Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei: Saikoroshi-hen
Higurashi WHEN THEY CRY: Dice Killing Arc

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This short arc, which is supposed to be the last part of Higurashi before the new seasons, contains some very interesting information and chapters related to the When They Cry universe. Especially about certain concepts that are very important to understand how the universe works.

If you haven't finished Umineko, the other story of When They Cry, this arc might not make much meaning to you. But if you have finished Umineko, this short arc will leave you as stunned as it left me. Also, if you are curious about the complex character (I won't say who) who plays a big role in both works and ... want to know more about her, you should read this.

Despite what I say, you don't necessarily have to know Umineko to understand it. But knowing it will be an extra for you to make more meaning out of it. Even though the universe of the series is not explained as much in Higurashi as it is in Umineko, the story itself is very well done.

Serving as a postscript to the Higurashi series, the Dice-Killing Arc holds the unusual distinction of being the only Higurashi arc that is a direct immediate sequal to a previous arc. Overall, its worth a read for those who like the series, but they might be annoyed about how the tidily wrapped up ending gets a wrench thrown in it by the events of this arc.

Story: 6. An interesting side story to the main Higurashi plotline, but it suffers from taking place after the plot has already been resolved. The Festival Accompanying arc answered all the mysteries, and the series hasnt really had any horror ... for a while, so this arc is a horror mystery without alot of horror or mystery. The story centres on Rika's quest to return to a happy world and her struggling with the choice of whether after all the events of the series she can even be considered the same as the original Rika Furude. Its not neccessarily bad, just a little anti-climactic for the final arc of the series.

Art: 7. Karin Suzuragi consistently had good art for the Higurashi manga, and she continued that trend here. All good stuff thats easy on the eyes.

Character: 5. I didnt enjoy how it messed with the world-building in such a way that all the characters come off differently, while also not even featuring quite a few main characters (no Keichi or Shion for starters) Since Higurashi relies on a cast of familiar characters, having everyone act out of character was kind of an off-putting experience, and kept me from enjoying this arc as much as the others.

Enjoyment: 7. For all the problems it has, its short and entertaining, so I'd reccommend it to anyone who liked the world of Higurashi.

Overall: 7.