Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi

[This is a no-choices visual novel (VN), so do not expect any active gameplay. It's basically an interactive diorama i.e. a still pic show w/ tons of text.] This seems to be a re-release of the original August 2002 one with assured modern systems compatibility and extra, redrawn character images as an option. In short, it's a cult hit that got a lot of continuation and anime and movies of it. This is important as if you don't like to read a ton during a game, you are better off watching the first four episodes of the anime that cover Onikakushi events. I had to reduce a point because of: 1. the sheer amount of low-importance text, 2. the general lack of crucial events before the last two sub-chapters, 3. a bizarre ending that that resolved nothing i.e. rendered the whole story a non-sequitur and 4. a narration that leans too much on the external TIPS segments and is mostly about various characters repeating their non-factual guesses and other worthless me-think. The following Chapter 2 Watanagashi is supposed to be much more tense, with the notorious Sonozaki estate scene at the end. Again, consider the anime instead if you don't feel like reading A LOT.

One of my favorites visual novels. In fact, i don't play many VS but i know how works. In this case Higurashi no naku koro ni have focus in the story, not much in silly things besides the main story. Gameplay: well, like in very Vs there's not gameplay except for click and click. Don't have elections to make differents ways, but don't worry, the game is awesome. The sound is your best (or worst) friend here. You read what happen till something weird start...then the sound came with tension. A sounded novel, indeed. Story: The story is very nice, you can't imagine it what really happen till the end. And that "end" means the last chapter of this series. This is only Chap.1, so, you need to buy all the chapters to understand the main story. But yes, this part is a great one. I watch the anime series very years ago, and i can say, the anime is totally full the game (game came first, later the anime). So, you can watch it too, buying or no the game. Well, this Chap.1 is free here, so, take a look and have a nice/creepy beginning!

The first novel from the series Higurashi: When They Cry is a very inmersive and interesting ride! You are in the feet of Keiichi Maebara, a city kid who now lives in the countryside Japan village called Hinamizawa; a change of environment and new friends can mean a funny story! Right? The environment that the music offers is the biggest strenghts of this game, Ryukishi07 narrative complements with the sounds and bgm, bringing up a wonderful and a scary experience at the same time, revealing the true nature of the game and its characters... So satisfied, now I'm looking forward to keep playing the rest of the series

I have read all the chapters. And I'm being brought back again to reread. This series is worth it! I bought them originally on another gaming platform. I wish I started with GOG first. Because of that I'm paying to buy the chapters again. It's definitely worth it! I was introduced first with Umineko series. Umineko is very entertaining but will never hold the candle that is the Higurashi series. I'm a huge fan of horror and this doesn't just suck you in with horror...No...it absolutely rips at you with not just the character building...but it shoves it's terrifying nails into your fears and it won't let go. What starts as cute and cuddly warps at your self esteem. Each chapter builds upon itself. The anime is lacklaster for the banquet that will be cast in front of you with this fascinating and addictive voice novel. This tale will not let go and nor should you...Because the end should not be searched for but truly appreciated by only reading the VN. Do not read the reviews because til will ruin the amazing story! Settle up...and buckle in. For a true and twisting horrific ride. (I'm now rereading the VN again.)

Higurashi is well known and even has an anime adapting its story (that I may see it one day)! For the ones that know nothing about (as I mainly didn't until know), this is a literal visual novel - emphasis on the novel part. There's no action require nor different paths, only the conundrums put in front of you. This is a BOOK with ambience, lots of background music and sound effects to accompany you in your journey. To a usual reader, its an interesting and compelling mystery book - even if has a rather slow beginning. This first chapter works as a prologue to the entire story, that has EIGHT main parts. This is free, but is a entryway to the other paid ones - so beware if you a curious person. I found the story very amusing, about the life of Keiichi when he move to Hinamizawa village. Is in that place taht you will follow his steps to know its villagers, his neighbours, and new friends... and, like every town, there are believes, cultural customs, and history with every being that resides in it. Nothing more to add, I believe this free chapter is a great way to allow yourself to see if you like this type of media. Higurashi is one of the most famous and prestigious ones regarding mystery and thrillers, so give a go if you would like to immersive yourself in this world. But, beware, I am long considering to buy the next chapters already - so enter with caution...