[What are you playing?]

I've started reading The House in Fata Morgana this week and I'm absolutely LOVING IT  

Chapter 1 was a wild ride, I loved the pacing of it

Spoiler

The broken Portuguese intro song was something else lmao I am Portuguese and even I couldn’t understand it.

Opening the game a few times already, I love the title menu soundtrack, it’s so good and creepy!

HOLY FUCK THAT WHOLE LAST PART WAS AMAZING(LY TRAGIC), I LOVE IT— I actually did guess what Nellie would do to the girl’s hair but I did not expect them to be all siblings, woah there. Fuck, I am so glad I’m reading this and that I’m starting off the year with this gem.

I'm still not done with chapter 2 but so far it's really good!!

Spoiler

man, tales of a beast becoming more compassionate and soft over a human who treats them right is a weakness for my heart; I also do respect how they didn’t make this sexual or romantic, just like a found family (which is a trope dear to my heart)

Anyways, I should be done with chapter 2 by Sunday so I'll probably mention it in my next post! Next week I want to read both ch. 3 and 4  I now can see why this vn is so well-regarded within the community!

[What are you playing?]

I kind forgot to update here but I did finish Zero Escape: VLR and welp, it was mid. It could've been better if the pacing was better, I guess

[Looking For a VN without a pussy Protagonist.]

2 hours ago, glupak said:

Grisaia and Fureraba are good choices definetly, but G-senjou no Maou also comes to mind.

I've heard similar stuff about Grisaia's protag, yeah! Azai (G-senjou) is also a good choice; he is sometimes a bit dense but it's not part of his character as a whole iirc.

Kara no Shoujo has an older protagonist and he's way more chill (him sleeping with the underage girls/half his age is kinda yikes for me tho).

Planetarian could fit into this, I think? I mean, he's pretty mature (he ain't a teen) and all; the vn is pretty short (and good!) so if you aren't sure, just read it 

Clannad... hmm, I mean, Tomoya is pretty chill and I'm sure he can read the signs without getting too flustered; he is still a pervert and it shows, but he doesn't feel as generic, maybe? It was weird for me because he had some generic behavior sometimes but then he would be very chill and smooth. Either way, it's a classic - if that means something to you, check it out. It was a 6/10 for me and I definitely feel it's overrated, but hey, it's a classic for a reason.

Eden* is a pretty good choice too. He's more adult so you can expect him to be more mature about the way he acts and thinks. I don't remember how he reacts to female affection or if he is that dense but I'm preeeetty sure this vn isn't too focused on romance...? It's been some time since I've played it and while I did like it, the romance wasn't something I remembered.

[What are you playing?]

[Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward]

Another ending completed! I'll just leave my thoughts under 

Spoiler

I enjoyed learning more about Alice! I feel like there's still a lot of mystery surrounding her, though. Sigma remembering his past timelines is always cool to see and him tricking Dio was pretty great, I gotta admit. Even though Dio killed them all in the end, I feel bad he had to kill himself  I don't know, I just feel like poison is such a nasty way to die. 
Anyways, I'm guessing I'll only be able to turn off all the bombs in the true ending? Either way, it feels good to collect all these passwords.

P.S.: FUCK that puzzle with Alice. I hated it.

Next is Sigma's!  LET'S FUCKING GOOOOOOOO!!! *trying to hype myself up*

[What are you playing?]

[Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward]

Woah, a lot happened, huh? I gotta say tho, I don't like how dragged everything feels in this second game... it kind of bores me. *sigh* Oh well...

Dio's ending:

Spoiler

I guess we did kinda figure out where we are or at least what the building is or was — the house and research facility of K's dad. I'm pretty sure the "mother" for K was actually Akane, it just makes sense that way. Also, what's the deal with K having the same face as sigma?? Or is it the other way around?? Is it the same deal as with Dio? I'm confusion.
I also wonder how the hell Sigma was able to just reach the conclusion K was the one killing Dio lololol I know K is very sus, but still- In the end, we weren't able to find the old man and Clover...

Next is the ending of someone starting with the letter A!

[What are you playing?]

[Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward]

I don't know if it's because of my busy and tiring schedule or what, but I have been so not into theories for this game... My brain has been lazy.
Aaaaanyway! This time I did Dio's ending!

Spoiler

Dio is a clone and member of that one terrorist organization? Ooookay... That was unexpected. I did enjoy the passwords gathering method haha it's fun!

