and I played it seamlessly on both my Switch Lite and OLED. It also runs perfectly on Steam Deck. The only downside is the lack of a physical release on Switch, but I hope it does well enough to warrant one.

Fate/stay night REMASTERED is essential for visual novel fans, and its low price makes it an easy recommendation. It's a joy to finally play it in English after all these years. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 5/5

TOKYO CHRONOS & ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos TWIN PACK ($49.99)

As someone who's never delved into VR beyond borrowing a PS VR headset, I've missed out on some great games. TOKYO CHRONOS and ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos were often praised by VR enthusiasts, and now, thanks to Izanagi Games, I can experience them on Switch.

TOKYO CHRONOS follows high school friends in an alternate Shibuya, dealing with lost memories and killers. While the narrative can feel predictable at times, the visuals are impressive, and I'm curious to try it in VR.

ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos stands out with its superior production, music, writing, and characters. It goes beyond a traditional visual novel, making for a more memorable experience. The Switch version has some camera movement issues, but the touchscreen support and rumble features enhance immersion.

TOKYO CHRONOS & ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos TWIN PACK offers a great experience on Switch, and I'm glad to finally explore these stories. If you enjoy sci-fi narratives, I recommend trying the demo to see how it feels on Switch. -Mikhail Madnani

SwitchArcade Score: 4.5/5

Select New Releases

Fitness Boxing feat. Hatsune Miku ($49.99)

This game's title perfectly encapsulates its content: Fitness Boxing featuring Hatsune Miku. With 24 songs from Miku and friends, plus 30 more from the Fitness Boxing series, you'll have plenty of tunes to work out to. The mechanics are similar to other games in the series, so if you're looking for a Fitness Boxing experience with a Miku twist, this is for you.

Gimmick! 2 ($24.99)

I reviewed this yesterday, but in case you missed it, Gimmick! 2 is a faithful sequel to the cult classic, building on its foundations with a slick new presentation and challenging gameplay. If you enjoy clever platformers, this is definitely worth checking out.

Touhou Danmaku Kagura Phantasia Lost ($29.99)

Tired of switching between rhythm games and bullet hell shoot 'em ups? Touhou Danmaku Kagura Phantasia Lost combines both genres, though the mix might feel a bit unusual. The Touhou theme ties it together, and fans of the series will appreciate the good music.

EGGCONSOLE Hydlide MSX ($6.49)

Another version of Hydlide has been released in EGGCONSOLE, this time the MSX version. It falls between the PC-8801 and NES releases, and while Hydlide super-fans might want to collect all versions, others might not find much new here.

Arcade Archives Lead Angle ($7.99)

Hamster brings us Lead Angle, a 1988 Seibu Kaihatsu gallery shooter. While it may not have been a blockbuster back then, it's a solid example of the genre. If you enjoy shooting gangsters in a vintage setting, give it a try.

Sales

(North American eShop, US Prices)

Today's sales aren't particularly exciting, but No Man’s Sky is always a good pick. The other games on sale are frequently discounted, so it's up to you whether to grab them. The same goes for the expiring sales.

Select New Sales

No Man’s Sky ($23.99 from $59.99 until 9/17)
The Last Campfire ($1.99 from $14.99 until 9/17)
XALADIA: Rise of the Space Pirates X2 ($8.09 from $17.99 until 9/18)
Scars of Mars ($15.99 from $19.99 until 9/18)
Die for Valhalla ($3.59 from $11.99 until 9/25)
Moonlighter ($3.74 from $24.99 until 9/25)
Thea: The Awakening ($5.39 from $17.99 until 9/25)
Children of Morta ($5.49 from $21.99 until 9/25)
Dungeon of the Endless ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/25)
Yes, Your Grace ($2.99 from $19.99 until 9/25)
Hypnospace Outlaw ($4.99 from $19.99 until 9/25)
Nowhere Prophet ($2.49 from $24.99 until 9/25)
Soccer Story ($7.99 from $19.99 until 9/25)
Family Man ($1.99 from $19.99 until 9/25)
South of the Circle ($6.49 from $12.99 until 9/25)
Wingspan ($9.99 from $19.99 until 9/25)

Sales Ending Tomorrow, September 6th

Ambition: A Minuet in Power ($4.99 from $9.99 until 9/6)
Dance of Death: Du Lac & Fey ($2.39 from $15.99 until 9/6)
Fear Effect Sedna ($1.99 from $19.99 until 9/6)
Galak-Z The Void Deluxe ($2.99 from $14.99 until 9/6)
Kingdom Rush ($5.49 from $9.99 until 9/6)
Kingdom Rush Frontiers ($5.49 from $9.99 until 9/6)
Kingdom Rush Origins ($8.24 from $14.99 until 9/6)
My Time at Portia ($4.49 from $29.99 until 9/6)
PowerWash Simulator ($17.49 from $24.99 until 9/6)
Skulls of the Shogun ($3.99 from $19.99 until 9/6)
Suhoshin ($4.49 from $14.99 until 9/6)
The House of Da Vinci 2 ($4.99 from $9.99 until 9/6)
Ty the Tasmanian Tiger 4 ($9.99 from $19.99 until 9/6)
Ty the Tasmanian Tiger HD ($10.49 from $29.99 until 9/6)
Violet Wisteria ($7.49 from $14.99 until 9/6)
What the Fork ($4.49 from $17.99 until 9/6)

That's all for today, friends. We'll be back tomorrow to wrap things up with more reviews, new releases, and sales. Did you know? My blog, Post Game Content, is set to become active again soon. If you enjoy my thoughts on games, be sure to check it out. I hope you all have a thrilling Thursday, and as always, thanks for reading!