Genso Manège, developed by PQube, Mages, and Love and Art, is the latest Otome visual novel to land on the Nintendo Switch. Set against a backdrop inspired by France, the game invites players to explore Blancbourg, a quaint town near the nation’s eastern border. It’s here that the whimsical traveling amusement park, La Foire du Rêve, kicks off its new season. Step into the shoes of Emma, a young woman on a path of self-discovery, as she ventures into a world filled with mystery and magic.
As Emma integrates herself into the peculiar world of La Foire du Rêve, she stumbles upon a startling secret: everyone involved with the park is bound by a spell, preventing them from leaving. Emma soon realizes that she possesses the unique ability to free them and must work at the amusement park to recover the magic necessary to break this enchantment. Her quest is further complicated by a decade-long gap in her memory, the result of a harrowing accident. To uncover the truth and rediscover herself, players must delve deep into the game’s narrative.
Visual novels, especially Otome games, excel by immersing players in rich stories. While some follow a straightforward path, others, like Genso Manège, offer multiple story arcs filled with diverse choices leading to romantic encounters. This game is voiced in Japanese, adding to the immersive experience. As an Otome game, players will guide a female protagonist seeking love and understanding.
On the gameplay front, you can control the game using Joy-Cons or the Switch’s touchscreen if you’re playing in tabletop or portable modes. Using the Joy-Con, players navigate through the game using the analog sticks or D-Pad, pressing the A button to make selections or switch dialogues. For those who prefer a hands-free approach, there’s an Auto Mode, conveniently activated with the Y button.
In Genso Manège, rekindling Emma’s magical prowess involves participating in the Éveil System mini-game. Here, players catch stars appearing randomly on the screen using the analog sticks or touchscreen. Successfully collecting these stars fills a gauge, leading to a moment where precision timing with the A button completes the mini-game. However, if mini-games aren’t your cup of tea, you can skip them after your first attempt, automatically receiving an A rank for future segments.
Throughout Emma’s journey, she meets Hugo, Serge, Crier, Lyon, Luciole, and Arnaud, each with unique personalities. Hugo, the park’s director at 25, balances his regal nature with a hint of mischief. His assistant, Serge, is a 27-year-old who often seems distant but hides a compelling depth. Crier, the star performer, shows unexpected warmth despite being only 17.
Then there’s Lyon, a curious character clad in a costume he never removes. Who he is and what lies beneath the mask is a mystery waiting to be uncovered. Luciole, the 21-year-old mechanic, enjoys reclusion, preferring solitude in his tent. Finally, Arnaud, a 19-year-old journalist and Emma’s childhood friend, offers a storyline rich with nostalgia and potential romance.
Genso Manège invites players to immerse themselves in Blancbourg’s enchanting setting and the intrigue of La Foire du Rêve. With special extras like CG art and music in its gallery, it is bound to capture your attention. The game is now available on the Nintendo Switch for $49.99, promising an unforgettable journey of magic and self-discovery.
Disclaimer: This review was crafted based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by PQube.
