This review contains spoilers
Ditto my last reviews, I don't typically play VNs + modded to use console sprites etc
I also started to use the voice acting after being reccomened to, and damm is the VA good. Satokos Voice actor is amazing especially, though everyones pretty good.
I quite liked the previous chapters though I do understand why everyone I've seen talk about the game (Which isn't THAT many too be fair, but like still I've talked to a few people who said it) say that this is where it gets good. I defintley wouldn't say the first 2 chapters like some people but this chapter is on another level compared to the first two.
I do prefer the atmosphere of Chapter 1 because I really loved the feelings of Keiichi being alone completely with no one and just being alienated compltely from the village, because at least in both chapter 2 & 3 Keiichis had some people to turn to, wether it be Rena in Ch2 or basically everyone in Ch3 disregarding like the last 2 episodes or so. But just because it's different doesn't mean its bad of course, I also gotta say theres some neat chapter 1 parreles in this chapter as well, with Ooshis role being compltely reveresed which is kinda like Keiichis becoming more a resident of Hinazawa? at least thats how I'm seeing it, especially with how he reacts upon first seeing Ooshi (which I'll mention my thoughts on in a sec) and theres also what Satoko says near the end is basically what Keiichi says in Chapter 1 about being possesed or whatever, which I mean does seem to be what's happening but the stuff she says was really reminding me of Keiichis own thoughts in Chapter 1. Also Shion being here is kinda funny, like they just felt they needed to because she has like 1 tip and 5 mins of dialogue, I really like Shion so I ain't complaing but it just kinda felt forced to have Shion be there. And finally the stuff with Keiichis "doppleganger"? or the ghost thing that's been appearing basically doing a combination of what happened in Ch1 & 2 at the festival is interesting though idk what it means I did notice that it was the events of both chapters combined there, just if Keiichi turned Shion down instead?.
Anyway, the story here is by far the best so far, and I gotta say this game did a great job at making me feel sick, I've never played something that made me physicaly feel sick before, so good job Higurashi!, but yeah the scene when Keiichi pats Satoko on the head and then that whole incident ensues honestly made me feel sick, which proabbly Satokos VA work played a big part because she does a very very good job at screaming and crying in that way. Though I do also have to say all the tension and sickness I felt was instantly gone when Keiichi went into edgelord mode, not that I hated the scene there or anything but the music that plays and Keiichis giving "permision to live" made me chuckle a tiny bit.
I really enjoyed seeing Keiichis desent into becoming a murderer here as well, as weird as it is to say I really enjoyed Keiichi whole murder plalnning and carrying it out, it was super well written and now I too can feel like a murderer, which I mean I still don't know if Keiichi even techincally is, but like he has to be. idk what was up with his curse powers at the end but I'm pretty sure he did all that. So far I'm on the curse side with a hint of people but mostly curse.
Also this chapter made me care way more for Satoko considering out of the whole cast she was defintley the one I cared the least amount, doesn't help that she isn't in most of the second half of either Chapter 1 or 2 but here despite also not really being in the second half either, she is still the focus (mostly untill Keiichi goes of the rails) and I actually quite like her now. Coach I'm still kinda iffy on, mostly because he said some fucked up stuff at that BBQ, but I kinda like him apart from that. Oh and speaking of swearing actually, I gotta say I don't know why but everytime Keiichi swears it always makes me chuckle I don't really know why, that despite just reading for like the past 20 minutes of Keiichis brutally killing a man and burrying the body I was still taken aback to hear him say fuck. Maybe just because you rarely see anyone swear idk.
Final rough thoughts, first of all I gotta say I know this is meant to be in the 80s but like honestly I kinda forget sometimes, which is mostly due to the backgrounds partially if only because some of then very much feature things that didn't exist in the 80s like a actual N64 or like TVs that very clearly are from like the late 90s or 2000s but oh well. I guess it does play a part with the whole phone thing as well.
Obligatory mention of how ass the Steam sprites are.
And yeah real good chapter, as always cast review section is great because it's the most severe tonal whiplash you can be hit with, and it's also just pretty funny. I really didn't think I would give a 5 star rating at only chapter 3 but damm this chapter was good, it truly is peak.
