Review of Him, the Smile & Bloom for Nintendo Switch

In a refreshing twist on the Otome visual novel genre, PQube, MintLip, EDIA, and Team Entertainment introduce “Him, the Smile & Bloom” for Nintendo Switch. This captivating title takes us into the charming world of a flower shop, where love stories blossom. Instead of following the usual path of a single protagonist seeking romance, you’ll step into the lives of four different couples. Each couple’s journey unfolds with a unique flower in the limelight. How will these tales unfold at Fill Flower?

If you’re new to visual novels, they are essentially story-driven experiences, sometimes on the scale of full novels—which is how the genre got its name. Otome visual novels typically feature a female lead on a quest for love. “Him, the Smile & Bloom” adds a twist by offering not one but four different protagonists, each paired with a male companion. True to form, the game includes Japanese voice acting, which is a staple for PQube-published visual novels.

If you speak Japanese, you’ll fully appreciate the voicework. Otherwise, prepare for some in-depth reading! The game is perfectly playable with the versatile Nintendo Switch controls, whether you’re using the Joy-Con, the touchscreen in Portable or Tabletop Mode, or playing on the Switch Lite.

Once you’re past the initial setup, choose from the four male characters. No particular order is suggested, so feel free to explore whichever story captures your interest first. Your choices include Wataru Tori, Ginnosuke Sugawa, Tenya Minami, and Hokuto Ichige. After selecting one, you can either name your female protagonist or stick with the default options—Serina Aoki, Ami Akashi, Miku Yukihira, and Fuuka Haruyosi, respectively.

The narrative flow depends on your decisions, determining which of the three possible endings you’ll reach with each couple. This mechanic not only enhances the story’s depth but also adds significant replay value. Complete with 12 exciting endings overall, the game encourages exploration. Achieving a couple’s good ending even unlocks an extra side story!

Throughout your journey, you’ll gradually fill in the Flower Book with details about each flower mentioned in the narratives. It’s a neat feature that adds depth, complete with images and commentary provided by the male partner, offering further insights.

As you dive into this delightful Otome, you’ll engage with themes surrounding flowers like Anemone, Tweedia, Mimosa, and Nandina. With multiple endings to uncover, there’s plenty here for fans of the genre to appreciate. Don’t forget to explore the Gallery for the beautifully crafted CG art, musical scores, and comprehensive entries in the Flower Book. Additionally, there’s a side scenario available, “Flower Halloween Night,” priced at $2.99, which adds a Halloween twist to the flower shop’s operations—complete with festive costumes and special treats.

Charming, serene, and filled with heartwarming stories, “Him, the Smile & Bloom” offers a unique spin on a beloved genre. This review of the game is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by PQube. Whether you’re a seasoned Otome fan or a newcomer, this engaging title is well worth the journey.