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

Him, the Smile & bloom, developed by PQube, MintLip, EDIA, and Team Entertainment, offers a fresh take on the Otome visual novel genre for the Nintendo Switch. Dive into this delightful experience with our Him, the Smile & bloom review!

Instead of following a single heroine, this visual novel invites you to explore the tales of four distinct couples. Each story zeroes in on their unique dynamics, all set against the charming backdrop of a flower shop. Every couple’s journey is symbolized by a different featured flower, adding depth and symbolism to the narrative. Curious about what unravels at Fill Flower?

If you’re new to visual novels, these games typically prioritize story, often unfolding like a rich narrative book, which is precisely why they fall under this genre. In Otome games, the focus tends to be on a leading female character in search of romance. With Him, the Smile & bloom, you cruise through the lives of four couples, hence experiencing the perspectives of four female characters and their male partners. True to PQube’s releases, you’ll enjoy Japanese voiceovers, enhancing the authentic feel of your journey.

For those fluent in Japanese, the voice acting becomes an immersive experience. For everyone else, be ready for plenty of reading! Navigate through the game using the Joy-Con on your Nintendo Switch or embrace the touchscreen capabilities if you’re playing on-the-go with a Nintendo Switch Lite.

Starting with a prologue that sets the stage, you’re free to choose any of the four male leads. The story order doesn’t matter; pick based on who piques your interest! Your choices are, Wataru Tori, Ginnosuke Sugawa, Tenya Minami, and Hokuto Ichige. Upon selecting a suitor, you can retain or change the female lead’s name. Wataru’s story features Serina Aok, Ginnosuke’s has Ami Akashi, Tenya’s follows Miku Yukihira, and Hokuto’s centers on Fuuka Haruyosi.

Each decision you make influences the path each couple takes, determining which of the three potential endings you will reach. This branching narrative means the game has a lot of replay value. Unlocking the best possible ending offers a sweet bonus: a side story for the couple. In total, there are 12 different endings to discover!

Engage with each storyline, and you’ll fill out the Flower Book, a wonderful in-game resource cataloging the flowers mentioned in your journey, complete with vibrant illustrations. Your male counterpart provides captivating insights about each bloom, adding layers to the storytelling.

Him, the Smile & bloom is enriched by its flower shop setting, where each couple’s journey is represented by the flowers Anemone, Tweedia, Mimosa, and Nandina. The romantic narratives, combined with the rich floral themes, carve a unique niche in the Otome visual novel space.

With the promise of 12 different endings (three for each couple), this title offers plenty for genre enthusiasts to enjoy. Don’t forget to visit the Gallery to revisit CG images, music, and entries from the Flower Book. For those craving more, there’s extra content available, such as the Flower Halloween Night DLC, priced at $2.99. This add-on brings the unique charm of Halloween to Fill Flower with costumes, decorations, and new customer giveaways. Join the characters as they celebrate and reflect on their beloved ones in this delightful short story post-main game.

This charming visual novel is a thoughtful addition to your Nintendo Switch collection. Him, the Smile & bloom invites you to explore love narratives intertwined with the beauty of flowers in a quaint setting, offering a fresh twist for Otome enthusiasts.

Disclaimer: This review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by PQube.