Disclaimer: cleared the console version only. TL;DR If you are like me who were pissed off by Watanagashi's BS ending and had your own theory, don't worry this episode is for you. Story The story begins a year before Watanagashi. You plays as Shion, who has fallen into a Romeo-and-Juliet releationship with a cool, kind but slightly distracted boy from the village. A year has passed after their forced seperation, but the arrival of B̶a̶t̶t̶l̶e̶r̶ Keiichi has reopened Shion's old wound? Anything more than that would strictly be spoiler so I recommend you to check out the game yourself. If you played the previous game and yelled at your screen for the stupid decisions Keiichi made, rest assured there is none here. Character Shion is probably the most developed character in the series so far. I'm convinced Ryukishi can write good characters in Higurashi, he just never tried prior to Meakashi. It's nearly impossible to talk about Shion's development without touching on spoilers, because Meakashi has, unlike the chapters in the Question Arc, a strong character-driven narrative. All I can say is every choice Shion made can be understood and empathized by me, yet her every step is wrong. Still, after one playthrough, I don't know what would I do differently if I could do it all over again as Shion. Side characters are solid not spectacular. Writing Despite the huge volume in this episode, there really isn't a scene that does not serve a purpose. The pace of the story is also more relentless. Like previous chapters, Meakashi is divided into two part: one before Watanagashi and one after. The subtle tones of the two parts are wonderfully crafted. Malice and rage are hidden where the tone is supposed to be warm, while kindness and forgiveness could be found in the part that should be cold and remorseless. The same story has been retold by Ryukishi several times. Meakashi may not be the most winding or the most gut-wrenching, it is the most feminine and sublime version.
I haven't played this chapter in English, but I suppose I am a fan because I learned Japanese in order to play Hou on the console. This is a truly groundbreaking game on every level. I'm not sure if I like it and it's certainly not a crowd pleaser. As usual you have the usual gal stuff but instead of getting into the "happy ending" you get a twisted, and dare I say it, love triangle murder story that ends in tears and a ridiculous big bang. Sometimes I hate the illogical route the story has taken. Sometimes the charaters feel so scripted compared to Umineko. Sometimes it simply bores me to death. But when the plot twists come, I've forgotten all of it. If you are even slightly imaginative like I do, you will spend hours digging up the secrets behind the charatcers and crafting your own theories. Mine are rarely right, but I don't regret a single second of it. A controversial 5 star minus one because it's not the console version. Definitely the best chapter so far. Umineko is better in every way possible, but Tatarikoroshi is the raw, unchained force of a good mystery and it's ready to tear your into bits.
Reviewing Unineko Answer Arcs is pointless, because if you have played through the first game, you're addicted and will buy and play this. If you haven't played the first game, you really should check out that one first. Positive: Umineko Answer Arcs will quench your thirst for more Umineko games left from the completion of the Question Arcs. Negative: This game will suck away a huge chunk of your free time, but in my case, it's not like I've got anything better to do. Aaand as a bonus, it's really good.
I bought this because earlier I discovered the manga adaption by Natsumi Kei sensei that is so vividly cruel that I could not bear myself to read to the finish. The art is intense and graphic, and the characters move, talk and behave like they are real. That being said, the game certainly isn't a disappointing alternative if you are feeble-minded like me who could handle the intensity that is omnipresent in the manga. Get this now if you want a story told in its bare form, but if you want an life-changing experience please go check out the manga.
3 star game +1 star because Towa exists. The combat is clunky. The fact that there's not nearly as much to explore in the game combines with often cringe-inducing dialogues makes it a snorefest. The translation is sometimes wrong or contradicts itself. But you'll buy it nonetheless because Towa IS IN THE GAME.
