
Famicom Detective Club: The Missing Heir
Also known as Famicom Tantei Club: Kieta Koukeisha · ファミコン探偵倶楽部 消えた後継者
Mystery, Thriller, Horror · by Nintendo / MAGES. · published by Nintendo · 2021
An amnesiac detective investigates a murder tied to a wealthy countryside family while trying to piece together who he is.
Who it's for: Switch owners who want a classic, self-contained Japanese detective story with a light horror atmosphere.
The story (spoiler-free)
You are a detective, or so you are told, because you cannot remember anything. Somewhere in the Japanese countryside, tragedy has struck the wealthy Ayashiro family, and the case you were working on is now a murder investigation you have to rebuild from scratch.
The game plays like a classic Japanese command-style adventure: choose to talk, look, ask or think, follow up on leads, and gradually rebuild both the case and your own memories. The remake adds full voice acting and animated character art to the 1988 original.
It is self-contained, and its companion remake, The Girl Who Stands Behind, can be bought separately or in a bundle.
Why play it
- +Polished remake of a historically important mystery adventure
- +Self-contained and moderate in length
- +Atmospheric rural setting with a touch of folk horror
- +Fully voiced (Japanese) with animated portraits
Keep in mind
- −Switch only
- −Command-menu trial and error can feel old-fashioned
- −Linear; choices change little
Content warnings
Show 4 content warnings
If you like Famicom Detective Club: The Missing Heir

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Also mystery, male lead, longer, linear, no choices.

PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo
Also mystery and thriller, similar length.

Higurashi When They Cry Hou
Also mystery and thriller, male lead, longer, linear, no choices, shares murder mystery.

Spirit Hunter: NG
Also mystery and thriller, male lead, longer.