Best games by 07th Expansion

Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi (2015)

"Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi (2015)" reintroduces the seminal visual novel that inspired the mega-hit anime series, now featuring brand new character art. Set in the idyllic-yet-ominous rural village of Hinamizawa during the sweltering summer of Shouwa 58 (1983), players are thrust into a seemingly tranquil world where the chirping of crickets and cicadas masks a horrifying secret. Each year, June brings with it a mysterious death and disappearance, a macabre tradition tied to a long-covered-up murder and the upheaval of a dam construction project. Is it a conspiracy, a series of coincidences, or an ancient curse that plagues the village? As the chilling narrative unfolds, lines blur between reality and nightmare, leaving protagonists and players alike questioning who is truly alive, who is dead, and who simply vanishes. This 2015 "Hou" edition of *Onikakushi* (Demon-Hiding Chapter) deepens the unsettling atmosphere with its updated visuals, but retains the gripping narrative that established 07th Expansion as a master of the psychological horror visual novel. As the very first chapter, it masterfully lays the groundwork for the overarching *Higurashi* saga, inviting players into a world where tragedy seems inevitable and hope is a distant dream – yet, as the story implores, "don't give up. Only you can stand up to this." It's a hallmark of 07th Expansion's distinctive "sound novel" approach, prioritizing immersive text, atmospheric sound design, and a branching, perspective-shifting narrative over traditional gameplay. *Higurashi When They Cry* remains a cornerstone of the genre and one of 07th Expansion's best games for its unparalleled ability to weave intricate mysteries, explore the darkest corners of human nature, and deliver a truly unforgettable horror experience that continues to resonate years after its original release.

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Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs (2016)

"Umineko When They Cry - Question Arcs (2016)" plunges players into the isolated world of Rokkenjima on October 4, 1986. Here, the wealthy Ushiromiya family gathers for their annual conference, shadowed by the imminent death of their ailing patriarch. The core of their dispute is his vast fortune and the rumored 10 tons of hidden gold, the location of which is supposedly veiled within a cryptic family epitaph. However, the familial tensions soon give way to horror when a mysterious letter arrives from a self-proclaimed witch, coinciding with the inexplicable presence of a 19th person on the supposedly private island. As brutal, seemingly impossible murders begin to unfold, players are drawn into a chilling game of 'whodunit' – questioning whether the culprit is one of the 18 human inhabitants, or a supernatural entity, all within the classic "isolated island, western mansion, mystery-suspense gadget of the good old days." This 2016 release of the "Question Arcs" (the initial four chapters of the saga) perfectly encapsulates why *Umineko When They Cry* stands as one of 07th Expansion's finest works. Building upon the innovative "sound novel" format and intricate mystery elements that defined their previous hit, *Higurashi When They Cry*, *Umineko* elevates the stakes with a sophisticated meta-narrative. It thrusts players into a philosophical battle between human reason and supernatural belief, famously challenging them to solve the island's impossibilities using "red truth" and "blue truth." The Question Arcs meticulously lay the groundwork for this epic, weaving a labyrinthine tale of greed, love, and the fragile nature of perception, solidifying 07th Expansion's reputation for crafting unparalleled, thought-provoking narrative experiences that redefine the visual novel genre.

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Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.2 Watanagashi (2015)

Step into the unsettling summer of Shouwa 58 in the secluded village of Hinamizawa, where the arrival of early summer heat coincides with a sinister annual tradition: a mysterious death and disappearance. Connected to the turmoil of a controversial dam construction project, these incidents resurrect whispers of covered-up murders and ignite a chilling debate: is it a grand conspiracy, a cruel coincidence, or the wrath of a malevolent curse? Chapter 2, "Watanagashi," deepens this dread, playing with the very fabric of reality where "someone who was supposed to be there isn’t, someone who wasn’t supposed to be there is," and the line between life and death blurs unsettlingly. The seemingly inescapable cycle of tragedy beckons you to give up, yet a faint, desperate plea emerges: "Only you can stand up to this." As a foundational pillar of 07th Expansion's legacy, *Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.2 Watanagashi (2015)* exemplifies why the series remains a contender for their best work. It masterfully showcases their signature 'sound novel' approach, blending rich narrative prose, haunting soundscapes, and distinctive character art to create an unparalleled psychological horror experience. The intricate plot, the profound exploration of human nature under extreme duress, and its revolutionary 'question arc' structure — where players are challenged to piece together the truth from fragmented, often contradictory, perspectives — cemented its place not just in their catalog, but as a landmark in visual novel history. This chapter, specifically, ratchets up the paranoia and emotional stakes, proving *Higurashi*'s enduring power to captivate and terrify, making it an essential entry for any 'best of 07th Expansion' list.

