Review of “Him, the Smile & Bloom” for Nintendo Switch

PQube, MintLip, EDIA, and Team Entertainment have teamed up to bring us an intriguing new visual novel for the Nintendo Switch, known as “Him, the Smile & bloom.” This title offers a fresh twist on the classic Otome game formula by immersing players in the intertwined lives of four distinct couples, rather than focusing on a single protagonist with multiple suitors. Each couple’s journey highlights a different flower, tying into the theme of the flower shop setting. Curious about how these stories unfold at Fill Flower? Keep reading our review to find out!

For those unfamiliar with visual novels, they’re narrative-focused games that prioritize story and character development over gameplay mechanics. In Otome games, the protagonist is typically a woman navigating potential romances. However, “Him, the Smile & bloom” takes a unique approach by presenting four separate storylines, each led by different pairs of characters. The game boasts Japanese voice acting, a standard feature for visual novels published by PQube, adding authenticity to the experience.

If you understand Japanese, you can dive right into the impressive voice work. If not, expect plenty of reading as you navigate through the narratives. You can choose how to play by using the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Con controllers or its touchscreen in Portable or Tabletop Mode. This flexibility extends to those using a Switch Lite as well.

The game kicks off with a prologue that sets the scene before letting you choose one of the four male leads. Each story is independent, allowing you to start wherever you like. The suitors include Wataru Tori, Ginnosuke Sugawa, Tenya Minami, and Hokuto Ichige, each partnered with their respective female leads: Serina Aok, Ami Akashi, Miku Yukihira, and Fuuka Haruyosi. Throughout your chosen storyline, the decisions you make will direct which one of three potential endings you’ll reach, giving you more reasons to replay the game to see all 12 conclusions. Achieving a couple’s “good” ending even unlocks an extra side story!

Each narrative deepens with contributions to the in-game Flower Book, an engaging feature cataloging the flowers discussed throughout the tales. This compendium not only includes pictures but also detailed information provided by the male characters, making it a delightful aspect for players interested in floral symbolism.

As you explore the stories revolving around flowers like Anemone, Tweedia, Mimosa, and Nandina, you’ll find yourself drawn into a myriad of romantic possibilities. With a total of 12 endings spread across four lovers, there’s ample content for Otome fans to savor. The game also encourages players to visit the Gallery section, where they can view character portraits and listen to story music, as well as explore the Flower Book entries.

For additional enjoyment, a downloadable scenario titled “Flower Halloween Night” is available for $2.99. This DLC enriches the main game with a Halloween event at Fill Flower, complete with themed decorations, costumes, and activities, further enhancing the experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned fan of visual novels or new to the genre, “Him, the Smile & bloom” is a captivating choice, blending romance and horticulture into a memorable narrative experience on Nintendo Switch.

Disclaimer: This review was based on a Nintendo Switch version of the game provided by PQube.