Nintendo Switch Review: Him, the Smile & Bloom

PQube, MintLip, EDIA, and Team Entertainment have come together to craft a delightful new Otome visual novel called “Him, the Smile & bloom,” available on Nintendo Switch. In this story, you won’t find yourself following a single heroine who has multiple romantic prospects. Instead, you’ll venture into the captivating stories of four distinct couples, each with its own unique narrative centered around a particular flower. So, what awaits you at the charming Fill Flower shop?

If you’re unfamiliar with visual novels, these are games that prioritize storytelling, often delivering novel-length narratives. Otome visual novels specifically focus on romantic stories featuring a female protagonist seeking love. In “Him, the Smile & bloom,” you’ll journey alongside four different couples, essentially providing four protagonists and their male counterparts. True to the genre, the game includes Japanese voice acting, a staple of PQube’s acclaimed releases.

For those fluent in Japanese, you’ll get the full voice acting experience as you play. If not, prepare for a text-heavy adventure! You can navigate the game using the Joy-Con controllers or the Nintendo Switch’s touchscreen in Portable or Tabletop mode, perfect if you’re playing on a Nintendo Switch Lite.

After a brief prologue sets the stage, you can immediately select from the four available male leads, without any recommended path. The choices include Wataru Tori, Ginnosuke Sugawa, Tenya Minami, and Hokuto Ichige. Selecting one of them allows you to name the female protagonist or stick with the default. For example, Wataru Tori’s partner is Serina Aok, Ginnosuke Sugawa is paired with Ami Akashi, Tenya Minami’s story features Miku Yukihira, and Hokuto Ichige’s love interest is Fuuka Haruyosi.

The decisions you make will influence the story’s direction and determine which of the three endings you’ll achieve for each couple, adding replayability with a total of 12 unique endings. Securing a good ending unlocks additional side stories, enriching the experience further.

As you engross yourself in each story, you’ll contribute to the game’s intriguing Flower Book—a handy tool that catalogues the various flowers featured throughout the tales. Each flower comes with a stunning image and is explained in charming detail by the story’s male lead.

Unravel each couple’s story through the lens of flowers like Anemone, Tweedia, Mimosa, and Nandina. With 12 endings across four couples, Otome visual novel enthusiasts have plenty of content to savor. Be sure to visit the Gallery to revisit CGs, enjoy the music, and dive into the Flower Book’s offerings. Plus, for $2.99, you can download the “Flower Halloween Night” scenario. This side story adds a touch of festivity as Fill Flower prepares for Halloween—a perfect scene for the boys to speak candidly about their beloveds.

In summary, “Him, the Smile & bloom” is a charming addition to the Otome visual novel landscape, with its unique focus on couples and flowers. Whether you’re a visual novel novice or a seasoned fan, this Nintendo Switch release is sure to captivate with its intertwining stories and appealing characters. This review reflects my insights from playing a Nintendo Switch version provided by PQube.