In my opinion, with the exception of two characters (Teppei and Rina), the entire cast is absurdly likeable. My personal favorite is Keiichi, who is an inspirational dork who makes sure we know why he's KOOL. Rena is a sweetie who you should be careful not to anger. Mion is a tsundere with a creative streak for coming up with games and punishments. Shion has a lot of love in her heart, even if it doesn't seem like it. Satoko behaves like an annoying brat, but there is a hidden side to her that makes you want to protect her. Rika behaves with an astonishing maturity for her age. And her catchphrases "Mii~" and "Nii~pah!" make you want to eat her up. And that's just the main cast!
The art... is actually astonishingly bad at points. XD But for whatever the reason, I like it. Perhaps I have this mentality that makes me believe that horror anime is supposed to have bad animation.
The sounds send chills up my spine. That's fitting, considering Higurashi began as a "sound novel" (basically a visual novel, only with more emphasis on sound).
I confess, I'm not really a horror fan. That just goes to show how wonderful Higurashi is, to draw someone like me in. I enjoy Higurashi (I use present tense because Higurashi is a series I can enjoy again and again) and I am looking forward to the animated version of its "sequel" (so to speak), Umineko no Naku Koro Ni, also made by 07th Expansion.
