Genso Manège, brought to you by PQube, Mages, and Love and Art, is a fresh Otome visual novel now available on Nintendo Switch. In this adventure, you’ll find yourself in a reimagined corner of France, nestled close to the eastern border in a quaint town called Blancbourg. This charming location is about to become the backdrop for La Foire du Rêve, a magical traveling amusement park that’s kicking off a new season. You step into the shoes of Emma, a young woman on the cusp of a journey that will unravel her true identity.
In Blancbourg, Emma meets the intriguing characters of La Foire du Rêve, each bound by a mysterious enchantment preventing them from leaving. You hold the unique power to break these magical chains and set them free—by working at the amusement park, you’ll gather the necessary magic to cure their plight. An accident has left Emma with a decade’s worth of lost memories, adding layers of intrigue and discovery. As you dive deeper into the game, you’ll uncover what those missing years hide.
Visual novels, especially Otome types like Genso Manège, are renowned for their story-driven experiences. These games often provide branching storylines, allowing players to make choices that steer the narrative in different directions, including paths to romance. In this game, you’ll find the original Japanese voice acting bringing depth to the characters, enhancing Emma’s romantic journey.
Navigating the game is user-friendly on the Nintendo Switch. You can opt for Joy-Con controls or utilize the console’s touchscreen, particularly handy when playing in Tabletop or Portable Modes or on a Switch Lite. The Joy-Con lets you move through choices with the left or right analog sticks or the D-Pad, confirming each selection with the A button. For seamless reading, you can tap the A button to move through dialogue or use the Y button to activate Auto Mode, allowing the story to unfold without interruption.
One of the game’s interactive elements is the Éveil System mini-game, where you regain magical abilities by catching stars that pop up randomly on your screen. This can be done by maneuvering the analog sticks or simply tapping the stars directly if you’re using the touchscreen. As you collect stars, they fill a gauge at the bottom of the screen. You’ll need to match a star-shaped outline by pressing the A button, timing it perfectly to complete the mini-game. Though engaging, it’s optional, with the game offering to skip it after an initial tutorial, automatically bestowing you an A rank.
Throughout Genso Manège, you’ll form connections with several characters: Hugo, Serge, Crier, Lyon, Luciole, and Arnaud. Hugo, the 25-year-old director, combines regal manners with a hint of mischief. Serge, his trusted aide and company accountant, may appear cold but hides deeper emotions. Crier, the talented 17-year-old performer, shows a softer side, especially toward Emma.
Then there’s Lyon, the mascot who never parts with his costume—will you discover the mystery beneath? Luciole, the introverted 21-year-old mechanic, prefers solitude within his tent. Lastly, Arnaud, a 19-year-old journalist and Emma’s childhood friend, adds another layer of personal history to explore.
As you get deeper into the game, there’s a section brimming with bonus content in the Extras. You’ll find a CG Library filled with special images, a Sound Library, a Clear List, and a tantalizing section labeled as Special, which is best experienced firsthand. Genso Manège graces the Nintendo Switch with a price of $49.99, launching players into a captivating blend of magic, mystery, and self-discovery.
Note: This review of Genso Manège was crafted from a Nintendo Switch copy provided by PQube.