EDIT: oh yeah I forgot to mention my thoughts on Ooshi stuff, I did say in my ch1 review if this would be a timeloop or something since Keiichi you know died there and I was wondering how he could come back and then I kinda was like ah no becuase of chapter 2 but here I'm thinking maybe again, because like Keiichis thouhgts on Ooshi especially, like he instantly sees him as hostile and a threat very much like everyone else in Hinazawa and just some of the writing there especially is giving more credit to this idea in my mind, I'll see but I really don't know what the limits are here I really don't know how crazy the story'll get but like it's already gotten pretty crazy. Also the chapters steadly seem to be going forward in time, with like stuff like the toy store and Curry thing already happening in this chapter while still being a bit differnt seem to have played out the same, anyway yeah I forogot to mention my thoughts here, though also it's just more rambiling, but I've really been enjoying Higurashi so I gotta alot of thoughts
EDIT2: oh snap I also forgot to say that the Music in this chapter was crazy good, like really good. Especialy the song that plays at the end the Lies lies lies lies one, no name as good as fascism here but god the ost was so good. Anyway now that should be all my thoughts. maybe. if not oh well because I'm sure I'll be writing my Ch4 review soon enough
I also started to use the voice acting after being reccomened to, and damm is the VA good. Satokos Voice actor is amazing especially, though everyones pretty good.
I quite liked the previous chapters though I do understand why everyone I've seen talk about the game (Which isn't THAT many too be fair, but like still I've talked to a few people who said it) say that this is where it gets good. I defintley wouldn't say the first 2 chapters like some people but this chapter is on another level compared to the first two.
I do prefer the atmosphere of Chapter 1 because I really loved the feelings of Keiichi being alone completely with no one and just being alienated compltely from the village, because at least in both chapter 2 & 3 Keiichis had some people to turn to, wether it be Rena in Ch2 or basically everyone in Ch3 disregarding like the last 2 episodes or so. But just because it's different doesn't mean its bad of course, I also gotta say theres some neat chapter 1 parreles in this chapter as well, with Ooshis role being compltely reveresed which is kinda like Keiichis becoming more a resident of Hinazawa? at least thats how I'm seeing it, especially with how he reacts upon first seeing Ooshi (which I'll mention my thoughts on in a sec) and theres also what Satoko says near the end is basically what Keiichi says in Chapter 1 about being possesed or whatever, which I mean does seem to be what's happening but the stuff she says was really reminding me of Keiichis own thoughts in Chapter 1. Also Shion being here is kinda funny, like they just felt they needed to because she has like 1 tip and 5 mins of dialogue, I really like Shion so I ain't complaing but it just kinda felt forced to have Shion be there. And finally the stuff with Keiichis "doppleganger"? or the ghost thing that's been appearing basically doing a combination of what happened in Ch1 & 2 at the festival is interesting though idk what it means I did notice that it was the events of both chapters combined there, just if Keiichi turned Shion down instead?.
Anyway, the story here is by far the best so far, and I gotta say this game did a great job at making me feel sick, I've never played something that made me physicaly feel sick before, so good job Higurashi!, but yeah the scene when Keiichi pats Satoko on the head and then that whole incident ensues honestly made me feel sick, which proabbly Satokos VA work played a big part because she does a very very good job at screaming and crying in that way. Though I do also have to say all the tension and sickness I felt was instantly gone when Keiichi went into edgelord mode, not that I hated the scene there or anything but the music that plays and Keiichis giving "permision to live" made me chuckle a tiny bit.
I really enjoyed seeing Keiichis desent into becoming a murderer here as well, as weird as it is to say I really enjoyed Keiichi whole murder plalnning and carrying it out, it was super well written and now I too can feel like a murderer, which I mean I still don't know if Keiichi even techincally is, but like he has to be. idk what was up with his curse powers at the end but I'm pretty sure he did all that. So far I'm on the curse side with a hint of people but mostly curse.
Also this chapter made me care way more for Satoko considering out of the whole cast she was defintley the one I cared the least amount, doesn't help that she isn't in most of the second half of either Chapter 1 or 2 but here despite also not really being in the second half either, she is still the focus (mostly untill Keiichi goes of the rails) and I actually quite like her now. Coach I'm still kinda iffy on, mostly because he said some fucked up stuff at that BBQ, but I kinda like him apart from that. Oh and speaking of swearing actually, I gotta say I don't know why but everytime Keiichi swears it always makes me chuckle I don't really know why, that despite just reading for like the past 20 minutes of Keiichis brutally killing a man and burrying the body I was still taken aback to hear him say fuck. Maybe just because you rarely see anyone swear idk.
