Feb 13, 2025
(This review doesn't have a score to me, since I don't feel like I can summarize my ideas with a number. It might also have more ideas added)
Umineko No Naku Koro Ni is the second main installment of the 07th Expansion, being preceded by Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni; it's one of the most praised works in the visual novel community, and one I wanted to write about for a while. I'm not talking much in storywise since most people know; the work tells a story about a series of mysterious murders in the island of Rokkenjima, the main household of the wealthy Ushiromiya family.
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The novel goes through 8 episodes, divided in 15 to 18 chapters each; with an average length of 100 hours (or more, depending of your reading speed).
About the notable points, the plot and concept are both really interesting and engaging. The message telling the importance of looking ahead, living for the future and holding the dear memories and truth inside the self is something I really like. Although I consider metafiction a pretentious genre, the way that R07 dealt with the themes is a point to appreciate. The cast is aware that is inside a story, and operates under the rules of the "game". There is a "classy" atmosphere in the setting, enhanced by the soundtrack, which is one of my favorites from the media.
About the OST, there is a range of tracks that go from classical to jazz; among them the memorable "Hope" and "Rose" add a special touch to the scenes.
The characters are diverse and unique, and I can't think of a single one that was bad and shouldn't be in the cast. They fulfill their role well in the plot, and it's impossible to talk about this topic without a special complement to the voice acting, which walks hand in hand with Ryukishi's ability as a writer. I know almost all the seiyuu involved in the project, and I was surprised by how well they performed.
Now to a brief nitpick part; as I previously mentioned, this is a novel with +100 hours of reading content. It's lengthy and this is a gripe I have with this work. Some dialogues are overexpositions, and about the definition of knocking on a door in a detailed manner. Now, I appreciate the engaging dialogue Umineko has through the game, but I find some parts a little longer than they should. But in the end, this depends of the reader.
There are a couple more of points I can say about Umineko but I'll finish here. It's a memorable work with a strong presentation. It has some issues here and there, but nothing that compromises the work.
Thank you for reading.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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