Review: Him, the Smile & Bloom for Nintendo Switch

Him, the Smile & Bloom, brought to us by PQube, MintLip, EDIA, and Team Entertainment, introduces a fresh take on the Otome visual novel genre for the Nintendo Switch. Rather than following one female protagonist with multiple romantic possibilities, this game dives into the stories of four separate couples, each highlighted by a unique flower theme. How will these tales unfold at the bustling Fill Flower shop?

Visual novels—if you’re just getting acquainted—place a strong emphasis on storytelling, taking players on journeys that range from short tales to lengthy sagas akin to a novel. Otome visual novels typically feature a female lead in search of romance. However, Him, the Smile & Bloom shakes up the formula by allowing players to engage with multiple perspectives. Players will navigate the lives and relationships of four protagonists, each partnered with their own male companion. Expect the usual Japanese voice acting that’s synonymous with titles from PQube.

For those fluent in Japanese, you can enjoy the full extent of the voice acting. If not, prepare for a reading experience. You can interact with the game using the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con or take advantage of the touchscreen controls when playing on the go in Portable or Tabletop Mode, especially if you’re using a Nintendo Switch Lite.

After an introductory prologue that lays out the story’s framework, you’re free to pick any of the four male characters from the start without any strict order. Choose from Wataru Tori, Ginnosuke Sugawa, Tenya Minami, or Hokuto Ichige. After selecting a partner, you can decide on the female protagonist’s name for that story arc, or stick with the given names. Each pair navigates their own unique story, with Serina Aok, Ami Akashi, Miku Yukihira, and Fuuka Haruyoshi taking center stage alongside their chosen suitors.

Your decisions shape the course of each narrative, guiding you to one of three possible endings per couple. This structure adds considerable replay value, offering 12 different conclusions across the stories. Achieving an optimal, “good” ending for a couple unlocks a special side story, adding another layer of depth and engagement.

As you progress through these intertwining tales, you’ll unlock entries in the game’s Flower Book. Here, you’ll find a collection of the flowers featured in the various narratives, complete with their corresponding images—courtesy of the male characters—to offer context and charm.

Him, the Smile & Bloom provides a novel experience by letting players explore the intricacies of four distinct relationships against the backdrop of a flower shop. Each couple’s story is uniquely tied to a flower—Anemone, Tweedia, Mimosa, and Nandina—setting the scene for unexpected developments at Fill Flower. With numerous endings to explore, Otome enthusiasts are in for a treat. Don’t forget to visit the Gallery to review the visual and musical highlights from each story, or explore the entries in the Flower Book.

For fans interested in expanding their experience, there’s a downloadable side story—Flower Halloween Night—available for a small fee. This DLC extends the game’s universe, showcasing the employees at Fill Flower as they prepare for a delightful Halloween. See them in festive attire and hear them discuss their feelings in a charming episode set after the main storyline.

In summary, Him, the Smile & Bloom is a delightful and charming addition to the Otome visual novel genre, offering a fresh perspective on romance through the lens of multiple couples and beautifully thematic floral symbolism. If you’re curious about the intertwined tales of love at Fill Flower, this visual novel is well worth exploring.

This review was based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by PQube.