Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.5 Meakashi

Full of big surprises, Ch.5 offers many explanations, but also raises several big new questions that may or may not be resolved in the following chapters. While I would call Satoko's chapter the most moving chapter so far (I really cried a lot), Ch5 is probably the best one story-wise. Without revealing too much, Satoko's resolve and strength is even higher and sadder than before. What a girl! Satoko now is my favorite character by far followed, by Rena and Mion (yes, Mion - read this chapter). This is an absolute must read! 5/5, 100/100, 100%.

Disclaimer: cleared the console version only. TL;DR If you are like me who were pissed off by Watanagashi's BS ending and had your own theory, don't worry this episode is for you. Story The story begins a year before Watanagashi. You plays as Shion, who has fallen into a Romeo-and-Juliet releationship with a cool, kind but slightly distracted boy from the village. A year has passed after their forced seperation, but the arrival of B̶a̶t̶t̶l̶e̶r̶ Keiichi has reopened Shion's old wound? Anything more than that would strictly be spoiler so I recommend you to check out the game yourself. If you played the previous game and yelled at your screen for the stupid decisions Keiichi made, rest assured there is none here. Character Shion is probably the most developed character in the series so far. I'm convinced Ryukishi can write good characters in Higurashi, he just never tried prior to Meakashi. It's nearly impossible to talk about Shion's development without touching on spoilers, because Meakashi has, unlike the chapters in the Question Arc, a strong character-driven narrative. All I can say is every choice Shion made can be understood and empathized by me, yet her every step is wrong. Still, after one playthrough, I don't know what would I do differently if I could do it all over again as Shion. Side characters are solid not spectacular. Writing Despite the huge volume in this episode, there really isn't a scene that does not serve a purpose. The pace of the story is also more relentless. Like previous chapters, Meakashi is divided into two part: one before Watanagashi and one after. The subtle tones of the two parts are wonderfully crafted. Malice and rage are hidden where the tone is supposed to be warm, while kindness and forgiveness could be found in the part that should be cold and remorseless. The same story has been retold by Ryukishi several times. Meakashi may not be the most winding or the most gut-wrenching, it is the most feminine and sublime version.

Being this the Ch. 5 of an 8 Chapters Visual Novel I'll save the introductions and be quick. This is the first chapter of of the Answer Arc, meaning, after the first four which were building more and more towards the mystery this one, while having mysteries of its own starts giving us answers. I don't think I should even point to which kind of answers this chapter leads to because going blind was fantastic for me and I wish the same for every fan of this Visual Novel. Suffice to say that if you thought chapter 4 was a little slow (compared to the rest, at least), be prepared to be glued to the screen here. This chapter even cuts mostly of the slice of life moments and wastes no time going into the actual plot and it is amazing for it. While the first four games, especially the first two, you knew it would take a while for things to pick up, since you already have some knowledge it goes fast into captivating the player into its plot. TL;DR: Just play it/read it. It is fantastic and probably my favorite chapter so far. Length: It took me about 12h 00m to finish it.

its so good...........................