Anime Question (Sorry...)

[CptRumGuy]

This is admittedly an odd question for my first thread, but here goes...

Alright so I've been on the lookout for a new anime to get into lately and I keep hearing good things about "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni". Trouble is, I've only heard these things recently and apparently this has been around since 2002 or something. More troubling is that as I'm looking it up, it seems to be one of those stories that only the long-time fans can follow.

Apparently, from what I've been able to figure out, it started as a "sound novel" game thing with all kinds of sequels, extra content discs, etc. Then there's also a few manga arcs, MORE video games for the DS and PS2, and then several anime arcs and now even a live action movie.

I guess what I'm asking is,

1) Where the hell should I start?
2) Is it even that good to be worth sorting through this mess?
3) Can I skip any parts and still "get" all of the story?

And any other tips that can help me make sense of this would be helpful too.

I know a lot of Escapists are tired of the anime related topics, but I know I can get some of the most well-informed opinions here

 

[Katherine Kerensky]

1) It is perfectly fine to start with the animé for this series. I did. There is a second season, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai, which is the answer arc. Everything makes sense after that.
2) In my opinion, it is worth sorting through that "Mess". Any complication for the series is just over-exaggeration. It is really quite simple when you get through to the end of Kai. the third season, Rei, while not as good as the first two seasons, also is a bit helpful as well. Only 5 episodes. But a lot of fan service. Kinda.
3) Despite what some may say, you can watch the animé completely free of the other versions, and it still makes sense.
The others, manga, visual novel, etc, just flesh it out, add a bit more detail to the story, etc. Not necessary, but nice nonetheless.

I hope this will be of help.

 

[snow]

I agree with Greyfox... And no the fox's aren't teaming up to answer your question for you. I don't usually follow the other forms of the medium when it comes to anime. With Higurashi, I randomly stumbled upon it, recognized a few clips from youtube and went. "Oh hey! I recognize this!"

I watched it... Almost let go of it because of the overly cute/chibi-ness of the first few episodes, but once things started getting serious... I was hooked! I highly recommend it!

 

[CptRumGuy]

Okay, sounds good. That helped a lot guys, thanks!

 

[Gigano]

The Anime pretty much contains the 8 visual novels adapted - very successfully[footnote]Much unlike its sister series, Umineko no Naku Koro ni, which didn't work at all in anime form. Higurashi is actually the only Visual novel adaption anime I've heard of that's pretty much unanimously considered successful.[/footnote] - into a complete series, with Rei being based on a fan disc.

The visual novels obviously have a lot more background and details, and the manga - as far as I've read it - adds a few unimportant scenes (and unimportant side story arcs), but the core story remains the same in all mediums - and is very well told in all of them - so it's quite possible to just watch the anime (51 episodes + the 5 Rei OVA's).

By all means feel free to ask around [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/groups/view/Higurashi-no-Naku-Koro-ni] if there's anything else you want to know.

 

[CptRumGuy]

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Just wanted to tell you guys that I went ahead and started the anime and am already quite pleased with it.

Interesting how cutesy it all starts out. I can see how it could turn someone off to the show if they had no patience. But I realized later that starting the show off that way only multiplied the creepiness of it all. I've only watched the first 3 episodes so far, but those girls are freaking me out already >_<

 

[Crazy_Dude]

Judging from the replies on this thread I might check it out sometime myself. Almost done with Black Lagoon(Great show if you are into action) now and need something new on the horizon.

 

[Gigano]

...
Just wanted to tell you guys that I went ahead and started the anime and am already quite pleased with it.

Interesting how cutesy it all starts out. I can see how it could turn someone off to the show if they had no patience. But I realized later that starting the show off that way only multiplied the creepiness of it all. I've only watched the first 3 episodes so far, but those girls are freaking me out already >_<

Yep, if there's one thing Higurashi knows how to do well, it's to properly build up to its payoffs. It's a supremely atmospheric show that doesn't rush things, but likes to keep you guessing while maintaining a crushing sense of inevitability.

 

[snow]

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Glad you like it! I always tell people to wade through the cuteness because later on in the show you'll look back and say, "THAT'S how it started off?!" Things will start getting a little confusing around episode 5-6 or so, but just keep watching!

 

[Zechnophobe]

I seem to recall in the first few episodes they have sorta a foreshadowing clip at the beginning of each... sorta showing bad things to come. Those are what got me through the possible cuteness of it.

Ultimately, one of the better Anime's. It is interesting, mystical, but actually sensible and self contained. I rather enjoyed it.

(Oh, and I only watched the anime, no experience with any other media form of it. Never felt I was missing out on anything.)