Umineko no Naku Koro ni

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Umineko no Naku Koro ni
Umineko no Naku Koro ni game one cover.
うみねこのなく頃に (When Seagulls Cry)
Genre	Drama, Horror, Mystery, Psychological thriller
Game
Developer	07th Expansion
Publisher	07th Expansion
Genre	Dōjin soft, Visual novel
Platform	PC
Released	Legend of the golden witch - August 17, 2007 (Comiket 72) Turn of the golden witch - December 31, 2007 (Comiket 73) Banquet of the golden witch - TBA
Manga
Author	Kei Natsumi
Publisher	Square Enix
Demographic	Shōnen
Serialized in	Gangan Powered
Original run	December 22, 2007 – ongoing

Umineko no Naku Koro ni (うみねこのなく頃に, Umineko no Naku Koro ni^? lit. When Seagulls Cry) is a Japanese murder mystery dōjin soft visual novel series produced by 07th Expansion. The first game in the series, Legend of the golden witch, was first released at Comiket 72 on August 17, 2007 playable on the PC; the game sold out in thirty minutes.^[1] The story focuses on a group of eighteen people on a secluded island for a period of two days, and the mysterious murders that befall most of the people. The goal of the game is to discern whether the murderer is human or of some other supernatural source. Umineko is the third title in the "When They Cry" series, preceded by Higurashi no Naku Koro ni and Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai.

The naku (なく, naku^?) of the title has a double meaning.^{[citation needed]} Firstly, naku can mean "to make sound" (鳴く, "to make sound"^?), specifically referring to those sounds made by non-human organisms. Secondly, naku can mean "to weep" (泣く, "to weep"^?). It so happens that the English verb "to cry" carries the same double meaning as naku. According to the original creator, Ryukishi07, the red Na (な) in the logo is an official part of the title.

[edit] Visual novels

[edit] Gameplay

Umineko is a murder mystery game described as a "sound novel" by 07th Expansion. A sound novel is similar to a visual novel in that the gameplay requires relatively little player interaction as most of the game is composed of text dialogues. The original releases contained no voice acting for the characters. While a visual novel's basis would be the visual aspect, as the name suggests, a sound novel's basis takes more care in producing an atmosphere via the music, sound effects, and the story itself. As such, the original Umineko games have amateur-looking art which stays consistent over the course of the series' releases.

While during gameplay, the TIPS Mode can be viewed via the game's internal menu, which also includes save and load functions. These TIPS allow the player to read various supplementary information on the characters and story that may or may not be useful in solving the mystery. These are updated according the progression of the story, so it is recommended to view the TIPS every once in a while. The ultimate goals of the gameplay involve solving the multi-cased mystery, determine where the gold is hidden, figuring out a solution to which ultimately everyone survives, and to solve the whole case by determining who the true murderer is in each chapter and whether it is due to supernatural events or human actions.

[edit] Release history

The first game of the Umineko visual novel series, entitled Legend of the golden witch, was first released on August 17, 2007 at Comiket 72. The second game Turn of the golden witch was released on December 31, 2007 at Comiket 73, and the third release will be entitled Banquet of the golden witch.

[edit] Plot

Umineko no Naku Koro ni takes place in the year 1986 during the time frame of October 4 and October 5 on a secluded island named Rokkenjima (六軒島, Rokkenjima^?).^[2] The head of a wealthy family named Kinzō Ushiromiya, who lives on and owns Rokkenjima, is near death, and eleven of his family members arrive on the island to discuss how Kinzō's assets will be divided once he is dead. Also on the island are five of Kinzō's servants, and his personal physician. After the eleven family members arrive, a typhoon traps them on the island and shortly after people start to get mysteriously murdered.

[edit] Story arcs

Legend of the golden witch

This arc is told from the perspective of Battler. This chapter is an introduction of Umineko no Naku Koro ni, in which the background of the story is presented, such as the history of Rokkenjima, the Ushiromiya family, and the "Golden Witch". This arc is the first bad end, since all the Ushiromiya family members are either killed or have vanished.

Turn of the golden witch

Aside from the events of the first arc, the past of George is heavily mentioned. This chapter explains more supernatural details, such as the hidden powers of the family members, and the black magic the family is involved in. It also gives events on the relationship of Jessica and Kanon, Shannon and George as well as Maria and her mother, Rosa.

Banquet of the golden witch

[edit] Characters

The characters of Umineko (from left to right):
First row: Kinzo, Krauss, Natsuhi, Jessica
Second row: Terumasa, Eva, Hideyoshi, George
Third row: Rudolf, Kyrie, Battler
Fourth row: Genji, Rosa, Maria
Fifth row: Shannon, Kanon, Toshiro, Chiyo.

[edit] Ushiromiya family

Kinzo Ushiromiya (右代宮 金蔵, Ushiromiya Kinzō^?)

Kinzo is the head of the Ushiromiya family. He has been sick for a long time and is expected to die soon. He is hostile towards his own sons and daughters, viewing them as vultures ready to feast on his fortune. Practicing black magic as a hobby, he seeks to meet Beatrice, the golden witch, once again.

