Review of “Him, the Smile & Bloom”: A Simple, Comforting, Yet Forgettable Experience

Exploring “Him, the Smile & Bloom”: A Refreshing Yet Flawed Romance Game

Romance games often captivate players with their charming characters, exaggerated plotlines, and romantic gestures that leave players in awe. While many otome games delve into the realms of mystery and the supernatural, there’s a noticeable resurgence of slice-of-life romance narratives. One such title making waves is Him, the Smile & Bloom, which features four bachelors connected to a quaint flower shop named Fill Flower. Departing from the traditional otome format that typically centers around a single heroine pursued by multiple love interests, this game uniquely presents four distinct and simultaneous yet unrelated storylines, each led by its own protagonist.

Meet the Characters

Veterans of romance games will immediately recognize the archetypes of the four main characters. Each bachelor embodies a familiar trope: Gin, the charming playboy; Wataru, the eager and devoted partner; Tenya, the reliable “fixer-upper” ; and Hokuto, the ever-loyal childhood friend. While most otome narratives intertwine their plots so players must experience all character routes to grasp the complete story arc, Him, the Smile & Bloom opts for a more straightforward approach, presenting its tales with little crossover.

Ami lies on Gin in a flower field full of mimosas — Image from pQube

Concurrent Storylines: A Missed Opportunity

The concept of concurrent storylines sparked excitement, inviting the possibility of interactions among the four protagonists who share the same workplace. Imagine the dynamics of double dates or supportive conversations within the same small shop. Unfortunately, these interactions remain nonexistent; the main characters do not cross paths, nor are they referenced in each other’s narratives. For instance, a moment of recognition regarding the other characters at Fill Flower left me pondering the absence of my character, Serina. The potential for intertwining stories could have injected a layer of intrigue and depth into the narrative.

Potential Missed Interactions

Consider the possibilities: What if Miku spotted Wataru purchasing a gift for Serina? Or if Fuka reached out to Ami to share her suspicions of Gin’s infidelity? Such scenarios could reveal undisclosed facets of the characters, enhancing the overall narrative. Even without a dramatic premise like murder, the depth of mystery could be achieved through exploring the boys’ secret actions and motivations at crucial moments.

Tenya in the flower shop Fill Flower following renovations — Screenshot by Siliconera

Characterization and Conflict

Regrettably, the story’s reliance on common tropes extends beyond the plot structure. Much of the conflict hinges on characters failing to communicate their feelings to one another. The male leads demonstrate a commendable emotional openness, which contrasts sharply with the female protagonists’ struggles to articulate even the simplest truths about themselves. This imbalance creates frustration not only for the characters involved but also leaves players feeling disconnected.

Pacing and Relationship Development

Pacing emerges as another critical issue. While each storyline offers considerable length, genuine moments for relationship development are scarce. Characters quickly declare their affections, and subsequent story sections center predominantly on their romantic bliss, leaving players puzzled about the sudden intensity of their feelings. The presence of three different endings for each character could add variety, but deciphering which path constitutes the “normal” versus the “best” ending proved to be challenging.

Title card from Him, the Smile & bloom with a misprint — Screenshot by Siliconera

Technical Hiccups

Technical difficulties further cloud the gaming experience. Although Him, the Smile & Bloom was released with an English translation in Japan, players have encountered multiple issues with this localization. Despite pQube’s commitment to enhancing the Western release, one-to-one translation errors remain prevalent, leading to awkward dialogue that often feels disconnected. The clumsy application of idioms and inconsistent pronoun usage detracts from the natural flow expected in narrative prose, making conversations feel stilted and unclear.

Serina and Wataru in the rain holding Tweedia flowers — Image from pQube

Gameplay Experience and Design

Not all aspects of the game are flawed; the art style is visually captivating, complemented by varied character animations that add dynamism to the gameplay. Each protagonist, while sharing certain challenges in communication, boasts unique backstories that set them apart from typical blank slate characters. Moreover, the male characters’ unambiguous emotional expressions eliminate unnecessary tension, enhancing the experience.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with Him, the Smile & Bloom was mixed, leaning towards indifferent rather than passionate. While the game presented moments of enjoyment akin to savoring an average chocolate bar – sweet but not particularly memorable – the narratives didn’t leave a lasting impact. Players may derive short-term pleasure from the experience, but it lacks the depth that prompts reflection once the game is over.

The game is currently available for PC and Nintendo Switch. For more details, visit Him, the Smile & Bloom.

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