It seems Phi really does know about the timelines as well. That's why us both know each other's names right as the game starts - the start of the game for us players must not be the actual first time they meet. Man, this is getting exciting!

P.S.: Where did Quark go? I'm afraid he got killed... I hope not...

Next stop: K!

[What are you playing?]

[Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward]

Huuum so many questions... It's been two days and I have forgotten most of them already, darn it.  
This time, I played Tenmyoji's Ending!

Spoiler

I don't believe that guy who showed up was really Zero - they wouldn't show them so soon! It just doesn't make sense to show them out of nowhere; and now, a bomb?? It's called "Bomb one", so it implies there's AT LEAST a second one, oof- where did these bombs even come from?? Also, I guess that old man is Junpei? I don't see another reason for him to have a picture of Akane; besides, he did say he was looking for her and what did Alice say back in Clover's ending? Yep, that Junpei was looking for Akane. It all makes sense. There are still a lot of things I haven't written here and that I'm still confused about, but I'll get there, I hope.

Next will be Dio's ending! 

[Abaddon was banned from Steam just 4 days before release]

bruh  

welp, unless Fakku does a discount, I'll get it on itchio; I'm super excited for this one!! 

[What are you playing?]

[Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward]

I missed this gameplay, although it can be hell sometimes. The 3D art is a little weird, but it is what is is; I'm sure I'll get used to it. So far, I'm really enjoying this one as much as the first (well, I did enjoy the first a bit more). 

Due to spoilers from the first game, I'll just say this is for the first recommended ending on the steam guide:

Spoiler

Okay, this was a pretty interesting one, although kinda short. I liked seeing how the old cast plays in this game! I wanted to see Junpei tho [sobs] I'm still not sure about Alice, it's still a tad confusing for me, idk.

So, about that ending... Who killed them? It wasn't Quark as he was still in the pod; it could have been Phi (since she looked infected) or Sigma himself, since he had a similar behavior to Quark (wanting to kill himself), hmmmmm... maybe it'll be explained in other endings!

Oh yeah, another thing: I find Luna quite suspicious. She looks a bit like Akane (she could've dyed her hair) and Clover said her powers could be absorbed if there was a stronger user near, and, well, I'm pretty sure Akane's powers are stronger than Clover's. Luna definitely knows more than what she is letting us know. 

Next week I will be talking about Tenmyoji's ending! 

[What are you playing?]

20 hours ago, alexfang452 said:

Currently reading Miniature Garden. I really like the beginning. This VN keeps giving me more questions about different things such as characters, events, etc. as I read further. 

I plan on reading that soon, nice

[What are you playing?]

33 minutes ago, Silvz said:

You should watch Higurashi Gou/Sotsu as they are sequels to the original story.

I will, but only after Saikoroshi-hen AND Umineko, as there are some important references in Gou/Sotsu (from what a friend of mine told me) 

[What are you playing?]

[Higurashi - When They Cry: Matsuribayashi]

It took me a whole-ass month, but I finally finished reading the Higurashi series!! Hooray!

Phew, it's been a long, long journey. I can't believe half of it was a reread too haha I won't touch another one of Ryuukishi's work until next year, but I did enjoy it a lot 

Okay, so... Let's talk about some things!
The whole talk about politics? BORING. Look, I usually handle info-dumping and stuff like this pretty well, but it felt so dragged, ugh... I was tempted to press skip.

Spoiler

• I really enjoyed the connecting fragments part, but it got a bit too long for a single chapter way too fast haha,, ha... It wasn't that bad, but some fragments were a tad boring.
• It's kinda frustrating how they just accept Hanyuu's horns?? I know it's to make a point about them not judging and Hanyuu finally being accepted, but this really challenged my suspension of disbelief lmao
• Irie's CG is truly something else; I love how I can find Jojo references even in VNs
• The scene with Satoshi and Shion broke my heart, damn,,, 

This was a good conclusion. It wasn't the best conclusion in the world, but it was satisfying and I feel like Higurashi is more about the journey itself than the conclusion. 

I really enjoyed the ride and all the emotions I felt while reading it! My next read of his will probably be Umineko!

Oh yeah, this chapter deserves a 6,5/10. The chapter alone wasn't as great as the others, but then again, it's hard to end something haha

----

My next "read" will be VLR, but I'm also trying to keep reading Maggot Baits and finally finish it! 