Krauss Ushiromiya (右代宮 蔵臼, Ushiromiya Kurausu^?)

Krauss is Kinzō's first son, and is the oldest of his siblings. He is an investor, but is unable to carry them out to the end, resulting in failures. He lives on Rokkenjima, unlike his other siblings.

Natsuhi Ushiromiya (右代宮 夏妃, Ushiromiya Natsuhi^?)

Natsuhi is Krauss's wife. She is proud and carries the name of the family despite the fact that she doesn't have any Ushiromiya blood. She is often affected by headaches. She is looked down upon by Eva because is not truly of the Ushiromiya family. She often scolds Jessica but only wishes for her to become a true heiress to the Ushiromiya family.

Jessica Ushiromiya (右代宮 朱志香, Ushiromiya Jeshika^?)

Jessica is the daughter of Krauss and Natsuhi. She is eighteen-years-old and is not interested in matters of the family inheritance. She dislikes her parents at times, but still shows concern for them. She appears to have an interest in Kanon.

Eva Ushiromiya (右代宮 絵羽, Ushiromiya Eba^?)

Eva is Kinzo's first daughter, and is the second oldest of her siblings. She was able to have her husband adopted as an Ushiromiya, which allows her to keep the family name. She is usually kind to the four children, but is hostile towards Krauss and his wife, Natsuhi. She is against George and Shannon's love, thinking to safeguard his future.

Hideyoshi Ushiromiya (右代宮 秀吉, Ushiromiya Hideyoshi^?)

Hideyoshi is Eva's husband. He is a successful president of a chain of fast food restaurants. He is a very jovial man. He seeks the Kinzo's fortune due to people trying to buy all his shares.

George Ushiromiya (右代宮 譲治, Ushiromiya Jōji^?)

George is the son of Eva and Hideyoshi. He is the oldest of his cousins at twenty-three-years-old. He is respected by his cousins and his parents, viewing him as a mature man. Battler wants to be like him and admires his ability to handle children like Maria. He appears to have an interest in Shannon.

Rudolf Ushiromiya (右代宮 留弗夫, Ushiromiya Rudorufu^?)

Rudolf is Kinzo's second son, and is the third oldest of his siblings. In his younger days he was a known philanderer. Apparently, he has troubles he does not tell his wife about. His first wife, Asumu, died and he remarried with Kyrie. He seeks Kinzo's fortune to settle his case in America.

Kyrie Ushiromiya (右代宮 霧江, Ushiromiya Kirie^?)

Kyrie is Rudolf's second wife. Battler views her as his older sister, and doesn't call her "mother". She is known for her "flip the chessboard" mentality, influencing Battler in this regard, and is considered to be a great help to Rudolf.

Battler Ushiromiya (右代宮 戦人, Ushiromiya Batora^?)

Battler is the son of Rudolf and his first wife. Like Jessica, he is eighteen years old. He is very stubborn and is afraid of "shaky" transportation, thinking he might fall off. Due to his father's remarriage, he rebelled and lived with his grandparents for six years. After his grandparents died, he returned to his old home. He insists that Beatrice does not exist, and his denial of her existance becomes the main theme of the game. Most of the situations are seen through his point of view.

Rosa Ushiromiya (右代宮 楼座, Ushiromiya Rōza^?)

Rosa is Kinzo's second daughter, and the youngest of her siblings. She is sensible and soothing. Her husband disappeared long before the beginning of the story. Although she appears to be kind and earnest, she often scolds Maria quite violently for her interest in the occult. She handles a design company and seeks Kinzo's fortune to repay her co-endorsers.

Maria Ushiromiya (右代宮 真里亞, Ushiromiya Maria^?)

Maria is Rosa's young daughter. She is nine years old, the youngest of her cousins. She likes the occult and believes in Beatrice. She is very gullible, taking jokes seriously. She is also very stubborn. She is known for her catchphrase "ū" when she is confused or frustrated, making her difficult to understand to some.

[edit] Mansion staff

Terumasa Nanjo (南條 輝正, Nanjō Terumasa^?)

Nanjo is Kinzo's personal physician and close friend. He is also Kinzo's opponent in chess.

Genji Ryonoue (呂ノ上 源次, Ryonoue Genji^?)

Genji is the head butler of Kinzo's mansion. He is the person Kinzo trusts the most. He is the first in rank of all the servants.

Shannon (紗音, Shanon^?)

Shannon is a young maid of Kinzo's mansion. Her real name is Sayo (紗代, Sayo^?). She is a kind and talented maid, though she makes many blunders when she is nervous. She sees Kanon as a sympathetic and protective younger brother. She has deep feelings for George. She is the second in rank of all the servants.

Kanon (嘉音, Kanon^?)

Kanon is a young butler of Kinzo's mansion. He is a serious and fervent butler, carrying out his master's orders thoroughly. He is a bit frail and antisocial. He considers Shannon as an older sister. He has feelings for Jessica, which he tries to hide from even himself, due to the fact that he thinks himself as a 'furniture' rather than a human being. He is the third in rank of all the servants.

Toshiro Gohda (郷田 俊朗, Gōda Toshirō^?)

