Umineko When They Cry

a bloated narrative with some pacing issues and thematic inconsistencies, but overall a great experience exploring the nature of truth and love

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This is a mystery. And a story about mysteries. And fantasy. And identity. It's a story about the world inside you, and how it's yours to decide on no matter what. It's a story about truth and a story about stories. But most importantly, it's a story about witches.

I really don't like the *excessive* 4th wall breaking of over-embellished magic talking session/rants. Making up 60-70% unnecessary fillers which kills immersion. The loop feels too much of the same redundancy, thus, pointless. It acts as a complete story reset, instead of story build up. I like it when the game focuses on mystery, story, & philosophy. Not fantasy & "game". Certain parts has really good executions & messages. Some character struggles being told are surprisingly relatable.

An otherwise great visual novel containing some of the best storytelling I've seen that is unfortunately ruining by scitzophrenic (chunibyo) moments that break the flow of the story. Those moments feel like someone ordered the introduction of Dragon Ball Z fights in order to make it more appealing to teenagers. The introduction of new characters is so extensive (and exhausting) that at a certain point it feels like you're watching Total Rickall, but the author is not joking.