Final rough thoughts, first of all I gotta say I know this is meant to be in the 80s but like honestly I kinda forget sometimes, which is mostly due to the backgrounds partially if only because some of then very much feature things that didn't exist in the 80s like a actual N64 or like TVs that very clearly are from like the late 90s or 2000s but oh well. I guess it does play a part with the whole phone thing as well.
Obligatory mention of how ass the Steam sprites are.
And yeah real good chapter, as always cast review section is great because it's the most severe tonal whiplash you can be hit with, and it's also just pretty funny. I really didn't think I would give a 5 star rating at only chapter 3 but damm this chapter was good, it truly is peak.
EDIT: oh yeah I forgot to mention my thoughts on Ooshi stuff, I did say in my ch1 review if this would be a timeloop or something since Keiichi you know died there and I was wondering how he could come back and then I kinda was like ah no becuase of chapter 2 but here I'm thinking maybe again, because like Keiichis thouhgts on Ooshi especially, like he instantly sees him as hostile and a threat very much like everyone else in Hinazawa and just some of the writing there especially is giving more credit to this idea in my mind, I'll see but I really don't know what the limits are here I really don't know how crazy the story'll get but like it's already gotten pretty crazy. Also the chapters steadly seem to be going forward in time, with like stuff like the toy store and Curry thing already happening in this chapter while still being a bit differnt seem to have played out the same, anyway yeah I forogot to mention my thoughts here, though also it's just more rambiling, but I've really been enjoying Higurashi so I gotta alot of thoughts
EDIT2: oh snap I also forgot to say that the Music in this chapter was crazy good, like really good. Especialy the song that plays at the end the Lies lies lies lies one, no name as good as fascism here but god the ost was so good. Anyway now that should be all my thoughts. maybe. if not oh well because I'm sure I'll be writing my Ch4 review soon enough
This review contains spoilers
I was flinging my chair across the room and cheering like an argentinian football fan while a teenager was contemplating homicide
Jesus christ, the darkest one by far, there is like 3 eps of happines and the rest is depression, but is a great chapter, probably the best at the time of this writing.
this chapter cover a very dark theme, so be warned, is basically the central point, and is sad as fuck.
there is some very tense scenes overall, and the ending i was not expecting at all.
this chapter cover a very dark theme, so be warned, is basically the central point, and is sad as fuck.
there is some very tense scenes overall, and the ending i was not expecting at all.
One of the most difficult reads of my life. Felt sick through a lot of the reading. Really amazing.
The deeper I dive into the iceberg of Higurashi, the more I feel compelled to admire the writing and the atmosphere it creates, and I can't tell if I actually like it or if it's me being drowned by the flow of where they go from here.
Definitely the best of the first 3, less slice of life = better. He was free and did something wonderful! Keiichi, let them all burn!
Definitely the best of the first 3, less slice of life = better. He was free and did something wonderful! Keiichi, let them all burn!
I was never a fan of Tatarigoroshi when I initially watched the anime for Higurashi, but it clearly wasn't given the justice it deserved from the VN. This is easily the best written question arc for Higurashi. I love everything about how Keiichi is written here, and the pacing for the latter half of it is fantastic. Keiichi and Satoko's voice actors do a phenomenal job (if you play with the 07 mod), and the sound/music design is just generally a massive step up from the previous two arcs, despite still not having a composer. The ending is just beautifully executed compared to both the previous arcs and its anime version, I can't recommend it enough. The baseball game is my favorite SOL part from the series too, I was really pleasantly surprised. It does start out slow and take a long time to get going though. I'd say the first half is an 8/10, but everything after Keiichi decides to kill the uncle is a 10/10. The final 2 days are my favorite sections of the question arcs.
Very compelling chapter, probably the best so far. We all gotta thank and admire Ryukishi07 for writing such a visciously gripping story: everything is executed perfectly; different themes are address and fit together really nicely; the timing of the SFXs and the OST is top-notch, making us inconsciently immerse in this excelent story. Stuff starts to go down way before we'd expect as to deliver some kind of fatal blow in anticipation of what is to come.