Gohda is the head cook of Kinzo's mansion. Unlike the other servants in the mansion, he has been hired by Krauss and Natsuhi. Because of this, his rank is very low. He is extremely proud of his culinary skills. His previous employ was at a hotel and due to his experience, he is ostentatious and looks down upon Shannon and Kanon.

Chiyo Kumasawa (熊沢 チヨ, Kumasawa Chiyo^?)

Kumasawa is a part-time worker who assists with domestic chores in Kinzo's mansion. She likes to tell stories and jokes, especially outrageous ones involving mackerel.

[edit] "Witches"

Beatrice (ベアトリーチェ, Beatorīche^?)

Also known as "Golden Witch", Beatrice is a witch who has lived for over a thousand years. It is said she resides in a world where concepts such as fate and probability can be visualized. She is also known as the Golden Witch, the Witch in Gold, or the Endless Witch. She is said to appear as a cloud of golden butterflies.

Bernkastel (ベルンカステル, Berunkasuteru^?)

She is hinted to be "Frederica Bernkastel" in Higurashi no Naku Koro ni and greatly resembles Rika Furude. She is also known as the Witch of Miracles.

Lambdadelta (ラムダデルタ, Ramudaderuta^?)

Another witch who fought Bernkastel in a "game" in the past. Her name and appearance hint at her being connected to Miyo Takano from Higurashi. "Lambadelta" (λδ) represents thirty-four when using Greek numerals and "Miyo" can translated as "three, four" in Japanese. She is quite childish and holds a grudge against Bernkastel for finally beating her in their last game. She is also known as the Witch of the Absolute.

[edit] "Stakes of Purgatory"

The Stakes of Purgatory are the weapons which are said to be controlled by Beatrice. There are seven of them, named after the corresponding demons of the seven sins. The Stakes of Purgatory are described as being inescapable. Only powerful mages can control the Stakes of Purgatory, but they cannot hurt any who have not committed the sins, or have strong magical resistance. They can also bounce off walls and anything blocking their way, able to attack from any angle. In Turn of the golden witch, the Stakes of Purgatory first appeared in human form, taking the shape of young girls, each with a different personality, but all have red irises. They can be distinguished through hair styles and colors, and also known as the 'Sisters of Purgatory'.

Lucifer (ルシファー, Lucifer^?)

Representing the fallen angel Lucifer and the corresponding sin of Pride. Lucifer's appearance is a girl with straight black hair. She is haughty and disdainful, but in fact takes pleasure in surrendering. She is the eldest amongst all of the 'Stakes of Purgatory'.

Leviathan (レヴィアタン, Leviathan^?)

Representing the demon Leviathan and the corresponding sin of Envy. Leviathan's appearance is a girl with green, middle-length hair and a seemingly childish personality. She is an envious crybaby, who will do anything to win. She is the second eldest of the 'Stakes of Purgatory'.

Satan (サタン, Satan^?)

Representing the demon Satan and the corresponding sin of Wrath. Satan's appearance is a girl with short, curly pale hair. She is easily angered, but really wants someone to be angry with her. She is the third eldest of the 'Stakes of Purgatory'.

Belphegor (ベルフェゴール, Belphegor^?)

Representing the demon Belphegor and the corresponding the sin of Sloth. Belphegor's appearance is a girl with long dark hair in a pony tail. She is hard working and sensible, to make her target fall all the harder. She is the fourth eldest of the 'Stakes of Purgatory'.

Mammon (マモン, Mammon^?)

Representing the demon Mammon and the corresponding sin of Greed. Mammon's appearance is a girl with long brown hair. She is extremely greedy, and will do anything to get what she wants. She is the fifth eldest of the 'Stakes of Purgatory'.

Beelzebub (ベルゼブブ, Beelzebub^?)

Representing the demon Beelzebub and the corresponding the sin of Gluttony. Beelzebub's appearance is a girl with short curly blond hair in two pony tails. She is a gourmet, and is willing to use even her own flesh if it is used to make a delicious meal. She is the sixth eldest of the 'Stakes of Purgatory'.

Asmodeus (アスモデウス, Asmodeus^?)

Representing the demon Asmodeus and the corresponding sin of Lust. Asmodeus' appearance is a girl with blonde, straight hair in two pony tails. She wants to fall in love, and is willing to sacrifice her life for the sake of it. She is the youngest of the 'Stakes of Purgatory'.

[edit] Related media

[edit] Manga

A manga version has started serialization in the Japanese magazine Gangan Powered on December 22, 2007, published by Square Enix. The manga is based on the first story arc in Umineko, Legend of the golden witch, and is illustrated by Kei Natsumi.

[edit] Anime

An anime adaptation based on the visual novel series was announced by 07th Expansion.^[3]

[edit] Music

The music of Umineko was provided by various music artists including both professionals and dōjin artists. Dai, the composer of most of the music found in the Answer arcs of Higurashi also had a hand in the project as the music director. The game also featured an opening song titled "Umineko no Naku Koro ni", composed and sung by Akiko Shikata.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Visual novel official website (Japanese)
• Anime official website (Japanese)