[What are you playing?]

20 hours ago, VernonZirconKitsune said:

Taking a break from MAMIYA and playing Togainu no Chi. Just finished Rin's route and honestly I really didn't like him at first but now he's my favorite, lol. I really enjoyed his route. I really wanted to like Keisuke's but it kinda just fell flat imo. Ended up not liking Keisuke that much in the end. 

two VNs I'm really wanting to play  can't wait!

[What are you playing?]

I just finished Higurashi's seventh chapter: Minagoroshi. This one hit me hard in the feels and left me so damn angry, ugh!! 

Chapter 9:

Spoiler

Oh wow, Keiichi's speech and argument with the elders might become one of my favorite moments in all Higurashi so far!!

Chapter 10:

Spoiler

(in the tip) Hifumi T., Hifumi T., hmm....? Who is he?

(now in the post credits scene, chapter 12) Oh, OH- 

Chapter 11:

Spoiler

YOOO WTF, TAKANO??? I mean, I knew something was fishy abt her but DAMN, woah... Poor Tomitake, I'm so fucking sad :(((

Chapter 12:

Spoiler

AAAAAAAAAA I HATE HER I HATE TAKANO I HATE HIGURASHI 

Then, why??? Why do I keep playing it???? WHY DOES IT FEEL SO DAMN GOOD??? UGH

I teared up, my heart sank to the ground, I was so angry!! As soon as Keiichi got shot, I was just like Mion and Rika, destroyed... I know the others were too, but they didn't show it as much... 

Oh wow, I can't wait for the next chapter, what the hell!

This might just be my favorite chapter of them all, deserving a 9,5/10!!! Holy shit, that might be one of my highest scores so far!! 

For the next two weeks, I'll be finally finishing Higurashi aaaa so excited!!

[What are you playing?]

I have been reading Higurashi: Tsumihoroboshi these past two weeks and boy, it was a ride! It's not my favorite one but it might actually be pretty close!!  

Spoiler

Chapter 3: Rena getting all comfy in her hideout almost made me tear up, what the hell. I miss being a little kid... I mean, I could still do those things. I can't wait until I move to the countryside again... sigh.

Chapter 6: I cried like a bitch, damn. I was fine until Satoko joined and forgave Rena... cries. Also, is it just me who prefers the original CG of Rena crying over MangaGamer's or the console one? Idk, I just found it more emotional, even tho I'm playing with the console sprites.

Chapter 13/Finale: Man, that fight was epic! But agh, that last tip left me so freaking confused again... I mean, a lot of stuff has been cleared up but I'm wondering how Keiichi and his friend will overcome the big Hinamizawa Disaster because I sure want them to do that 

This chapter might fit neatly into maybe third place (in my personal rank), hehe~ I'll give this one an 8,3/10!

Next is Higurashi: Minagoroshi! I can't wait! 

[What are you playing?]

So, I finally finished reading the fifth chapter of Higurashi (aka Meakashi) and man, does it feel amazing to read it for the first time! The previous ones were all rereads so I kinda knew what to expect (although I didn't remember a lot) but this one, even tho it's related to the Watanagashi chapter, it had a completely different feeling~

Spoiler

I wouldn't call Shion your typical yandere, but I see the "dere" types as a spectrum (especially when it comes to tsundere and yanderes, who are usually the more complicated ones), and Shion would definitely be in it.

My comments (spoilers, obviously)

Spoiler

Chapter 2

Seeing Shion and Mion getting along so well is kinda weird ngl

Noooo, poor Satoko! I hate that sprite of hers, it breaks my heart :(( also, Satoshi's POV?? Woah

Chapter 3

So Shion can just cry at command, huh... Interesting, interesting. That means she was probably faking it in the telephone, if it was actually Shion and not Mion.

