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Certified not the worst human being on planet earth

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jannik_mihay
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In my opinion "Umineko no Naku Koro ni" (or [more or less] translated into english "When The Seagulls Cry") is on par, if not better, with the best literature I've read over the years.

While not a video game in the traditional sense, Umineko is a so-called "Sound Novel" by renowned developer "Ryukishi07/07thExpansion". Their work (In english known as the "When They Cry" series) focuses on mystery/"fantasy" stories told with fitting and emotional BGS/BGM. Their games(novels) thereby have overarcing plots, though, in a rather unconditonal way. The settings and main plot beats more or less stay the same throughout each singular arc, but the course of actions and whodunnit change with every go around.

With this rather unique way of telling a story, the games are definitely not for everyone, though I'd recommend checking out the first Chapter of "Higurashi" to get a insight about the writing style. Up to date I still think it's a perfect start to the series; even with its slow-paces start.
Same goes for Umineko. A lot of the intriguing plot point and turn of events come from episode 2 ongoing, though a lot of it builds upon the first chapter. Equivalently this holds for the following episodes as well.
Even then, the woven tale, while solvable with this first collection, is unfinished by design. This collection contains the first 4 out of 8 novels in the Umineko-Series (Implied by the Tag "Question Arc" in the title). The Question Arc Episodes set up the main mystery, provide the gameboard for the reader while hiding information about the real truth behind it all.
But! even if this might sound to some as a negative point, it definitely isn't. The emotions portrait in the stories of each arc are one of a kind to me. I might have a soft spot for tales depicting neglection and brutal acts that makes you empathize with the characters living through such misery, but while Umineko certainly exceeded my expectations in these categories it certainly shouldn't be reduced to them alone. Sourrounding the misery are endearing characters, and an almost perfect mystery that let's you guess through the whole 60-80 hours it approximately takes to read through the first four chapters.
And it most definitely will leave you wanting more.

I probably rambled quite a bit without giving any real information on the most important part of a review; should you buy Umineko or not. So

Tl;dr: If you want a superb story with extremly well-written characters built around an unconventional mystery-story; then buy Umineko. It's seriously worth it. Though, if you search something where you need to act on the gameboard rather than being forced to think outside of the games bounds, then this shouldn't be your first pick.
Ths story is interesting to read but at the end of the day that won't help you when you hate reading.

Still, I personally love the soundtrack to this game and, even when you hate Visual Novels/ Sound Novels, the soundtrack can be enjoyed purely on its own merit.
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PERFORMANCE 6 Nov, 2023 @ 9:35am 
ebanaya animeshnaya huita
Bochum 9 Apr, 2023 @ 7:24pm 
Furthermore, to imply that the game's uniqueness is a strength, when in fact it is simply a lack of traditional structure, is erroneous. The lack of coherence in the plot and characters detracts from the experience rather than adding to it.

In addition, your mention of the emotional portrayal of neglect and brutal acts in the game is concerning. Literature should not be judged solely on the basis of its ability to elicit emotional responses, but rather on its ability to engage the reader in a meaningful and thought-provoking manner.

I suggest that before making such grandiose claims about a piece of work, you take the time to explore the great literary works that have stood the test of time and have been hailed as masterpieces. Only then can you make a fair and informed comparison.

Yours sincerely,Jenny
Bochum 9 Apr, 2023 @ 7:24pm 
Dear Sir/Madam,

I must say I am greatly disappointed in your assessment that "Umineko no Naku Koro ni" is on par, if not better, than most literature you have read. It is quite clear that you have not delved into the works of great literary minds such as Wittgenstein, Shakespeare, or Dostoevsky, to name but a few.

Your comparison of "Umineko no Naku Koro ni" to literature of such a caliber is preposterous. While it may be an enjoyable game, it does not possess the depth, complexity, and sheer brilliance of these literary giants.
Cenz0 3 Mar, 2023 @ 10:50am 
poop
TreX 29 Nov, 2020 @ 6:25pm 
+rep The saltiest P90 in the west.
Xxiev 26 Jun, 2020 @ 4:22pm 
Enjoy these fresh brewed tea my good old friend. :paperbag: