Nintendo Switch Review: Him, the Smile & Bloom

PQube, MintLip, EDIA, and Team Entertainment have come together to introduce us to an intriguing new Otome visual novel titled “Him, the Smile & Bloom” on the Nintendo Switch. This game takes a different approach by letting players explore the intricacies of four unique couples’ stories, each tied to a specific flower theme in a charming flower shop setting. Curious to see how these tales unfold at Fill Flower?

For those less familiar with visual novels, these games prioritize storytelling and often offer narratives akin to full-fledged novels. In the Otome genre, typically, you follow a female character navigating romantic potential with various suitors. However, “Him, the Smile & Bloom” mixes things up by presenting the narratives of four couples, switching things up from the traditional single protagonist storyline. With full Japanese voice acting, a staple for PQube’s visual novels, the game enhances its immersive storytelling.

Even if you don’t understand Japanese, don’t worry—there’s plenty of reading to keep you engaged. The game can be experienced using the Joy-Cons or the touchscreen in both Portable and Tabletop modes—or if you’re using a Nintendo Switch Lite. Once you finish the introductory prologue, you’re free to select any one of the four male leads. Each path offers its own journey, with choices affecting the storyline and leading to one of three possible endings for each couple. Achieving a ‘good ending’ unlocks bonus side stories, adding depth and replayability.

Playing through each route, you also expand a unique Flower Book—a thoughtful inclusion that catalogs the various flowers featured in the game, each beautifully illustrated with insights shared by the male counterparts.

“Him, the Smile & Bloom” is not just about finding love but about delving deep into what makes each couple’s relationship bloom, themed around flowers like Anemone, Tweedia, Mimosa, and Nandina. With twelve endings to explore, it’s a feast for fans craving expansive content in their Otome visual novels. Dive into the Gallery to revisit beautiful CGs, reexperience the soundtrack, or delve into the Flower Book’s entries. Additionally, the game offers “Flower Halloween Night,” an extra scenario available for purchase, adding a festive twist to the story as the flower shop staff gear up for an entertaining Halloween event.

With its diverse stories and charming theme, “Him, the Smile & Bloom” promises a rich experience for visual novel enthusiasts. Explore the layers of love at Fill Flower and see where each story takes you, with each route offering delightful surprises and heartfelt moments. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned player, there’s a lot to enjoy in this flower-themed adventure on the Nintendo Switch.

This review was crafted based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by PQube, ensuring firsthand insight into the engaging world of “Him, the Smile & Bloom.”