Visual Novel Mini-Review: Him, the Smile & Bloom

While a lot of anime things like fanservice and the same shonen battles over and over again can be cringy, the otome genre is surprisingly mature. Him, the Smile & Bloom is even more mature than most of them, with an adult tone and character-driven storytelling. It trades the usual structure of picking a husband and instead focuses on what builds relationships in modern love.

Rather than placing you in the shoes of a single protagonist, Him, the Smile & Bloom offers four unique love stories, each starring a heroine and romantic lead. Each route explores a specific romantic dynamic in grounded, emotionally nuanced ways. Every couple and the people within them feel unique, keeping the game nice and fresh throughout.

PQube describes the game as a “unique exploration of the flourishing relationship between two adults,” and the writing supports that claim. Conflicts aren’t as dramatic or exaggerated as what we are used to in this genre; instead, they reflect real-life tensions and compatibility challenges.

This is a pure visual novel in every sense; there are no minigames or complex choice systems. Each route consists of 14 chapters with three possible endings, and choices mostly affect the narrative’s final act. The Flower Book, an in-game encyclopedia of floral meanings, adds a light collectible element that ties neatly into the story’s themes. A side story unlocks for each couple after achieving their “Glow” ending, giving even more depth to their journey.

Gorgeous character art by Yuuya (Cupid Parasite) and expressive chibi illustrations bring the cast to life. Each love interest has multiple sprite variations, and the backgrounds are bright and cozy. The soundtrack, including the beautiful opening and ending themes by mao, pairs perfectly with the game’s tender vibe.

Him, the Smile & Bloom is a beautifully crafted slice-of-life otome that focuses on connection and growth. Its lack of gameplay won’t be for everyone, but for fans of romance-first visual novels, it offers a sincere and emotionally rewarding experience.