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Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs (2017)

**Umineko When They Cry - Answer Arcs (2017)** represents the pivotal second half of 07th Expansion's acclaimed sound novel series, encompassing episodes five through eight. Returning players to the isolated island of Rokkenjima on October 4, 1986, it plunges them back into the Ushiromiya family's annual conference. As the ailing family head's vast fortune hangs in the balance, the contentious issue of inheritance, a hidden 10 tons of gold, and the enigmatic epitaph riddle ignite a fervent struggle among the 18 inhabitants. However, this struggle soon descends into a brutal murder spree, heralded by a mysterious letter from a self-proclaimed witch and the chilling presence of a 19th, unseen entity. Players are once again confronted with an intricate "western mansion, mystery-suspense gadget" where the line between human and supernatural culprit blurs with each baffling death. While the Question Arcs posed the impossible, the Answer Arcs are designed to teach, reveal, and challenge the player's understanding, though the ultimate solution to the epitaph and the island's many mysteries remains an intensely personal journey. This title exemplifies 07th Expansion's mastery of the sound novel format, weaving together psychological horror, philosophical debate, and a multi-layered mystery that questions the very nature of truth and belief. It earns its place among 07th Expansion's best games not just for offering a resolution to its mind-bending narrative, but for its profound thematic depth, unforgettable characters, and its audacious deconstruction of the mystery genre, leaving an indelible mark on players long after the seagulls fall silent.

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Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch. 5 Meakashi (2017)

Step back into the sweltering June of 1983 in Hinamizawa, a seemingly tranquil village nestled deep in the Japanese countryside. Here, the days buzz with the relentless call of cicadas, and the nights resonate with the haunting chirps of the higurashi. Despite its modest population, Hinamizawa harbors a dark secret: for four consecutive years, a grisly death and a mysterious disappearance have coincided with the annual Watanagashi Festival. This chilling pattern is intricately linked to a long-abandoned dam construction project and a past cover-up, leaving residents to grapple with the terrifying possibilities of a grand conspiracy, an inexplicable coincidence, or an ancient, malevolent curse. The very fabric of reality seems to fray, as individuals vanish or appear where they shouldn't, and the line between life and death blurs with terrifying speed, whispering that tragedy is inevitable and resistance is futile. Chapter 5, "Meakashi" (meaning "Eye-Opening"), is a pivotal entry in the *Higurashi When They Cry Hou* saga and a prime example of why 07th Expansion's work consistently ranks among the best visual novels. As a crucial "Answer Arc," Meakashi begins to unravel the complex web of mysteries meticulously woven in the preceding "Question Arcs," offering devastating revelations and crucial insights from a new, often unexpected, perspective. It exemplifies Ryukishi07's genius in crafting a narrative that masterfully blends psychological horror, a branching time-looping structure, and profound character studies to explore themes of trust, paranoia, mental illness, and the power of human connection. The game's unique ability to shock and devastate while simultaneously imbuing players with the desperate hope that "even so... please don't give up" solidifies its place as a groundbreaking achievement in interactive storytelling and a definitive "Best Game" by 07th Expansion.