As a side note, however, needed only 25 minutes - heck, if one really wanted to, just 1500 seconds would be enough.
As a side note, however, needed only 25 minutes - heck, if one really wanted to, just 1500 seconds would be enough.
idk wtf is going on, kinda lynchian, strongly suggestive writing, compelling drama
10/10
10/10
minha mente explodiu
The best chapter so far.
Though the opening hours felt like a personal attack on me, being very insecure about my cooking, the slice of life segments felt a lot more meaningful than in the previous two. With a lot of the character building already being done in the first half. Satoko really grew on me in this chapter, where I thought she was one of the weaker characters until now. There is also a new character introduced here to keep things fresh, and when he is not being a weirdo, he is quite good, giving an adult touch to the writing that doesn't come from the cynical Ooishi, the outsider Tomitake or the ominous Takano. His point of view is grounded and easily understood, which quickly paints him as reliable to both Keiichi and the reader.
The elements from previous chapters are also used more cleverly here. Where I felt like chapter 2 was reintroducing elements, I didn't have this gripe in this chapter. Keiichi seems to get paranoid about things happening a lot earlier than he would have before. Of course, as the reader, you already know when something is off, and that gets reflected here a lot better. Something I like about all the chapters so far is how you know things will get messed up at some point, but its never too clear when it will happen. Fake-outs become very effective in this scenario.
But things get messed up even before the curse is relevant in this chapter. And it deals with some very hefty subjects. All of which are handled with the respect and care they should be handled with. There were a lot of smaller elements in Keiichi's characterization that managed to touch me personally, due to Ryushiki's way of writing that really gets you to feel the emotions the characters do. (The soundtrack and good use of sfx certainly help aswell.) Not a lot of writers are blessed with this skill. But if these minor elements managed to already touch me, I cannot even imagine how someone more closely affiliated with the core of this story would feel. I think the majority of readers would feel sympathetic towards Keiichi, even if you don't agree with what he is actually doing.
And I don't even know what to say about the third act. If the insanity of the third act is a sign for things to come, I love it.
Though the opening hours felt like a personal attack on me, being very insecure about my cooking, the slice of life segments felt a lot more meaningful than in the previous two. With a lot of the character building already being done in the first half. Satoko really grew on me in this chapter, where I thought she was one of the weaker characters until now. There is also a new character introduced here to keep things fresh, and when he is not being a weirdo, he is quite good, giving an adult touch to the writing that doesn't come from the cynical Ooishi, the outsider Tomitake or the ominous Takano. His point of view is grounded and easily understood, which quickly paints him as reliable to both Keiichi and the reader.
The elements from previous chapters are also used more cleverly here. Where I felt like chapter 2 was reintroducing elements, I didn't have this gripe in this chapter. Keiichi seems to get paranoid about things happening a lot earlier than he would have before. Of course, as the reader, you already know when something is off, and that gets reflected here a lot better. Something I like about all the chapters so far is how you know things will get messed up at some point, but its never too clear when it will happen. Fake-outs become very effective in this scenario.
But things get messed up even before the curse is relevant in this chapter. And it deals with some very hefty subjects. All of which are handled with the respect and care they should be handled with. There were a lot of smaller elements in Keiichi's characterization that managed to touch me personally, due to Ryushiki's way of writing that really gets you to feel the emotions the characters do. (The soundtrack and good use of sfx certainly help aswell.) Not a lot of writers are blessed with this skill. But if these minor elements managed to already touch me, I cannot even imagine how someone more closely affiliated with the core of this story would feel. I think the majority of readers would feel sympathetic towards Keiichi, even if you don't agree with what he is actually doing.
And I don't even know what to say about the third act. If the insanity of the third act is a sign for things to come, I love it.
This review contains spoilers
This chapter is very difficult for me to speak about because of how many emotions it made me go through. First and foremost, I was absolutely touched by the emotional bond that Keiichi and Satoko shared at the beginning. I was quite close to tearing up a few times when Coach Irie was talking about her life while "Sunrise" was playing. And Satoko calling Keiichi her Nii-nii just got me all 🥺🥺🥺
I should've despaired more then when all those wonderful emotions came to an end. Instead I found myself screaming at my computer yet again as Keiichi railroads himself into another horrible situation. I thought maybe he would be a bit more bearable after seeing him decide it's not best to pry into Satoshi's disappearance or avoiding Ooishi, or even the whole act of getting to know Satoko. He still has a lot to grow from, and while I can't call it bad character writing at all considering the nature of who he is, I found it too unbearable personally. I'm looking forward to him hopefully continue his growth! But until then, thank GOD for Rena for calling him out on his shit sometimes.