Chapter 4

Ryuukishi mentioned in the review session that she was trying to get sympathy from the reader but wow, she sucked at that huh. I mean, I never liked her much but knowing the shit she did to Satoko when she was just a child made me really fucking angry. As someone who spent their entire childhood afraid of being at home because of my entire family and terrified of everything because of it, it's not something you can just "grow up and deal with"!  And besides! Satoshi shouldn't be the ideal teen Shion thinks he is. He is supposed to be immature and childish but, just like Coach said, he was forced to grow up and be mature, that's what trauma does to you. That's what happened to me but now that I'm in a better place my brain has finally started to develop again (because yeah, if your brain is in "survival mode", it kinda freezes emotionally until you are safe again) it has caused all sorts of issues because I'm 20 and I have the emotional intelligence and stability of a 14 y/o. Satoshi isn't mature, it's just a fucking way to cope, ugh. I find Satoshi cute and all, but Shion just idolizes him way too much; that ain't healthy, gurl. Anyways, a child is supposed to cry and let it all out to be healthy, that much amount of stress and repression is literally killing them inside (like, cortisol isn't supposed to be so high for that amount of time because it becomes TOXIC to the body) and what does Shion do? FUCKING BEAT THAT CHILD EVEN MORE  Shion is a teen and is in love, I get it. Still no excuse to beat a fucking child younger than her. I just can't sympathize, sorry lmao

Oh, and also: so, Shion is the one Satoshi talked to before Watanagashi, about taking Satoko with her... Does that mean the one Keiichi talked to in chapter 3 was also Shion or was it Mion? I mean, Shion could have told her later on, since she can't go to the festival herself. But... there's no way Mion would know every exact thing Satoshi told Shion, just like Keiichi did, hmmm... I'm still not sure.

Chapter 11

I was already kinda expecting them to switch places, but I wasn't expecting them to have had switched names when they were little kids, woah; now that's a mindfuck.

Chapter 13/bad ending

The bad ending was depressing af, c'mon. I find Keiichi and Mion really cute together, even if Keiichi is a dense mf 

So far, this is my rank:

#1 Tatarigoroshi
#2 Watanagashi
#3 Onikakushi
#4 Meakashi
#5 Himatsubushi

Anyways, I'll give this one a 7,8/10! Next will be Tsumihoroboshi (chapter 6)! 
I can't wait to be with my boi Keiichi again~

[What are you playing?]

This last week, I finished reading Higurashi: Himatsubushi!  It didn't feel as amazing as the previous ones, but it was good enough!

I'll admit, the first bit of it was kinda boring because of all the infodump and the lack of action and, overall, it was kinda slow.

I played the mod version with the choices, but I was expecting the bad ending to be, idk, longer? It was very underwhelming lol

Now, for the spoilers...

Spoiler

Rika mentions how she is going to die in the future and I mean, she does die in both Watanagashi and Tatarigoroshi; she probably dies in Onikakushi as well, we're just not aware because of our POV. At least, that's my theory. Since the disaster occurs in this chapter as well, it's only logical it would happen in ALL chapters, the only difference is that Keiichi would die first.

Damn, this one didn't have any screenshots worth sharing   Welp, I'll give this one a 7/10

Anywaaaaaays, I'm reading Higurashi: Meakashi already (just finished chapter 1) and it's so cool aaaa!!! 

[What are you playing?]

Time for another chapter! This time, I reread the third chapter, Tatarigoroshi 

I was expecting it already, but this was very confusing... tho I did realize more things than the first time I read it! 

Chapter 1:

Spoiler

dang, my heart hurts already...

but was he?

excuse me while I cry myself to sleep over this

Damn, Rika...

Chapter 3:

Spoiler

UUGHHH I HATE BASEBALL SO MUCH, WHY, JAPAN-

the fact that she is an orphan-

cries 

Chapter 4:

Spoiler

I just realized he might be the infamous かんとく(the "manager") from chap 1  I mean, it would make sense! Rena called a doctor and he IS a doctor - he is also a coach (which has the same reading as "manager") and that's exactly how everyone calls him, so it'd make sense Mion called him that back in chap 1. Yeah, chapter 1 was mostly Keiichi freaking out huh (not that I can blame him)... I can't believe he killed both Mion and Rena due to his paranoia 

dang... I'm gonna cry

Chapter 5:

Spoiler

Is... Is he remembering past chapters?? 

Damn, I was fine with Ooishi in the previous chapters because I kinda knew how he'd behave but wow, I definitely hate him in this one lol

wait a minute, a baseball bat?? This thing is more involved in the story than I initially thought...

Chapter 6:

Spoiler

Oooh, so the spoken message at the beginning of each second act is Rena speaking but Keiichi's thoughts? Interesting. I couldn't tell for the two first chapters but in this one it was pretty obvious, knowing what happens later on... Poor Satoko.

Current mood: crying in the club for Satoko

me lol

Chapter 7:

Spoiler

this is so fucking depressing...

