Review of Genso Manège for Nintendo Switch

Let me tell you about Genso Manège, a fascinating otome visual novel available on the Nintendo Switch, brought to life by PQube, Mages, and Love and Art. Set against the backdrop of France reimagined, this tale unfolds in a quaint town called Blancbourg near the nation’s eastern edges, where an enchanting traveling amusement park, La Foire du Rêve, is all set to dazzle the locals as its new season begins. You’ll step into the shoes of Emma, embarking on a captivating journey of discovering her true self.

As Emma acquaints herself with the vibrant characters of La Foire du Rêve, she stumbles upon a startling secret. The individuals working there are ensnared by a magical force, making them unwilling captives. Emma holds the key to freeing them, and to do so, she’ll need to immerse herself in the park’s mysteries and reclaim the magic necessary to break their chains. Complicating her quest is the fact that an accident has wiped a decade of her memories. What mysteries will unravel as she pieces together her past? Only gameplay can reveal that.

If you’re dipping your toes into the world of visual novels, they’re heavily centered around storytelling. While some follow a straightforward path, others—and Genso Manège is one of them—grant you decision-making power, steering you toward varied paths with chances to kindle romantic relationships. Like other otome visual novels, you guide a female protagonist in search of love. In this case, the characters converse in their native Japanese, enhancing the immersive experience.

Navigating this adventure on your Nintendo Switch is smooth, whether you prefer using the Joy-Con controllers or the console’s touchscreen. The latter is particularly handy in Portable or Tabletop modes, even on the Switch Lite. Managing your choices is a delight, simply moving through dialogues with the left or right sticks and confirming with the A button. Fancy a hands-off experience? Hit the Y button to let the dialogues flow in Auto Mode.

To reclaim her magical prowess, Emma will engage in a mini-game dubbed the Éveil System. Here you’ll need to gather stars that appear willy-nilly on the screen. Opt for the Joy-Con’s analog sticks or your fingers on the screen to collect these stars, which gradually fill a gauge. Once filled, align a shrinking star-shaped outline with a star in Emma’s hand by pressing the A button to nail the mini-game. And if you’re not a fan, fret not—it can be skipped post-tutorial, always awarding an A rank.

Who, you ask, are the charming characters that Emma can bond with? Let’s introduce you: Hugo, the charismatic Director of La Foire du Rêve, is 25 and a gentleman with a mischievous side. Serge, his 27-year-old accountant, is cool on the surface but don’t be fooled by his demeanor; there’s depth there. Meet Crier, the 17-year-old star performer brimming with kindness towards Emma.

Then there’s Lyon, the park’s enigmatic mascot who never parts with his costume. Curious about what’s underneath? You might discover that on his storyline. Luciole, a 21-year-old introverted mechanic, prefers the solitude of his tent, while Arnaud, a 19-year-old journalist and Emma’s childhood friend, brings familiarity to the mix, hinting at an intriguing shared past.

Stepping into Emma’s world as she uncovers who she is, Genso Manège takes you through an engrossing reimagined France with its rich characters and charming narrative. Dive deeper into the Extras section to admire the special CG illustrations, enjoy the Sound Library, and explore the Clear List—plus a few undisclosed surprises in a Special section. This delightful journey launches today on Nintendo Switch, eagerly inviting you at $49.99.

Before we part, a quick note: this review of Genso Manège is based on a Nintendo Switch code graciously provided by PQube. Now, are you ready to uncover the depth of Emma’s identity?