Genso Manège, brought to us by PQube, Mages, and Love and Art, is an engaging Otome visual novel now available on the Nintendo Switch. Dive into the vibrant world of Blancbourg, a picturesque town along France’s eastern border, as you journey through a thrilling narrative. This is where the traveling carnival, La Foire du Rêve, is set to kick off its season, and you, as Emma, are in for quite an adventure of self-exploration and uncovering deep-rooted secrets about your true identity.
During your time with La Foire du Rêve, you discover that each member of this whimsical circus is ensnared by a magical force, unable to leave. Surprisingly, you hold the key to their freedom, but reclaiming your forgotten talents, lost due to an accident that erased a decade of memories, won’t be easy. What secrets await you as you peel back the layers of your past? Only by playing through the story will you find out.
For those new to the visual novel genre, these games are heavily narrative-driven. While some follow a straightforward path, others, like Genso Manège, present various choices that shape the journey and open avenues to romance. Known as an Otome visual novel, you’ll step into the shoes of a female lead seeking love’s embrace.
Gameplay on the Switch is flexible. You can navigate using the Joy-Con, or, particularly when in Tabletop or Portable modes, interact via the touchscreen. With the Joy-Con, navigate your choices with either the analog sticks or the D-Pad and confirm with the A button. Transition between dialogues with A, or activate Auto Mode by pressing Y for a smooth experience.
To regain your mystical capabilities, engage in the Éveil System mini-game, where you’ll collect stars scattered on the screen. Guide your analog sticks—or fingertips if using touchscreen controls—to gather these stars, filling a gauge that leads to the completion of this mini-game. It’s worth noting that after the initial tutorial, skipping the mini-game is possible, awarding you an A rank automatically.
Get to know the interesting personalities within La Foire du Rêve. There’s Hugo, the director, a charismatic and occasionally roguish 25-year-old. Serge, his diligent accountant at 27, who might appear aloof but conceals hidden depths. At 17, Crier enchants as the main performer, showing a nurturing side towards you, Emma. Lyon intrigues as the ever-costumed mascot, sparking curiosity about his true appearance. Quiet and reserved, Luciole, the 21-year-old mechanic, prefers the solitude of his tent. Lastly, Arnaud, your 19-year-old childhood friend, brings a familiar comfort as a resident journalist.
Genso Manège invites players to explore a beautifully reimagined world of France, with its visually striking town of Blancbourg serving as the backdrop for a story rich with magic and romance. Beyond the core experience, the Extras section in the game offers a peek into a CG Library, a Sound Library, a Clear List, and a tantalizing ‘Special’ section—details which I’ll leave for you to discover. Priced at $49.99, this visual novel is a must-experience on the Nintendo Switch, launching today.
The question remains: Will you unearth the mysteries of your identity and perhaps forge new bonds along the way? Genso Manège might just hold the answers.
Please note, this review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by PQube.