Again, this is by no means a bad chapter. While Onikakushi provided a source of horror and Watanagashi provided me emotional resonance, Tatarigoshi provided a complete gut-punch with its sheer mysterious elements coming out of left field. I was expecting a twist on the formula this time around with Keiichi being the harbinger of the curse by a simple murder. While it...kind of became true, I'm still reeling as to what kind of curse Hinamizawa is facing.
The end especially leaves me with a bunch of questions I'd like answered. And of COURSE that's what Ryukishi wanted. He, say it with me now, played me like a damn fiddle. Is the toxic gas part of fate? The curse? Part of Keiichi's wish? God knows. This is the perfect chapter to lead into the second half of the saga. I'm also finding out now that there are WHOLE ARCS from the console releases. God damn what did I get myself into.
I should've despaired more then when all those wonderful emotions came to an end. Instead I found myself screaming at my computer yet again as Keiichi railroads himself into another horrible situation. I thought maybe he would be a bit more bearable after seeing him decide it's not best to pry into Satoshi's disappearance or avoiding Ooishi, or even the whole act of getting to know Satoko. He still has a lot to grow from, and while I can't call it bad character writing at all considering the nature of who he is, I found it too unbearable personally. I'm looking forward to him hopefully continue his growth! But until then, thank GOD for Rena for calling him out on his shit sometimes.
Again, this is by no means a bad chapter. While Onikakushi provided a source of horror and Watanagashi provided me emotional resonance, Tatarigoshi provided a complete gut-punch with its sheer mysterious elements coming out of left field. I was expecting a twist on the formula this time around with Keiichi being the harbinger of the curse by a simple murder. While it...kind of became true, I'm still reeling as to what kind of curse Hinamizawa is facing.
The end especially leaves me with a bunch of questions I'd like answered. And of COURSE that's what Ryukishi wanted. He, say it with me now, played me like a damn fiddle. Is the toxic gas part of fate? The curse? Part of Keiichi's wish? God knows. This is the perfect chapter to lead into the second half of the saga. I'm also finding out now that there are WHOLE ARCS from the console releases. God damn what did I get myself into.
This review contains spoilers
Baya iyiydi ve belli sahneleri sadece ryukishi'nin yazabileceği duygusal yoğunluktaydı. (Abuse, Murder sahneleri) Gelecekte tekrar okumaya değer.
just when you think the difficulty rating was being dramatic it fucking hits like a truck
This chapter felt like that Mr. Incredible uncanny meme (in a good way though), it was so engaging near the end but the ending itself was so cursed lol, super good chapter.
Foda, melhor capítulo até agora
"...That's right. ...I did... something good, didn't I?"
Still reading it, but so far it's promising alright and it's pushing the plot in an interesting direction.
Third chapter in the Higurashi novel series.
This is insane
This is insane
I think that when it comes to mystery stories, the very best of them have the quality that even if you know the answers to what's going on, whether due to rereading a story or because you'd learned about what's going on through some other means, it's still a blast to read and try to work out.
Admittedly, I don't know everything that happens in Higurashi, because I never finished the anime that I watched when I was a kid and only kind of half remember, but I've been friends with fans of the series long enough that I know one of the big answers by osmosis. But that just makes it more fun in some points, you know? You point at a thing and go "haha, holy shit, look at that. Wild."
Anyway, the writing continues to be good as hell. The characters are great, with the exception of some early 2000s humor that aged like milk. I'm sure Dr. Iire is doing a bit because it fits in with the sense of humor the local kids have, but woofa doofa, I wish he wasn't! I liked him otherwise, and I think he plays into one of the observations I had about the storytelling that I liked most.
I feel like even if I had a better memory of the anime or if I'd read the VNs back when the anime was airing, I think I'd approach it in a different way than I am now. I was basically the same age as Keiichi at the time, and reading this stuff as an adult, it's really striking how much of a kid he is in his internal monologue, especially in the time between him learning about the abuse and things getting weird.