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Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.6 Tsumihoroboshi (2018)

June, 1983. The summer heat settles over the Japanese countryside, filled with the incessant calls of cicadas by day and the mournful cries of the higurashi by night. In the tranquil-looking village of Hinamizawa, a dark tradition has taken root: for the past four years, a person has died and another has vanished, tied inexplicably to an old, abandoned dam project and a covered-up murder. This chilling pattern begs the question: is it a deep-seated conspiracy, a series of uncanny coincidences, or a malevolent curse that drives these annual tragedies? As *Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.6 Tsumihoroboshi* delves deeper into these mysteries, players are confronted with unsettling paradoxes: those who should be present are absent, those who shouldn't be are, and the line between life and death becomes chillingly blurred. There's a pervasive sense of tragedy, a feeling that no matter what, the inevitable cannot be averted. As part of the acclaimed *Higurashi When They Cry* series, *Tsumihoroboshi* exemplifies why 07th Expansion stands among the best in visual novel development. Their signature "sound novel" approach, blending rich narrative with evocative soundscapes and compelling character art, transforms the player into an active participant in a chilling psychological thriller. This 2018 'Hou' edition brings the classic Chapter 6, an integral 'answer arc,' to new audiences with updated visuals and the original Japanese voice acting, allowing players to revisit or discover the intricate web of deceit, despair, and ultimately, resilience. It's a masterclass in weaving complex timelines and character perspectives, making the player question everything they thought they knew. Higurashi's enduring legacy, and *Tsumihoroboshi*'s role within it, comes from its ability to evoke profound empathy and terror, while subtly echoing the message: "There is no way to avert this tragedy. There is no choice but to give up trying. But even so... please don't give up." It's this powerful human element amidst relentless horror that secures its place as a quintessential 07th Expansion masterpiece.

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Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.4 Himatsubushi (2016)

**Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.4 Himatsubushi (2016)** immerses players in the deceptively idyllic, yet profoundly unsettling, world of Hinamizawa. As described, it's "the 58th year of Shouwa, early summer," a time of crickets and cicadas in a small countryside village of fewer than two thousand people. Yet, beneath this tranquil facade lies a horrific annual tradition: "every year, there is an event. This event is a mysterious death. On a certain day in June, someone dies, and someone else goes missing." Chapter 4, Himatsubushi (meaning 'Time Wasting'), delves deeper into the chilling conspiracy surrounding these deaths and the upheaval from a dam construction project, blurring the lines between "conspiracy? A coincidence? Or perhaps a curse?" It crafts a suffocating atmosphere of paranoia, where "someone who was supposed to be there isn’t" and "someone who was alive last night is dead now," culminating in a desperate plea for the player to resist giving up and to "stand up to this" unfolding tragedy. This particular chapter, like the entire *Higurashi* series, exemplifies why it stands among the best games by 07th Expansion. Ryukishi07's visionary storytelling transcends the traditional visual novel, pioneering the 'sound novel' format where intricate narratives, haunting soundscapes, and character sprites coalesce to build unparalleled suspense and emotional depth. *Higurashi*'s ingenious structure of presenting multiple 'question arcs' – each a terrifying iteration of the Hinamizawa murders – forces players to meticulously piece together clues and understand the complex web of human psychology, paranoia, and potential supernatural forces. Its enduring legacy lies in its ability to challenge perceptions of trust and reality, delivering a truly unique and impactful horror experience that cements its place as a masterpiece from 07th Expansion.

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Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.8 Matsuribayashi (2020)

**Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.8 Matsuribayashi (2020)** delivers the definitive resolution to 07th Expansion's iconic sound novel saga. Transporting players to the rural Japanese village of Hinamizawa in June 1983, an early summer heat blankets the landscape, filled with the buzzing of cicadas and the cries of higurashi. However, this pastoral setting belies a sinister secret: for the past four years, the village has been plagued by an annual series of deaths and disappearances. These tragedies are chillingly connected to local resistance against a forgotten dam project, leading residents and players alike to question if they are facing a conspiracy, a bizarre coincidence, or a supernatural curse. As a sound novel, the game expertly weaves together evocative music, detailed backgrounds, and expressive character sprites to draw the user into a deeply immersive and unsettling narrative, experiencing the story from the protagonist's point of view as characters laugh, cry, and rage against their fate. This climactic chapter, Matsuribayashi, stands as an essential entry and is rightfully recognized among the **best games by 07th Expansion**. It serves as the series' definitive "answer arc," meticulously resolving the myriad mysteries, psychological terrors, and seemingly unavoidable tragedies presented across the previous installments. 07th Expansion's unparalleled skill in intricate plotting and character development culminates here, offering a deeply satisfying and often shocking revelation of the truth behind Hinamizawa's curse. The Higurashi series, particularly with its powerful conclusion in Matsuribayashi, solidified 07th Expansion's reputation for crafting immersive sound novels that blend moe aesthetics with visceral horror and profound philosophical themes. It's a testament to the studio's ability to craft a narrative where, despite overwhelming despair, the ultimate message of resilience and the desperate plea to "please don't give up" ultimately triumphs, making it a timeless masterpiece.

