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

PQube, MintLip, EDIA, and Team Entertainment have come together to bring us “Him, the Smile & Bloom,” a captivating new Otome visual novel set in a cozy flower shop, now available on Nintendo Switch. In this game, rather than stepping into the shoes of just one protagonist, you get to explore the lives of four different couples. Each couple’s narrative revolves around a specific flower, making the entire experience as intriguing as it sounds. So, what stories await us at Fill Flower?

For those unfamiliar, visual novels emphasize storytelling, ranging from brief tales to those as hefty as a novel, a nod to the genre’s name. Specifically, Otome novels often follow a female lead on her quest for love. But as mentioned, “Him, the Smile & Bloom” sets itself apart by offering not one but four distinct stories with corresponding protagonists and their potential romantic partners. The game comes with authentic Japanese voice acting, a staple for titles under PQube’s belt.

If you’re adept at Japanese, you’ll fully enjoy the immersiveness of the voiceovers. But if not, get ready for quite a bit of reading. The Nintendo Switch’s controls allow for versatile gameplay; you can use the Joy-Con controllers or take advantage of the touchscreen, whether you’re playing in Portable Mode, Tabletop Mode, or even on a Switch Lite.

The story begins with a prologue introducing the premise, followed by your choice among four male characters without any specific order required—perfect for picking whichever story calls to you first. The choices include Wataru Tori, Ginnosuke Sugawa, Tenya Minami, and Hokuto Ichige. Each path has its own female lead, whose name you choose—or you can stick with the default if you’d like. Meet Serina Aok, Ami Akashi, Miku Yukihira, and Fuuka Haruyosi as you dive into each journey.

Your decisions throughout shape the narrative and determine which of three possible endings each couple will have. This structure ensures plenty of replay opportunities, boasting 12 potential endings in total. Successfully landing on a couple’s ideal ending unlocks a special side story, adding further depth to the experience.

Progressing through the tales, you’ll add entries to the game’s Flower Book—a unique feature that not only lists the names of various flowers but also offers lovely illustrations and tidbits about each one’s significance, courtesy of the male partner leading that narrative.

Beyond exploring the complex emotional lives of four couples, “Him, the Smile & Bloom” illustrates each story with the symbolic beauty of flowers: Anemone, Tweedia, Mimosa, and Nandina, each presenting its own thematic journey at Fill Flower.

With 12 endings to uncover and the layered narratives of each couple, Otome fans will have their hands full. Dive into the Gallery to revisit story scenes, listen to the music tracks, or peruse the Flower Book’s entries. Plus, for those eager for more, there’s a downloadable scenario, “Flower Halloween Night,” priced at $2.99. This bonus episode delivers a festive experience with new costumes, decorations, and an added storyline for a post-game delight.

In summary, “Him, the Smile & Bloom” is a lovely new addition to the Otome genre on Nintendo Switch, offering a rich tapestry of stories and an experience filled with charm and intrigue. Enjoy the journey through this floral adventure and all the love stories intertwined within its petals.

Disclaimer: This review of “Him, the Smile & Bloom” is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by PQube.