Chapter 8:

Spoiler

Knowing later on his wishes come true and before that this happens... could it be... he is possessed by Oyashiro-sama?

yeah, he totally is possessed by Oyashiro-sama... those eyes...

Chapter 9:

Spoiler

YESSSS I KNEW IT!! I was suspicious ever since they mentioned the murderer used a baseball bat

Chapter 10:

Spoiler

this is eerily beautiful

yo that kinda scared me ngl

she totally killed him; either that, or Keiichi is crazier than I thought and I am too immersed lmao

Chapter 11:

Spoiler

knowing what happens later on in this chapter... there's a reason you shouldn't wish vague things, just saying-

Wait a minute... We already established Dr. Irie is the "manager" guy from Onikakushi, which means the white van must have been the helpers, in case Keiichi became violent - because, as we all know, he had a burst of violence with the baseball bat against those two villagers (back in Onikakushi). That would explain things, especially my theory that he was mostly delusional, at least in the first chapter. Man, these theories and this mystery... So good!!

people DON'T die when they are killed, huh

Oho? Just like Onikakushi

Chapter 12:

Spoiler

"I'm not crazy, trust me bro"

Does Satoko remember the previous chapters or is she talking about her Uncle? Mion? Rena? I'm so confused

Even tho those are common things said when you're traumatized (speaking from experience), it could also be what Satoko meant when she was having that trauma reaction when Keiichi pet her head back in chapter 8

Chapter 13:

Spoiler

Oh yeah, that IS true... I wonder what this is all about

Finally!! This was something I would see everywhere on the internet, but I didn't remember it and thought I was being spoiled lol -- well, kinda?

BONUS CHAPTER:

Spoiler

I did think of that! Interesting...

this did not age so well lol

I'm so tired of creating my own theories tho, hau... I'll just upload these thoughts and read the next chapter!!

 

Overall, this chapter did not disappoint; again, it wasn't as impactful as the first read, but I did learn some things I wouldn't be able to know the first time I read this. I'll give it an 8/10 

Next chapter, Himatsubushi!

[What are you playing?]

Well then, I finally finished my rereading of Higurashi: Watanagashi! It was less impactful than the first time I read it, but that was to be expected; however, I did relearn a LOT of things I had forgotten 

Chapter 3:

Spoiler

it's making ME nervous, fully knowing how she was in chapter 1... *sweats*

Chapter 5:

Spoiler

this is one of the reasons I love Keiichi

Ouch; Mion, don't mind her, you're perfect already!! *sobs*

Chapter 6:

Spoiler

I know it's kind of a stretch but could it be... Takano is somehow related to Satoko and Satoshi? I mean, they are all blond and their eyes look the same...

Also, that white screen transition from the mod... I'm suspecting Rena has more to do with the whole story than I expected... hmmm...

Chapter 7:

Spoiler

Oh, that IS interesting!  never thought abt it like that!

Reading the new TIPS... is that notebook Takano's?

Chapter 9:

Spoiler

Lemme have some hope, c'mon! 

Chapter 11:

Spoiler

holy shit, I did NOT remember that... this gave me chills noooo Mion don't kill me- yikes

(Man, fascism is such a great track!! 

I usually don't really like Keiichi's screams but damn, this one gave me chills; poor Keiichi... :(((

Chapter 12:

Spoiler

Wouldn't be the first time...

0/10 why is Higurashi making me cry - I asked for chills, not tears

aaaaAAAAAA STOP UGH I DON'T WANNA CRY AGAIN-

( Whaaa I could have sworn Mion's grandma was alive when Rena and Keiichi came to visit Mion the first time I read this chapter... weird. )

BONUS CHAPTER:

Spoiler

About Shion's death: it's more realistic to say it was probably just her delusions again, but after Mion stabbed Keiichi, she said "You were the last person I wanted to kill", so that meant she had killed Shion already... hmm... W-Wait... Mion was dead already? And... Takano?! Wha- I have thought about it and... if I want this to make sense, it could only mean that somehow, Keiichi, being all delusional, went outside, thinking he saw Mion, and stabbed himself so she could finally get rid of him (the regret and guilt were too much to bear, maybe).

that's... not bad at all! I was relying too much on the "You were the last person I wanted to kill" line from Mion (Shion?), but if she puts it like that...

