Adapted from the best- selling doujinshi Visual Novel, Ryukishi07's work is a tragedy/mystery masquerading as horror masquerading as a harem Rom- Com. While that combination may rightfully bizarre, one cannot say any of those elements was handled badly. The comedic scenes have surprisingly funny moments, the horror is bone- chilling and the tragedy is powerful and heartbreaking, especially after you rewatch the first episodes and can clearly see the true intent of some characters, hidden masterfully by clever dialogue. It has some very well written characters (a particularly good Start Of Darkness in Meakashi-hen comes to mind immediately), very powerful scenes (namely, the rooftop fight in Tsumihoroboshi-hen) and an ending scene that I particularly adored. The mood gets progressively darker in each individual arc until it reaches a horryfying climax and resets for the next arc.
Its not without issues, however. The first season has low budget animation that may detract from the overall experience, the way it juggles comedy and horror may be a bit granting to some people and some might have their reservations about watching horrifying violence committed by and against ridiculously cute characters. And even those that don't may be disappointed in the second season, which steers away from the violence and horror to focus on solving the already- laid mysteries and developing the tragic elements. It also leaves out some backstory that gives more characterization to a few characters and a more in- depth explaination of the mysteries of Oyashiro- sama.
Overall, I recommend this series for the very strong, mutli- layered plot and interesting cast of characters it has, but you are going to be disappointed if you go into it expecting stunning visuals, a 100% loyal adaptaion of the videogame or a second season that has the same tone and focus the first one has. The OV As, which should be considered a third mini-season, are a good epilogue to our dark tale and very informative about the cosmology of the setting to those that would like to watch this series' Spiritual Successor (Umineko No Naku Koro Ni), but are not necessary to fully enjoy or comprehend the plot.
Don't expect the mystery to truly kick in until after two episodes. It has Non Indicative First Two Episodes that only barely hint at the bigger picture.
The plot and characters make it worth to look past its shortcomings.
Adapted from the best- selling doujinshi Visual Novel, Ryukishi07's work is a tragedy/mystery masquerading as horror masquerading as a harem Rom- Com. While that combination may rightfully bizarre, one cannot say any of those elements was handled badly. The comedic scenes have surprisingly funny moments, the horror is bone- chilling and the tragedy is powerful and heartbreaking, especially after you rewatch the first episodes and can clearly see the true intent of some characters, hidden masterfully by clever dialogue. It has some very well written characters (a particularly good Start Of Darkness in Meakashi-hen comes to mind immediately), very powerful scenes (namely, the rooftop fight in Tsumihoroboshi-hen) and an ending scene that I particularly adored. The mood gets progressively darker in each individual arc until it reaches a horryfying climax and resets for the next arc.
Its not without issues, however. The first season has low budget animation that may detract from the overall experience, the way it juggles comedy and horror may be a bit granting to some people and some might have their reservations about watching horrifying violence committed by and against ridiculously cute characters. And even those that don't may be disappointed in the second season, which steers away from the violence and horror to focus on solving the already- laid mysteries and developing the tragic elements. It also leaves out some backstory that gives more characterization to a few characters and a more in- depth explaination of the mysteries of Oyashiro- sama.
Overall, I recommend this series for the very strong, mutli- layered plot and interesting cast of characters it has, but you are going to be disappointed if you go into it expecting stunning visuals, a 100% loyal adaptaion of the videogame or a second season that has the same tone and focus the first one has. The OV As, which should be considered a third mini-season, are a good epilogue to our dark tale and very informative about the cosmology of the setting to those that would like to watch this series' Spiritual Successor (Umineko No Naku Koro Ni), but are not necessary to fully enjoy or comprehend the plot.
Don't expect the mystery to truly kick in until after two episodes. It has Non Indicative First Two Episodes that only barely hint at the bigger picture.