| Title | Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Rei |
| Developer(s) | 07th Expansion |
| Publisher(s) | MangaGamer |
| Release Date | Jun 2, 2022 |
| Size | 714.89 MB |
| Genre | PC > Adventure |
Higurashi When They Cry Hou – Rei is a visual novel game developed by 07th Expansion and published by MangaGamer. It is the third installment in the Higurashi When They Cry series, which follows a group of friends in the rural village of Hinamizawa who become caught up in a series of supernatural murders.
This entry in the series, originally released in Japan in 2006, was brought to a wider audience with its English release on Steam in 2018. It features updated graphics, improved sound quality, and an additional scenario not found in the original release.
The Story
The game takes place after the events of the first two installments, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni and Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai. It introduces a new character, Rika Furude, who is trapped in a time loop, reliving the same month over and over again. She must figure out the key to breaking the cycle and put an end to the tragic events that occur in the village.
Rika’s story is told through different chapters, each with a different perspective and outcome. The choices made by the player will determine which path the story takes, leading to different endings. This adds to the replay value of the game, as players can uncover new information and secrets with each playthrough.
Gameplay
Like other visual novels, Higurashi When They Cry Hou – Rei primarily consists of reading text and making choices at key points in the story. However, what sets this game apart is its use of the “tips” system. Throughout the game, players can collect tips which provide extra information and background to the story. These tips are often crucial in figuring out the mystery and unlocking alternate paths.
The game also features mini-games such as Rena’s Onigari-kun and Miyo’s Kasane-ga-fuchi, which add a fun and interactive element to the gameplay.
Horror Elements
As with its predecessors, Higurashi When They Cry Hou – Rei is a psychological horror game with a focus on depicting the effects of paranoia, fear, and trauma on the human mind. The eerie atmosphere, blood-curdling sound effects, and gruesome deaths all contribute to the overall horror experience.
What makes this game particularly terrifying is the unpredictability of the story. Just when players think they have figured out the mystery, the game throws a curveball, leaving them on the edge of their seats.
Reception
The game has received positive reviews from both critics and players, with many praising the improved graphics and music. The multiple story paths and endings have also been well-received, adding to the game’s replay value.
However, some players have criticized the game’s slow pace and text-heavy nature. It may not be suitable for those who prefer action-packed gameplay.
Conclusion
Higurashi When They Cry Hou – Rei is a must-play for fans of the horror genre. Its intricate storytelling, engaging gameplay, and spine-chilling atmosphere make for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re new to the series or a long-time fan, this game is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. But be warned, once you enter the spooky world of Hinamizawa, you may never want to leave.
Experience the terror for yourself and unravel the mysteries of Higurashi When They Cry Hou – Rei, available now on Steam.
System Requirements
Minimum:- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS: Windows 7 and up
- Processor: Pentium III 800 MHz
- Memory: 512 MB RAM
- Graphics: 128MB DirectX 9c Compatible (Pixel Shader 2.0+)
- DirectX: Version 9.0
- Storage: 850 MB available space
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- Processor: Pentium 4 1.4GHz
- Memory: １ GB RAM
- Graphics: 256MB DirectX 9c Compatible (Pixel Shader 2.0+)
- DirectX: Version 11
How to Download
- Click on the "Download" button link provided above. This will start the download of the game's setup file.
- Once the download is complete, open the setup file by double-clicking on it or right-clicking and selecting "Open".
- A pop-up window may appear asking for permission to run the setup file. Click "Yes" to continue.
- Next, a terms and conditions page may appear. Read through the terms and conditions and click "I agree" or "Accept" to proceed.
- On the next screen, choose the installation location for the game. You can either keep the default location or select a different one by clicking "Browse". Once you have chosen the location, click "Next" to continue.
- The setup process will now begin and it may take a few minutes to complete. Once it is finished, click "Finish" to exit the setup.
- You can now launch the game by double-clicking on the desktop shortcut or by navigating to the installation folder and opening the game's executable file.