It definitely wasn't as good of an experience as the first read, but as I said earlier, that's to be expected: I already knew and remembered most plot twists lol
That said, I'll give this chapter a solid 7,8/10 

Next is Higurashi: Tatarigoroshi (aka the third chapter!); until then, bye bye! 

[What are you playing?]

[Higurashi: Watanagashi]

I'll be finishing this one by Sunday (...probably) but I thought I'd drop by to talk about the first two chapters 

I really like this chapter and I just know I'll be able to enjoy it more this time! Mion might be my favorite character (besides Keiichi), I swear to the Gods 

Chapter 1:

Spoiler

Heh, you haven't seen anything yet

I really like the club's fun times, but seeing everyone, especially Mion, so mad at Keiichi for having a hard time on a LUCK game was really uncomfy. Idk, I guess I'm just not that competitive.

 

Ok, this legit made me laugh--

This is making me feel bad... poor Mion 

 haha, *shivers*

Chapter 2:

Spoiler

Oh, right, right... a joke... haha... ha....

seriously tho, he already died once, no need to make the same mistakes again lol

"Higurashi is scary"

I just LOVE when they make little references to past chapters kasnkajsn

flustered Mion is absolutely adorable aaaaa

Anyways, I'm liking it so far! There's a lot I didn't remember! 

[What are you playing?]

Pheeew...! I finished the first chapter of Higurashi! Even as a reread, this was still a ride. Sure, the last chapter wasn't as intense or impactful as it once was, but the ending still left me satisfied and hyped for the next chapter!! I am so looking forward to actually read the ones I haven't read for the first time! 

Can you even blame her? I saw what Keiichi looked like in the manga and wow, soooo kyute! 

Spoiler

Gods... chapter 8 was intense FOR SURE. I had forgotten how tense this vn can be sometimes. Especially Rena so close to the screen, brrr...

Anywaaaay, you know how I mentioned the parallels in the beginning?

This one, right?

I finally have the other two! 

I probably didn't even notice it when I read it for the first time and this time I thought it was Rena apologizing because those were the only "I'm sorry"s I remembered but it appears I was wrong, poggers

Oh yeah, since I already finished the vn, some of my comments might be pointless, but I wanted to share what I noticed and thought anyways since this is kinda the point of this thread?

... Even as a reread, I still can't handle the whole ripping your throat open with your own nails scene in Higurashi... I love gore, but descriptive gore is one I'm weak to, ugh,,, I mean, I'm not complaining too much- 

Huh, that's weird.
Ok, so: Satoshi was a member of the club (if having his name on one of the cards is proof enough) back then but Rena says she didn't get to know him because he went away before she came to Hinamizawa... however, if the club was created with her there, he should have been there, no? I know the little details because this is a reread, but it's fun seeing stuff I didn't remember

zoomed Rena is still something else... *shivers*

ain't that a mood
I don't need sleep I need answers!! Seriously tho, that left me so damn tense; oof, this isn't good for my poor heart... Hau...

Theories!!

#1 Human perpetrator

As this one implies, the perpetrator is human - likely the whole village or maybe just the Sunozaki family and their political strings (with some help from the villagers?). This does rely on my knowledge of the future chapters, as we learn more about the History of Hinamizawa

#2 Oyashiro-sama madness

Maybe everyone goes crazy in this village for a reason... and I'm not saying it's really a curse but a placebo effect. Maybe there's something else causing this madness and the curse just intensifies it because of the placebo effect! That doesn't explain Rena's past outside of Hinamizawa though... UNLESS, the madness is caused by some chemical naturally present in the village and she was affected by it before even leaving the village, hmmmmmm...

The next one might be a spoiler for the whole game since it's heavily influenced by some random spoilers with no context. Though I'm not even sure if it was for Higurashi, I'd advise you not to click on it if you want to go completely blind!

Spoiler

 

Spoiler

#3 It's all a show

This one is the one that got me the most confused... It's heavily influenced by a spoiler with no context that suggests Higurashi is just all a big show, like The Truman Show. It would explain the existence of a "Director", as Mion and Rena mentioned, laughing. Maybe they all knew about this and were toying with Keiichi, the audience's surrogate. This theory would also explain the "review session" bonus chapter.

 

Well, it's time to jump to the next chapter! I've had my fun with this one, but I can't wait to navigate this next one and read the third one - my favorite 
I give Higurashi: Onikakushi 8,5/10 stars!  Until next time!!

