Umineko no Naku Koro ni – Episode 01 (I-I)

Now, chances are that if you’ve taken a look around the blog, you probably know that I’m a huge Higurashi fan (*looks up at the banner*).  As such, Umineko no Naku Koro ni was easily the most anticipated anime (for me) of the season (maybe even year).  Although I didn’t get a chance to announce it, I did decide to blog this show come hell or high water.  With such high expectations, I was setting up the perfect trap for myself to be dissappointed.  Thankfully, that never happened.

Umineko no Naku Koro ni managed to do everything I expected of it.  The usage of music, facial expressions, and character relationships really led to an incredibly tense sensation by the end of the episode.  I mean, in Higurashi, the cast of characters were best friends and the horror stemmed from the fact that even the closest of friends can go psycho and kill each other.  In Umineko, besides the younger generation, it’s clear that the Ushiromiya siblings hate each other.   While this won’t lead to the crazy amounts of horror that Higurashi had, it will make the setting INCREDIBLY tense, because it’s impossible to tell who will “snap” and go Norman Bates on everyone (if that will happen).

Maria’s ‘uuu’ noise did get annoying, but I’m giving her the benefit of the doubt and assuming that it has some bigger purpose.  Animation quality was FABULOUS *cough*.  Okay, joking aside, just remember: when was Higurashi remembered for its QUALITY animation?  The opening grew on me, and now I love it.  The ending, on the other hand, was quite … eye- (and ear-) opening.  Voice acting was excellent.  Background music and sound effects were very well used.  Nothing else really to say.

Can’t wait for more.  =D

FIRST IMPRESSION: 8.5/10

_tekky99

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