Nintendo's "Emio" Is a Terrifying New Horror Game
Nintendo, known for its family-friendly titles like Mario and Zelda, has unveiled a new game that's anything but kid-friendly: "Emio." This mysterious horror game is raising eyebrows and sparking speculation amongst fans.
The 15-second teaser for "Emio" features a figure wearing a trench coat and a paper bag over their head with a smiley face drawn on it. The tagline, "Who is Emio?" has left gamers scratching their heads. Emio translates to "Smiling Man," which makes sense considering the character's attire. It's already inspiring some low-effort cosplays!
What's So Scary About "Emio"?
The teaser for "Emio" includes a "Viewer discretion" warning, and it's been rated PEGI 18, which is unusual for a first-party Nintendo title. This is a big deal, as Nintendo typically focuses on games for all ages. This sudden foray into the horror genre has definitely caught the attention of horror fans.
This teaser for "Emio" is even more mysterious, considering Nintendo just had a big Nintendo Direct showcase in June 2024. It's possible that "Emio" wasn't announced there to keep the showcase family-friendly. However, it could also mean that "Emio" is being saved for Nintendo's next-gen console. The realistic graphics in the trailer may be too much for the Switch to handle.
What's Next for "Emio"?
The prospect of a new, full-fledged, M-rated Horror Game from Nintendo is intriguing. With the teaser now released, hopefully, Nintendo will soon shed some light on who "Emio" is and what awaits gamers in this terrifying new game.
Nintendo's History With Horror Games
Nintendo has a surprising history with Horror Games. While not as common as family-friendly titles, here are a few examples of horror titles that have appeared on Nintendo consoles:
- Fatal Frame: Maiden of the Black Water (Wii U)
- Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing in Disguise (Switch)
The Switch also has a number of third-party horror games available, making it a surprisingly good platform for horror fans. Now, with the release of "Emio," Nintendo is showing that it's willing to explore even darker genres.