[What are you playing?]

Finally, I'm able to post something decent lel I've been playing Maggot Baits for a while but I still don't have much I want to comment on, though I'm liking the story so far! The h-scenes could benefit from a cut but oh well! As far as story goes, I'm enjoying it! The bad ending was pure nukige material, but the plot towards the first ending is very much interesting. I'm looking forward to advancing the plot... 

Today, I started my rereading of Higurashi: When They Cry and UUUGHHH I MISSED IT SO MUCH! I finished the chapter 2 (within the Onikakushi chapter) and I'm so satisfied~!!  Aah, I love 'em girls hahaha

Well, that feels like a fucking lie-

Pfft Keiichi is too ahead of himself 

Now, for the spoilery stuff...

Spoiler

I love parallels made in stories so much, nngh... also, this makes me so fucking sad, ugh 

Another parallel I loved!

It's fun seeing stuff like this after reading the second chapter; iirc, Mion has a crush on Keiichi? Or was that whole thing because she wanted to be feminine and stuff? I don't even remember anymore, but I found this so freaking cute!!

And finally, this made me shiver, brr... The way the music stopped, the rushed answer, the smile but serious face, everything felt so tense and heavy.

I LOVE IT 

I should be finished with this first chapter this Sunday so until then, I won't probably post updates, who knows...

[What are you playing?]

On 5/29/2021 at 8:44 PM, Eclipsed said:

Ok. So, I started reading VNs in 2014. That's like what, 7 years? And my VNDB lists 76 finished, which makes 10-12 per year average. You could say I'm a seasoned veteran now (not really, still a flippin' casual tbh).

My first five VNs were If My Heart Had Wings, Little Busters!, Rewrite, Steins;Gate, Grisaia no Kajitsu. Y'know, all the common classic starter packs, so I rated all of them 9+/10

And what am I reading now? 

CLANNAD.

This monster has so many 9+/10 ratings I have to wonder if it was all because it was one of the starter packs that everyone starts their VN career reading and then they get nuked by the late game Key Magickz and hail it as one of the greatest of all time

I'll have the luxury of going into this with seasoned veteran status, so I am totally going to be critical and see what all the hype was about.

~~

Yes. Sometimes I wish I was back in my naive VN early days where I didn't realize how utterly butchered Moenovels' translation was for IMHHW and I still regarded it as a wonderful VN. Btw that's the obvious poster heroine above: (first) Nagisa Furukawa. 

The male protag Tomoya surprised me. Idk why, but I totally thought he would be another LB! bland nice guy Riki, but he's got some Rewrite's Kotarou delinquent sass to him so at least he'll keep me entertained I hope. The main heroine Nagisa also caught me off guard; when you're into idol rhythm games like Love Live / Bandori, and all the Honokas and Kasumis AKA orange/brown haired girls are the genki type, Nagisa totally throws a curve ball by being the innocent naive mellow type:

LOL FURUKAWA WTH!!!!

And then there's Sunohara:

F*** me, I forgot Key loves them some male bro side characters. I got spoiled by ISLAND having no bros to deal with. I personally feel these guys only serve to deduct heroine screentimes. Their banter is usually always whatevers. 

~~
Scariest thing so far:

7 heroines, jeebus! I felt overwhelmed with ISLAND having just THREE heroines and was glad they focused on ONE. I know, forgive me, I'm old. Idk if I gots the patience to go through 'em all, but I'll try. Right now I really like Tomoyo for being a former-delinquent-turned-model-student-badass (yay, so that leaves Tomoyo After something to look forward to). Nagisa is a bit too mellow. Ryou's aight, Kyou's where it's at though. Fuko just Fukos. And I don't even think I saw Kotomi or Yukine yet; damn these numerous blind choice mechanics.

 

^Best girl

~~
I'm so curious what will happen. So far this totally looks like just standard high school SoL, and then come lategame Key'll pull some uber QQ tragics that will me bawls like no tomorrow and 10/10 this VN. But wtf can they do...?

Good luck! I played that last year and it was pretty late in my VN reading journey but it was enjoyable enough, I guess. It's definitely better for people who play this as one of their first VNs but, dependending on what you like, it can be just as good later on! Personally, I don't enjoy these pure love stories and Nagisa... oh gods, I loathe Nagisa, oof. She is just so bland, meh. Most routes are pretty good tho! I would say that my fave heroines are Kyou, Tomoyo, Yukine, Kotomi and Misae, but the best routes (imo) are Kotomi's and Yukine's. Oh, Fuko is pretty cute, also, but I don't see her as heroine material akjsjsbd and that's not all! You also have other routes to read, which I'm not gonna tell you in case you want to go blind haha

[Musicus!]