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Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.7 Minagoroshi (2019)

*Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.7 Minagoroshi (2019)* plunges players into the sweltering June of 1983, in the secluded Japanese village of Hinamizawa. As cicadas hum by day and higurashi chirp at night, a dark pattern unfolds: for four years, a ritual of death and disappearance has plagued the village, seemingly connected to a forgotten dam project and a covered-up murder. This pivotal "answer arc," Minagoroshi-hen, challenges players to unravel whether these events are a conspiracy, a coincidence, or a sinister curse. The narrative deftly manipulates reality, where "someone who was supposed to be there... isn't," and "someone who was alive last night is now dead," forcing players to question everything they know about Hinamizawa's tragic cycle and the true nature of its inhabitants. This chapter, presented in the enhanced "Hou" edition, exemplifies why *Higurashi When They Cry* is consistently ranked among 07th Expansion's finest works. As the independent circle's magnum opus, Higurashi redefined the visual novel genre with its intricate, branching narratives, deep character psychological exploration, and relentless build-up of suspense and horror. Minagoroshi-hen is particularly critical, serving as an emotional crucible where many of the series' darkest truths are revealed and the characters face their most desperate trials. It encapsulates 07th Expansion's signature ability to weave together a chilling mystery with profound themes of trust, fate, and the indomitable human spirit, forcing players to grapple with the haunting reality that "there is no way to avert this tragedy... But even so... please don't give up." This relentless pursuit of hope against an overwhelming tide of despair is the hallmark of 07th Expansion's storytelling, making *Minagoroshi-hen* a powerful and essential entry in their acclaimed repertoire.

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Ciconia When They Cry - Phase 1: For You, the Replaceable Ones (2019)

"Ciconia When They Cry - Phase 1: For You, the Replaceable Ones" (2019) marks the highly anticipated newest entry in Ryuukishi07's acclaimed "When They Cry" visual novel series. This first chapter immediately distinguishes itself with significant technical advancements, featuring crisp HD graphics and more detailed animations compared to its predecessors. The auditory experience is similarly enhanced, boasting newly created songs from many beloved "Umineko" composers, alongside fresh talent, all contributing to its unique and unsettling atmosphere. Players can immerse themselves in the unfolding mystery via the Steam version, which offers both English and Japanese language options, ensuring broad accessibility for fans worldwide. Set a century after a devastating World War III, a future saved from nuclear winter by cutting-edge technology gives rise to the Gauntlet – a revolutionary military system transforming ordinary boys and girls into elite Gauntlet Knights. However, as with all "When They Cry" entries, the innocent premise quickly unravels into a far darker narrative, with the chilling declaration that these young protagonists are "nothing but game pieces lined up on the board for those who are crafty and more experienced." This inherent sense of a cruel, manipulative "game," where the players and their motives are shrouded in mystery, is precisely why *Ciconia* belongs on a "Best games by 07th Expansion" list. It masterfully continues the tradition of throwing players into an inescapable tragedy, forcing them to question reality, motives, and their own role as observers, much like the seminal *Higurashi* and *Umineko*. The chilling, fourth-wall-breaking monologue in the game's description ("You aren't my opponent. You're merely a piece that exists for my amusement") perfectly encapsulates Ryuukishi07's signature style of creating deeply unsettling narratives that challenge the player's perception and emotional resilience, making *Ciconia* a worthy successor and a prime example of his unique storytelling prowess, even in its initial phase.

