Higurashi has been one of the most interesting anime story I've seen. It goes from a mystery murder cases and connects it to aspects such as supernatural beings, and at one point of the series: aliens. The story structure is also very unique because it is composed of mini story arcs where each of the characters will be given their own back story. These mini arcs are composed of 3 to 6 episodes, wherein after one arc the story resets again with all the characters alive to begin another arc with a different story this time. The first half of the series being the 'Questions arc' while the second half the 'Answers arc' which is actually an answer to the series of events that happened in the answers arc. But a mini spoiler, you will not get the complete answer and that's why there is a 2nd season to this series.
Art: 6/10
Art style and animation are not the most beautiful out there. Honestly, I was not a big fan of it. Though the opening sequence is beautiful when it comes to the animation and art style the rest of the series is not. The comedy also feels awkward at time when it comes to animation, really really awkward. Also I want to point out an animation failure at the 2nd arc, episode 6 or 7 I think, where Mion was shaking the ladder where Keichi was climbing. Just watch that clip and I'm telling you it's very very weird.
Sound: 8/10
The soundtrack for the series is something I commend when it comes in giving the feel of horror in the series. Also the opening sequence, being a very great starter for an episode to give you the creeps.
Character: 8/10
The characters of the series are heavily developed every ending of an arc. Especially for the relevant characters per arc, like Keichi in the first arc, Mion and Shion in the second arc, are three characters that were developed in their own arcs. My favorite character though is Oishi. He is a policeman first introduced at episode 2, and just when you thought he will be the shed of light in the series due to his actions in the first arc, the series portrayed him to be a corrupt cop in succeeding arcs. I like the way he was portrayed that way making the viewers unexpected of his actions. My least favorite would be Rika, though I'm aware the she will be most relevant in the 2nd season, I was not a fan of hers in the first season just because there was not much development happening within her. So that's why I really wanted this character to have a boost in the 2nd season.
Enjoyment: 8/10
While I mentioned a while ago that the comedy is very awkward and it's something I actually did not enjoy, which is why it's weird, the enjoyment I had for this series is its horror, gore, and mystery aspect. Don't watch this for the comedy, seriously, LOL. If you're a fan of mystery animes, then I recommend this to you.
