Summary

Release Year: 2009
Genres: Adventure, Visual Novel
Platforms: Android, iOS, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: 07th Expansion
Publishers: 07th Expansion, MangaGamer, Saffran Prod, Seams

Higurashi When They Cry (2009): A Gripping Murder Mystery Visual Novel

Higurashi When They Cry is a Japanese murder mystery visual novel developed by 07th Expansion. The game was originally released in Japan in 2002, and it was later ported to Windows, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and Nintendo DS. The game has been translated into English and released in North America and Europe.

Higurashi When They Cry is set in the rural village of Hinamizawa, where a group of young friends are enjoying their summer vacation. However, their idyllic summer takes a dark turn when a series of gruesome murders begin to occur. The friends soon realize that they are being targeted by a serial killer, and they must work together to uncover the killer’s identity before they become the next victims.

The gameplay of Higurashi When They Cry is relatively simple. The player reads through the story, which is presented in a visual novel format. The player can make choices at certain points in the story, which will affect the outcome of the game. The game also features several minigames, which can be used to earn items or information that can help the player solve the mystery.

Higurashi When They Cry is a well-written and suspenseful murder mystery visual novel. The game’s characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot is full of twists and turns. The game’s visuals are also impressive, and they help to create a sense of atmosphere and dread.

Characters

The main characters of Higurashi When They Cry are:

Keiichi Maebara: A high school student who has recently moved to Hinamizawa. Keiichi is a friendly and outgoing boy, but he is also quick to anger.
Rena Ryuugu: A shy and mysterious girl who is often seen carrying a doll. Rena is a kind and caring person, but she also has a dark side.
Mion Sonozaki: The president of the Hinamizawa Club. Mion is a strong and intelligent girl, but she can also be ruthless.
Shion Sonozaki: Mion’s twin sister. Shion is a gentle and caring girl, but she is also fiercely protective of her sister.
Satoko Hojo: A young girl who is often bullied by her classmates. Satoko is a sweet and innocent girl, but she also has a strong will.
Rika Furude: The village shrine maiden. Rika is a kind and compassionate girl, but she also has a tragic past.

Plot

The story of Higurashi When They Cry takes place over the course of five chapters. Each chapter focuses on a different murder that occurs in Hinamizawa. The player must investigate each murder and uncover the killer’s identity.

The first chapter, “Onikakushi-hen,” introduces the main characters and sets up the basic premise of the story. Keiichi Maebara moves to Hinamizawa and joins the Hinamizawa Club. However, he soon learns that the village is not as idyllic as it seems. A series of gruesome murders begin to occur, and Keiichi and his friends soon realize that they are being targeted by a serial killer.

The second chapter, “Watanagashi-hen,” explores the history of Hinamizawa and the origins of the serial killings. Keiichi and his friends learn about the village’s dark past, and they begin to suspect that the murders are connected to a local legend.

The third chapter, “Tatarigoroshi-hen,” focuses on the relationship between Keiichi and Rena Ryuugu. Keiichi begins to suspect that Rena is the serial killer, and he sets out to prove her guilt. However, Keiichi soon learns that there is more to Rena than meets the eye.

The fourth chapter, “Himatsubushi-hen,” explores the relationship between Mion and Shion Sonozaki. Mion and Shion are twin sisters, but they have very different personalities. Mion is strong and intelligent, while Shion is gentle and caring. However, both sisters are fiercely protective of each other.

The fifth and final chapter, “Matsuribayashi-hen,” brings all of the loose ends together and reveals the identity of the serial killer. Keiichi and his friends must confront the killer and stop them from committing any more murders.

Themes

Higurashi When They Cry explores a number of dark and disturbing themes, including:

Murder: The game is full of violence and gore, and the player is often forced to witness the brutal murders of innocent people.
Friendship: The game also explores the importance of friendship, and the lengths that people will go to protect their friends.
Betrayal: The game also explores the theme of betrayal, and the pain that it can cause.
Mental illness: The game also explores the theme of mental illness, and the effects that it can have on a person’s behavior.

Reception

Higurashi When They Cry has been praised for its well-written story, complex characters, and suspenseful atmosphere. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms, and it has been translated into several languages. The game has also been adapted into an anime series, a manga series, and a live-action film.

Legacy

Higurashi When They Cry is a classic murder mystery visual novel that has had a significant impact on the genre. The game’s dark and disturbing themes, well-developed characters, and suspenseful atmosphere have made it a favorite among fans of the genre. The game has also been praised for its innovative use of the visual novel format, and it has helped to pave the way for other visual novels to explore dark and disturbing themes.