Review of Genso Manège for Nintendo Switch

Genso Manège springs onto the Nintendo Switch, courtesy of PQube, Mages, and Love and Art. Dive into our review to find out what this new Otome visual novel has in store for you!

In Genso Manège, your adventure unfolds in a beautifully reimagined version of France, nestled near the country’s eastern border in a quaint town called Blancbourg. The enchanting amusement park, La Foire du Rêve, marks the beginning of its season there. You play as Emma, a young woman embarking on a journey of self-discovery—unraveling the mysteries of her true self along the way.

Upon meeting the intriguing characters of La Foire du Rêve, a startling secret emerges: they’re all magically trapped within the park’s bounds, unable to leave. Hidden within you lies the power to break this cycle, but you’ll need to work there to gather the magic required. Having lost a decade of memories due to an accident, Emma faces a quest not just for survival, but for discovery. What secrets will unfold? You’ll need to play to uncover the truth!

For those unfamiliar with visual novels, these games prioritize storytelling above all else. While some games offer a straightforward narrative, others, like Genso Manège, let you make choices that affect story paths and potential romantic interests. This title features Japanese voice acting, characteristic of many Otome visual novels where you’re placed in the shoes of a female protagonist seeking love.

Playing Genso Manège on the Nintendo Switch can be quite flexible. Whether you prefer the tactile feel of the Joy-Con controllers or the touch capability of the Switch’s screen, it’s equipped for a seamless experience. Navigating through dialogues and selections is easy; use the D-Pad or analog sticks for choices and proceed through the story with the A button. Plus, Auto Mode can be toggled with a press of the Y button for hands-free reading.

You’ll regain your magical prowess in the game through the Éveil System mini-game, where you collect stars scattered across the screen. Whether using the analog sticks or directly tapping on the screen, the goal is to fill a gauge with captured stars. Complete the mini-game by matching a shrinking star-shaped outline with the star in Emma’s hands. If mini-games aren’t your forte, don’t fret—you can skip after the tutorial and receive an A rank for your effort.

Genso Manège brings a delightful set of characters into Emma’s orbit, each with a unique story. Meet Hugo, the 25-year-old suave Director with a mischievous side, or Serge, the seemingly cold accountant with hidden depths. Crier, at just 17, is the charismatic main performer who’s surprisingly caring. Lyon, the mysterious mascot, never sheds his costume, leaving much to the imagination. Then there’s Luciole, the 21-year-old introverted mechanic, and lastly, Arnaud, a local journalist and Emma’s childhood pal, whose story hints at a tender history.

As you progress, bonus content awaits in the Extras section of the game. From a gallery of special images in the CG Library to the Sound Library and a few surprises I won’t spoil here, Genso Manège offers lots to explore. Priced at $49.99, it’s available now on the Nintendo Switch.

Will you uncover the mysteries of who Emma is? Dive into Genso Manège and let the magic of this Otome visual novel captivate you!

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