Umineko No Naku Koro Ni – Ep 01-04 Impressions

u juz got to love Maria-chan

Umineko no Naku Koro Ni is from the same creator as Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni (and some relation indirectly), it was definitely welcoming to see Horie Yui in this show, as the role of Maria. Really great vocals for the character and her favorite catch phrase – Uuu Uuu.. (short of a guu to be uguu~ :P )

moe-fied maid – Shannon  (va by Kugimiya Rie)

The pace of the anime picks up well from the first episode, gradually becoming some crazy killings that took place in the later episodes up till 4. There were some details left out in the anime but it is still good. The suspense and thriller elements are there – One of the reason that I picked this up since Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni.

The anime did a great job in its soundtracks which is a perfect blend with the suspense and mystery, getting Akiko Shikata for the opening song was definitely the right thing, although the game op was much more impressive. Character art in the anime was pretty alright but there were some scenes that we can see a significant drop in quality, not much to complain about since watching this anime is not about the graphics but more on the plot.

Vocals are pretty alright, we have Horie Yui, Kugmiya Rie (Shannon) and Inoue Marina as a few seiyuu for the cast

feel the wrath !

Episode 1 to 4 picks up the gradual revelation of Beatrice, the Golden Witch’s riddle on the epitaph and the family members trapped in their island getting killed brutally, no worries though, it isn’t as bloody and violent as Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni.  The story begins with the head of a wealthy family named Ushiromiya Kinzo, who lives on and owns Rokkenjima, gets eight of his family members to the island to discuss how his assets will be divided once he is dead. Also on the island are three family members who live there, five of Kinzo’s servants, and his personal physician.

an epitaph

Based on the episode numbering, we can expect the story of the anime to be in multiple arcs and the gradual ending.  And perhaps a Kai season for the answers and for those who have yet to watch Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni, you should. :)

and oh, did I say that listening to Eva’s voice just made her “Takano-ified” ?

Umineko no Naku Koro Ni OP

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