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Umineko: Golden Fantasia (2017)

*Umineko: Golden Fantasia* brings the magical meta-battles of the acclaimed visual novel to the fighting game arena in a spectacular 2v2 tag-team fighter. This definitive version, released on Steam with English text and crucial rollback netplay, includes the *Cross* expansion, adding fan-favorites like George, Jessica, and Rosa to the roster. Gameplay revolves around a unique "Touch" system where partners can dynamically swap to build a shared SP Gauge. This meter fuels the game's most brilliant mechanic: the "Meta World." By spending gauge, a player can declare their "truth" to activate a powerful state, but the opponent has a chance to spend their own meter to "argue" and cancel it, perfectly translating the source material's high-stakes debates into a fighting game system. With full Japanese voice acting, every clash feels like a scene straight from the original sound novel. *Golden Fantasia* earns its place among 07th Expansion's best not just for being a competent fighter, but for its masterful translation of *Umineko's* core identity into interactive gameplay. Where many adaptations are content with a simple coat of paint, this game weaves the series' central conflict of truth, magic, and perspective directly into its systems. The "Meta World" mechanic is a stroke of genius, turning a standard power-up into a narrative clash where players literally argue their reality with their super meter. It's a vibrant celebration of the cast that allows fans to enact the spectacular duels only described in the text, making it feel less like a simple spin-off and more like an essential companion piece. By so perfectly capturing the spirit and meta-narrative flair of its source material, *Golden Fantasia* stands as a quintessential 07th Expansion experience.

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Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Rei (2022)

*Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Rei* serves as a crucial and eclectic epilogue to the main Hinamizawa tragedy, presenting three distinct "what if" scenarios and side stories that were left unexplored. As a sound novel, it uses a powerful combination of music, background art, and expressive character sprites to immerse the reader in its world. The collection features "Saikoroshi-hen," a philosophically challenging tale where protagonist Rika Furude must confront the true meaning of a perfect world. This is contrasted by the lighthearted club antics of "Hirukowashi-hen," involving a dispute over love-granting jewels, and the legendarily chaotic "Batsukoishi-hen," a sealed-away "after-party" chapter so outrageously comedic it was deemed to ruin the impact of a more serious arc. This collection easily earns its place among the best games by 07th Expansion because it perfectly encapsulates the studio's incredible tonal range and narrative mastery in a single package. *Rei* demonstrates the developer's unique ability to pivot from profound, heart-wrenching character studies to utterly bizarre, fourth-wall-breaking comedy without feeling disjointed. "Saikoroshi-hen" provides one of the most essential and mature character explorations in the entire series, offering vital closure for Rika, while "Batsukoishi-hen" showcases the wild, self-aware humor that has become a beloved hallmark of Ryukishi07's writing. By successfully balancing deep introspection with high-energy absurdity, *Rei* is not just a collection of side stories but a microcosm of the creative DNA that makes 07th Expansion's works so unforgettable.

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Higurashi When They Cry Hou+ (2023)

*Higurashi When They Cry Hou+* serves as the definitive final installment to the celebrated *Hou* sound novel collection, venturing beyond the resolved tragedy of Hinamizawa's repeating June 1983. While the main characters are finally free from their cursed fate, this package introduces four new chapters that expand the universe in unexpected ways. It presents a brand-new, large-scale mystery in the two-part arc "Outbreak" and "Kamikashimashi," where a mysterious virus plunges the cast into a new kind of paranoia and despair. In stark contrast, the collection also includes "Hinamizawa Bus Stop," a fascinating look at the original prototype fragment that would eventually become the legendary series, and "Mehagashi," a wildly comedic scenario where Keiichi must battle the club members to save not just humanity, but the entire galaxy. This collection earns its place as one of 07th Expansion's best works by perfectly encapsulating the studio's unique creative identity. It masterfully demonstrates their signature ability to pivot between chilling, high-stakes horror and absurd, fourth-wall-breaking comedy within a single title, proving their narrative range is as sharp as ever. By providing both a compelling new tragedy for fans to solve and a treasure trove of lore with the inclusion of the series' origin story, *Hou+* caters to veterans and newcomers alike. More than just an epilogue, it's a comprehensive celebration of the franchise, showcasing the powerful sound novel format and the genre-blending storytelling that has defined 07th Expansion as a unique and essential voice in visual novels.

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