Summary
- Release Year: 2010
- Genres: Adventure, Visual Novel
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: 07th Expansion
- Publishers: HOBIBOX
Umineko no Naku Koro ni: A Haunting Tale of Murder and Mystery
Umineko no Naku Koro ni (When the Seagulls Cry) is a Japanese visual novel developed by 07th Expansion and released in 2010. It is the second installment in the When They Cry series, following Higurashi When They Cry. Umineko takes place on a secluded island called Rokkenjima, where a wealthy family gathers to discuss the division of the family inheritance. However, a typhoon traps the family on the island, and people soon begin to be murdered under mysterious circumstances.
The player takes on the role of Battler Ushiromiya, the protagonist of the story, who must solve the murders and uncover the secrets of Rokkenjima. Battler is aided by Beatrice, a mysterious witch who claims to be the culprit behind the murders.
Umineko no Naku Koro ni is a complex and challenging mystery, with multiple endings and a branching storyline. The game features a large cast of characters, each with their own unique motivations and secrets. The story is told through a series of episodes, each of which focuses on a different character’s perspective on the events of Rokkenjima.
The game’s story is praised for its complexity and depth, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. The game’s art and music are also highly praised, and the voice acting is top-notch.
Gameplay
Umineko no Naku Koro ni is a visual novel, which means that the gameplay consists primarily of reading text and making choices that affect the story. The player takes on the role of Battler Ushiromiya, the protagonist of the story, who must solve the murders and uncover the secrets of Rokkenjima.
The game is divided into eight episodes, each of which focuses on a different character’s perspective on the events of Rokkenjima. The player must read through each episode and make choices that affect the story. The choices the player makes will determine which ending the player gets.
Characters
Umineko no Naku Koro ni features a large cast of characters, each with their own unique motivations and secrets. The main characters include:
- Battler Ushiromiya: The protagonist of the story, who must solve the murders and uncover the secrets of Rokkenjima.
- Beatrice: A mysterious witch who claims to be the culprit behind the murders.
- Jessica Ushiromiya: Battler’s cousin and a member of the Ushiromiya family.
- Maria Ushiromiya: Battler’s cousin and a member of the Ushiromiya family.
- Kanon Ushiromiya: Battler’s cousin and a member of the Ushiromiya family.
- Shannon: A servant of the Ushiromiya family.
- Genji Ronove: A servant of the Ushiromiya family.
Themes
Umineko no Naku Koro ni explores a number of themes, including:
- The nature of truth: The game challenges the player to question what is real and what is not.
- The power of belief: The game shows how belief can shape reality.
- The importance of family: The game explores the complex relationships between family members.
- The nature of good and evil: The game blurs the lines between good and evil.
Reception
Umineko no Naku Koro ni was released to critical acclaim. The game was praised for its complex and challenging mystery, its well-developed characters, its beautiful art and music, and its top-notch voice acting. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.
Legacy
Umineko no Naku Koro ni is considered to be one of the greatest visual novels of all time. The game has been praised for its complex and challenging mystery, its well-developed characters, its beautiful art and music, and its top-notch voice acting. The game has also been influential in the development of other visual novels and has inspired a number of fan works, including同人誌 (doujinshi), cosplay, and fan art.
Conclusion
Umineko no Naku Koro ni is a haunting tale of murder and mystery that will stay with you long after you finish playing it. The game’s complex and challenging mystery, well-developed characters, beautiful art and music, and top-notch voice acting make it a must-play for any fan of visual novels.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
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