Oct 092023
Earlier this year, we discussed the third and fourth chapters of the horror visual novel Higurashi When They Cry.
Now, as part of this year’s spooky October, it’s time to talk about Higurashi When They Cry – Ch. 5 Meakashi, which is an important turning point since it’s the start of the Answer Arcs.
The previous chapter presented things from a different viewpoint instead of following Keiichi, the protagonist of the first three. Chapter 5 also has a different point-of-view character, this time showing us events through the eyes of Shion.
Chapter 5 covers two periods of time. The first part of the story takes place a year in the past, to show the events leading up to Satoshi’s disappearance. This was an interesting look at events only referenced before.
The second part of the story covers events we’re more familiar with, as it follows the same path as Chapter 2. Many parts of Chapter 2 were unclear, and seeing them from a new perspective explains quite a bit.
Not only is it informative, but it’s also quite dark, one of the creepier entries so far. If you’ve played Chapter 2, you’re already familiar with how things spiral out of control… and now here in Chapter 5, you see how it all happened. That’s not to say everything is explained, though. My biggest questions coming out of Chapter 2 still remain.
Anyway, Higurashi When They Cry – Ch. 5 Meakashi had me thoroughly invested, as it shows events from a different point of view and explained some of the confusing events from Chapter 2. It’s also the last one I already had in my backlog, so I’ll need to pick up the remaining three chapters someday soon.
I still have many questions. Where is this going? Will everything be explained? Will the payoff be satisfying after all this buildup? One way or another, our Higurashi journey will continue with Chapter 6.
How many of these games are there???? Does the series ever end?
Hah, the main Higurashi storyline has 8 parts, so I’ve passed the halfway mark now. I believe there’s some smaller extras/spin-offs, but those 8 cover the main story.
I remember trying to watch the original anime for Higurashi, and I know I got through at least chapter 2, assuming that’s the one where the twin shows up and also they kidnap the MC and are revealed to be yakuza of some sort??? I got so confused that I stopped being scared and stopped watching. xD I keep meaning to give the new anime a try. Supposedly it’s for newbies to the series, despite being canonically a sequel…
Hah, yes, that’s Chapter 2. Since Chapter 5 shows those events from Shion’s point of view, it clears up which twin was which at different points in the story, which was one of the major things I was confused about coming out of Chapter 2.
the art style was so bad and creepy i couldnt bring myself to finish it
Which version did you try? The original art might look a bit goofy, but there’s a couple newer versions with redone art, as well.
I only have vague memories of the anime, but man is this a messed up story! They really didn’t shy away from the violence.
I’ve heard the anime amped up the gore to emphasize that aspect, although I haven’t seen it to compare. The visual novel certainly has some disturbing violence, though.
Oooooo now that has be intrigued!
[…] Last year, I made some solid progress in Higurashi and reached Chapter 5 in October. […]