Review of Genso Manège on Nintendo Switch

PQube, Mages, and Love and Art have teamed up to bring a fresh Otome visual novel experience to the Nintendo Switch with Genso Manège. Set in a reinvented version of France, the game invites players to explore Blancbourg, a quaint town on the country’s eastern edge, just in time for the traveling amusement park La Foire du Rêve to kick off its season. You step into the shoes of Emma, embarking on a profound personal journey as you uncover the truth of your identity.

Upon your arrival at La Foire du Rêve, you stumble upon a startling revelation: the park’s crew is ensnared by a magical bind they cannot escape. Only you hold the potential to free them, but doing so requires restoring your lost magical abilities—a task woven into your memories, tens years of which vanished following an accident. What mysteries and truths await you? That’s for you to discover as you delve deeper into the tale.

For those unfamiliar with visual novels, these games heavily prioritize narrative development. Some offer straightforward storytelling, while others branch off into diverse paths depending on player choices, often involving potential romantic pursuits. Genso Manège, befitting its genre, allows you to experience the world through the eyes of a female protagonist who might just find romance along her way. Adding to its charm is a cast of characters brought to life with Japanese voice acting.

Playing Genso Manège on the Switch can be intuitive, whether using the Joy-Con controllers or the console’s touchscreen—especially when it’s in Tabletop or Portable Mode, or if you are playing on a Switch Lite. Navigate choices using the analog sticks or D-Pad, confirming selections with the A button. You can scroll through dialogues manually or activate Auto Mode with the Y button for a more seamless experience.

A mini-game, known as the Éveil System, plays a significant role in regaining your magic. By using the analog sticks or touchscreen, you’ll capture stars scattered across the display, gradually filling a gauge to progress. At its climax, you align a shrinking outline with a star held by Emma, hitting the A button at the right moment to succeed. While engaging, this mini-game is skippable after your initial tutorial, providing you an automatic A rank if you choose to bypass.

Adventuring through Genso Manège, you’ll encounter a colorful cast. There’s Hugo, the refined 25-year-old director with a tricksy side; Serge, Hugo’s stoic yet intriguing 27-year-old accountant; and Crier, the 17-year-old heartwarming performer. You’ll also meet Lyon, the mysterious man never seen outside his costume, Luciole, the 21-year-old introverted mechanic, and Arnaud, a 19-year-old journalist from Emma’s hometown, whose storyline reflects their childhood bond.

Genso Manège offers players a captivating, romantic foray into a world where imagination seamlessly blends with reality. Visit the Extras section for bonus content, uncover hidden images in the CG Library, and explore the Sound Library, Clear List, and the intriguingly named Special section—details you’ll unveil when you play. Ready to delve into the magic? The game is now available on the Nintendo Switch for $49.99.

This review of Genso Manège is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by PQube. Will Emma discover her true self in Blancbourg? Dive in and find out!