Review of Genso Manège for Nintendo Switch

Genso Manège, a fresh Otome visual novel from PQube, Mages, and Love and Art, has made its way to the Nintendo Switch. Imagine setting off on this whimsical adventure set in Blancbourg, a fictional town near France’s eastern border. It’s here that the traveling amusement park, La Foire du Rêve, is poised to start a brand-new season. You step into the shoes of Emma, embarking on a personal quest to uncover more about your true self.

In the midst of your journey, you stumble upon a startling revelation: all the park’s members are ensnared by magical bonds, preventing them from leaving. Hidden within you is the power to release them, but it requires regaining the very magic that holds them captive. Adding to this mystique, you’re dealing with memory loss, having suffered an accident that erased a decade of your recollections. What truths will you uncover? Only playing the game can reveal that.

For those venturing into the world of visual novels, be prepared for a narrative-rich experience. Some games in this genre are straightforward, while others, like Genso Manège, open up multiple paths and romance options through the choices you make. Specifically, as an Otome visual novel, you navigate the story as a female lead, exploring potential love interests. Expect to hear characters voiced in Japanese, enhancing the immersive experience.

Playing Genso Manège on the Nintendo Switch offers flexibility. Whether you prefer using the Joy-Con controllers or the touchscreen feature in Tabletop or Portable Mode, the game adapts to your preference seamlessly. The controls are intuitive: navigate options with the analog sticks or D-Pad, and confirm choices with the A button. For those who’d rather sit back and enjoy the story, activating Auto Mode with the Y button is an option.

A unique aspect of Genso Manège is the Éveil System mini-game, where regaining your magical prowess involves collecting stars scattered on the screen. You can interact with these stars via analog sticks or touchscreen inputs. Successfully matching a star outline with Emma’s results fills your gauge, rewarding tactical engagement with improved magical strength. For those who prefer to focus on the narrative, there’s an option to bypass this mini-game, automatically achieving an A rank.

Engaging with the cast of Genso Manège forms the heart of your adventure. You’ll meet Hugo, the park’s director, whose charm is underlined by a playful edge. Then there’s Serge, contributing as the accountant, whose aloof demeanor might conceal hidden depths. Crier, the trailblazing performer, may be only 17, but his caring nature holds a special appeal, especially towards Emma.

The mystery deepens with Lyon, never seen without his mascot costume, prompting curiosity about his true appearance and age. Meanwhile, Luciole, the introverted mechanic, prefers his solitude, inviting speculation about his past. Lastly, Emma’s path may cross with childhood friend Arnaud, a 19-year-old journalist with a familiar but intriguing storyline.

Genso Manège invites you into its reimagined French setting, encouraging exploration of romantic and personal discovery. Dive into the Extras section for a treasure trove of bonus content, including a CG Library, a Sound Library, and a Clear List, with a little something labeled ‘Special’ for you to uncover. As Genso Manège lands on the Nintendo Switch today, priced at $49.99, it’s a narrative experience ripe for exploration.

Will you unlock the secrets of your past and reshape the future? Prepare to find out.

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