Since this entry contains Chapters 1 to 4, I'm gonna review them individually (with as little spoilers as possible) and add a summary for the bundle itself after all of them to sum up my thoughts on it as a whole.
Note: you can also find these reviews submitted individually in the respective chapters' pages.
---[Higurashi Ch. 1 ~ Onikakushi]---
Score: 9/10
Considering this chapter is free on Steam, if I didn't have the rest of Higurashi in my possession already this would have sold me on the entire thing. Great start, great presentation of the whole premise, I love the characters and the SoL content. After the first half finishes this turns into one of the best experiences I've had in this medium so that really means something. Overall, a really good experience and a great start, setting the mysteries you'll want to unravel from here onwards.
---[Higurashi Ch. 2 ~ Watanagashi]---
Score: 9/10
Even though it's still a really enjoyable chapter, it didn't hit nearly as hard as Chapter 1 did. The Slice of Life content is still really good and entertaining and so is the more serious and eerie stuff, but it lacked impact compared to Chapter 1 (it may not be fair to compare it as much but oh well). Considering giving it a 8 due to the weird pacing at times and the lack of impact, but it still deserves a 9. Still great with the introduction of new characters and setting up the mystery even further.
---[Higurashi Ch. 3 ~ Tatarigoroshi]---
Score: 10/10
This is so far the peak of Higurashi, this whole chapter is amazing from start to finish, Satoko went from being my least favourite main character to one of my favourite characters overall. A specific optional tip in Day 7 made me die inside a bit, which is the only time this game had this kind of impact on me. The second half of this chapter is just perfectly written and crafted, Keiichi really shows how good of a MC he can be, and the entire ending of this left me in awe. If it does get better than this, I'm in for a ride.
---[Higurashi Ch. 4 ~ Himatsubushi]---
Score: 8/10
I don't really have much to say about this, to be completely honest. It gave more mystery to some existing unknowns and it was a nice change of pace from the previous three chapters. Ooishi and the MC really shine here, but as much as I like this chapter, giving it a 9/10 would be unfair to the other three, as this one really shows it's a bonus chapter at times (plus it's quite short compared to the rest). Still worth it and a great time regardless.
---[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (Question Arcs)]---
Score: 9/10
Definitely a solid read that has captured my attention completely, as I love both sides/natures of what it has to offer. If it gets better than this, sign me in for the Answers Arcs (which I'm probably starting soon enough).
Note: you can also find these reviews submitted individually in the respective chapters' pages.
---[Higurashi Ch. 1 ~ Onikakushi]---
Score: 9/10
Considering this chapter is free on Steam, if I didn't have the rest of Higurashi in my possession already this would have sold me on the entire thing. Great start, great presentation of the whole premise, I love the characters and the SoL content. After the first half finishes this turns into one of the best experiences I've had in this medium so that really means something. Overall, a really good experience and a great start, setting the mysteries you'll want to unravel from here onwards.
---[Higurashi Ch. 2 ~ Watanagashi]---
Score: 9/10
Even though it's still a really enjoyable chapter, it didn't hit nearly as hard as Chapter 1 did. The Slice of Life content is still really good and entertaining and so is the more serious and eerie stuff, but it lacked impact compared to Chapter 1 (it may not be fair to compare it as much but oh well). Considering giving it a 8 due to the weird pacing at times and the lack of impact, but it still deserves a 9. Still great with the introduction of new characters and setting up the mystery even further.
---[Higurashi Ch. 3 ~ Tatarigoroshi]---
Score: 10/10
This is so far the peak of Higurashi, this whole chapter is amazing from start to finish, Satoko went from being my least favourite main character to one of my favourite characters overall. A specific optional tip in Day 7 made me die inside a bit, which is the only time this game had this kind of impact on me. The second half of this chapter is just perfectly written and crafted, Keiichi really shows how good of a MC he can be, and the entire ending of this left me in awe. If it does get better than this, I'm in for a ride.
---[Higurashi Ch. 4 ~ Himatsubushi]---
Score: 8/10
I don't really have much to say about this, to be completely honest. It gave more mystery to some existing unknowns and it was a nice change of pace from the previous three chapters. Ooishi and the MC really shine here, but as much as I like this chapter, giving it a 9/10 would be unfair to the other three, as this one really shows it's a bonus chapter at times (plus it's quite short compared to the rest). Still worth it and a great time regardless.
---[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (Question Arcs)]---
Score: 9/10
Definitely a solid read that has captured my attention completely, as I love both sides/natures of what it has to offer. If it gets better than this, sign me in for the Answers Arcs (which I'm probably starting soon enough).
Reviewed on Sep 06, 2022