The scene where Iire and Keiichi first talk about Satoko's situation feels like a magnifying glass on how much of a kid Keiichi is. His anger at the injustice and his powerlessness to do anything about Satoko's situation feels really raw, and it's hard not to read Ryukishi's own experience as a social worker into the way Iire feels like he has to handle things.
Anyway, Higurashi continues to be good as hell. I love this wild-ass ride. I'm really excited to see how things actually play out, because I'm pretty sure the next chapter covers the end of what I actually remember watching. After Himatsubushi, it's all stuff I don't even vaguely half remember! Wahoo!
Admittedly, I don't know everything that happens in Higurashi, because I never finished the anime that I watched when I was a kid and only kind of half remember, but I've been friends with fans of the series long enough that I know one of the big answers by osmosis. But that just makes it more fun in some points, you know? You point at a thing and go "haha, holy shit, look at that. Wild."
Anyway, the writing continues to be good as hell. The characters are great, with the exception of some early 2000s humor that aged like milk. I'm sure Dr. Iire is doing a bit because it fits in with the sense of humor the local kids have, but woofa doofa, I wish he wasn't! I liked him otherwise, and I think he plays into one of the observations I had about the storytelling that I liked most.
I feel like even if I had a better memory of the anime or if I'd read the VNs back when the anime was airing, I think I'd approach it in a different way than I am now. I was basically the same age as Keiichi at the time, and reading this stuff as an adult, it's really striking how much of a kid he is in his internal monologue, especially in the time between him learning about the abuse and things getting weird.
The scene where Iire and Keiichi first talk about Satoko's situation feels like a magnifying glass on how much of a kid Keiichi is. His anger at the injustice and his powerlessness to do anything about Satoko's situation feels really raw, and it's hard not to read Ryukishi's own experience as a social worker into the way Iire feels like he has to handle things.
Anyway, Higurashi continues to be good as hell. I love this wild-ass ride. I'm really excited to see how things actually play out, because I'm pretty sure the next chapter covers the end of what I actually remember watching. After Himatsubushi, it's all stuff I don't even vaguely half remember! Wahoo!
This really kicks things into high gear, just some moments that go so hard it’s impossible to not be impressed by the sheer boldness and anger against the world.
Save her D:
ryukishi07 could single handedly convince me to join a cult if he wrote something like that in a game. thankfully he just wrote tatarigoroshi instead. this game had me convinced . on what is a spoiler but i promise it is so good
O terceiro melhor capitulo de higurashi, é incrível como esse arco é bem escrito e ler isso sabendo de todas as resoluções deixa explícito como o Ryukishi é um gênio
Facilmente o melhor capítulo até o momento
The best question arc, in my opinion. Genuinely creepy, with strong character writing, intrigue and plot. Emotional at times, too.
Just when you think that this is gonna be nothing but real-world horror, it rockets off into the fantastic.
After each of these games, there's a little bonus scene where the characters discuss the plot as though they were actors in a play inspired by their own everyday lives. In this one, they consider the bad endings of the first three chapters and speculate on how to make things turn out better.
The games have all been completely linear, but it's interesting that the post-game review conceptualizes the games almost as deliberately selected and ordered cross-sections of a more conventional branching visual novel.
After each of these games, there's a little bonus scene where the characters discuss the plot as though they were actors in a play inspired by their own everyday lives. In this one, they consider the bad endings of the first three chapters and speculate on how to make things turn out better.
The games have all been completely linear, but it's interesting that the post-game review conceptualizes the games almost as deliberately selected and ordered cross-sections of a more conventional branching visual novel.
CAN THESE KIDS CRY ALREADY LIKE WHY IS IT EVEN CALLED THIS????
my favorite chapter so far, would rate higher if the slice of life stuff wasnt so boring and forgettable 💔
I think Ryukishi writes the first half of Higurashi as some sort of cry for help. The man can clearly write engaging horror mystery and good characters but at this point he purposefully buries it under mountains of unsolicited, unhinged, and unnecessary filler bullshit and calling it anything more than that is an insult to writers who properly use downtime and slow-burns to a full effect.
Peak peak peak peak peak peak