Musicus!

Available on Steam and MangaGamer (+18)

Summary

---

Kei used to attend a famous high school with aspirations of one day becoming a doctor like his parents, but he stopped for a term due to certain reasons and is now studying part-time. While his journey had become more difficult, it was still possible to get back on track. However, after meeting many different types of people that he had not previously encountered and realizing that there was so much in the world that he did not know, he began to question what future he truly desired.

After receiving a prize from a city-wide competition for a short story that he wrote, he was asked by Yagihara, the president of a music production, to accompany their band on their upcoming tour and write a report about the event. The band was Kachoufuugetsu, which once performed on the big stage. Its leader Korekiyo is quite a peculiar fellow and talked at length about how music was pointless and good for nothing. Even though Kei was perplexed about Korekiyo, he was taken away by the band’s music when he heard it for the first time.

A few days later after that memorable first live, Kei found out that they were disbanding. Unable to accept the sudden news, he approached Korekiyo many times to convince him to change his mind, but no argument could sway him. Instead, Korekiyo asked him:

“How about you play rock in my place?”

Ending Guideline / Suggested Route Order

---

There are 3 main routes and a single bad ending. This VN uses your typical ladder structure format, in which there's a true ending and some routes in your way there. There are 3 acts in this story, each one to separate each route in the ladder.

Be aware that there aren't "free choices" and every single one matters to the route.

To save you some time from control-skipping, I have included Save Points in addition to the full route guides.

Walkthrough

---

Prologue (Act I)

Spoiler

• I've been studying hard to get into college but to be honest...
• I'm actually a little jealous
• I'm gonna do both
• You might be right
• Tell Ozaki-san about what happened over summer, including joining a band
• I can't know what the future holds, but that's a possible path.
• I don't care what anyone thinks. I'll choose my own path through my own values.
• I still don't know, but part of me wants to know exactly what he saw.

(You need to choose in this order to unlock Ozaki's route)

【Save 1】

 

Ozaki Yako

Spoiler

• Whatever form it takes, there's no way I can gamble on my life
• Take his hand (optional; new CG)

Common Route (Act II)

Spoiler

【Load 1】

• I don't want to bring sorrow. But it's definitely possible to bet it all on something in life
• I haven't thought of it. I just wanna be up on stage again
• If we can have fun playing, that's plenty for me
• Because it's cool. Is that not reason enough?
• You're right. It might be good input for later.
• No, I think I'm more like you on this one.

【Save 2】

Kousaka Meguru

Spoiler

• I think I'm on Kosaka-san's side.

 

Common Route (Act III)

Spoiler

【Load 2】

• I'm basically closer to Mikazuki
• Well, yeah, I'd be happy if a lot of people recognized me as good.

【Save 3】

Bad Ending

Spoiler

• No, this wouldn't cut it. Our live shows had to be perfect every time
• We'll announce it as a new song. But we're not saying that Hanai-san made it.
• Think about the band later. You should do this. (no matter the last two choices, if you choose "I can't agree to this. We're getting busier, and you won't be able to balance both.", you'll enter True Ending territory)

 

Hanai Mikazuki
(TRUE ENDING)

Spoiler

【Load 3】

• It was fine. Playing live is about playing as you are.
• We'll say it's a song Hanai-san wrote.

Attribution

---

Summary stolen from VNDB.

If there is anything wrong, let me know ASAP via PM!

[What are you playing?]

[Musicus!]

Act II

(I'm typing this as I'm playing it, and I had to turn off Kaneda's voice because I just couldn't stand it, ugh. He got even more annoying real fast.)

Okay, I finished it. It's official, I'm dropping this. This act was... fine. 

Spoiler

Okay, but seriously, it was real boring. I couldn't stand Kaneda, as I mentioned before, and even Mika got to my nerves. Tazaki, the only sensible person in the band, wants to leave the band? That's it, no more.

Act I was fun and all, but after that it was just painful to keep reading - it's a shame, I was expecting so much more :(((

----

After this, I'll finally be able to make progress with Maggot Baits, so at least I'm excited for that!