So, I played through Emio in winter. Now time has passed, I feel compelled to write something because I’m convinced this is a high water mark for the medium.
Before I start, context is needed: I don’t play many story-driven games, whether RPG, adventure, visual novel or otherwise. At the same time, I don’t avoid them. It’s just that I favour film and literature for narrative and there are only so many hours in the day…
In any case, Emio is not your average video game narrative. But that wasn’t clear to me when I finished the game. At that stage, it seemed a solid sequel to the Famicom Detective Club games. Neither better nor worse than the highly polished remakes of 2021. As good as they are, the art direction and soundtrack do a lot of heavy lifting. I really like the style of these games, one part Studio Ghibli, one part classic Ozu film. There is an appreciation for everyday beauty that the Japanese specialise in.
In other words, reaching the end of Emio, everything was satisfactory. Fine games featuring a lovingly realised aesthetic and serviceable stories. But then…
Indeed.
Epilogues so often feel like the writer simply cannot stop, as though they have to reiterate the same point, yet again. Not so in Emio. The epilogue takes control away from the player and recontextualises your experience playing the game. Feelings you may have had are subverted. Questions are asked. Important questions.
Naturally, I can’t go into more detail. The only thing left to say is that Emio - The Smiling Man is a work of art. Whatever you think of Sakamoto, this is his moment.