[Review for Nintendo Switch] Genso Manège

Genso Manège, brought to us by PQube, Mages, and Love and Art, makes its debut as an Otome visual novel on the Nintendo Switch. This intriguing tale unfolds in a fictional version of France, in a quaint town called Blancbourg located near the country’s eastern boundary. It’s here that the wandering amusement park, La Foire du Rêve, is all set to kick off its new season. You step into the shoes of Emma, poised to embark on a transformative journey that promises both adventure and self-discovery.

Once Emma meets the ensemble at La Foire du Rêve, she uncovers a startling secret: everyone there is magically trapped, bound to the park by a spell. Interestingly, Emma holds the key to their freedom. However, to unlock this magic, she must work within the amusement park to regain her lost abilities. She struggles with amnesia, a consequence of an accident that wiped out a decade of her memories. What revelations will Emma face? Well, that’s for you to discover as you delve into the game!

If you’re stepping into the world of visual novels for the first time, it’s all about embracing the narrative. Some of these games are quite straightforward, while others, like Genso Manège, offer a multitude of choices that can lead to various storylines and romantic engagements. This particular game, in the vein of Otome visual novels, places you in the role of a female protagonist searching for love, complete with Japanese voice acting adding depth to the characters.

Playing Genso Manège on the Nintendo Switch offers flexibility with both the Joy-Con and touchscreen options. In Tabletop or Portable Mode—or on a Switch Lite—you can navigate through dialogue using the Joy-Con’s analog sticks or the D-Pad, confirming choices with the A button. For a seamless reading experience, you might opt to enable Auto Mode with the Y button, allowing the story to flow without interruption.

The Éveil System, a mini-game integral to regaining Emma’s magical prowess in Genso Manège, challenges you to capture stars on the screen either using the sticks or directly touching them. This activity fuels a gauge at the screen’s base, which upon completion prompts you to match a star-shaped outline with Emma’s star by pressing the A button. That said, you’re not obliged to play this mini-game beyond the initial tutorial, as skipping it still grants an A rank for the following levels.

In your journey, you’ll encounter characters like Hugo, Serge, Crier, Lyon, Luciole, and Arnaud, each offering unique paths to explore. Hugo, the charming and slightly mischievous Director of the park, is 25. Serge, the 27-year-old accountant, presents a stark, cold exterior with hidden depths. Young yet dedicated Crier shines as the main performer. He might only be 17, but he’s considerate, especially towards Emma. Then there’s Lyon, the persistent mascot who never removes his costume. Luciole, the 21-year-old introverted mechanic, finds solace in his tent. Lastly, Arnaud, a 19-year-old journalist and Emma’s childhood companion, offers an intriguing narrative path.

With charming visuals and a compelling narrative, Genso Manège invites you on a captivating journey. In the Extras, you’ll find a CG Library, Sound Library, and other surprises that enhance your experience. Genso Manège, priced at $49.99, is available now for Nintendo Switch.

Athorough and delightful gaming experience awaits you; will you unravel the enigma of Emma’s past? With engaging content like this, it will surely keep you entertained—ideal for both newcomers and seasoned visual novel enthusiasts alike!

Genso Manège’s insights were reviewed based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by PQube.