Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Mei

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Mei ひぐらしのなく頃に 命
Information
Developers:	Smileaxe
Original Release Date	September 3, 2020
Platform	Smartphone
Genre	Gacha

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Mei (ひぐらしのなく頃に 命) is a smartphone-based gacha game released in September 2020. The game has a new story written by Kanou Kiichi, with help from Ryukishi07. The game's release coincides with the new Higurashi no Naku Koro ni anime, sharing the same character design. A new character, Kimiyoshi Kazuho features as the protagonist along with Akasaka Miyuki and another new character, Hōtani Nao. Based on the game description, Tamurahime no Mikoto is also expected to play a major part in the game. The new game's theme song is Frustration, sung by Ayane, and with lyrics and composition by Chiyomaru Shikura.

As part of its release as an April Fool's joke, it was announced that Hinamizawa would build a Puroland. The joke delighted Higurashi and Hello Kitty fans such that it was announced that there would be collaborative products sold as well as a tie-in event in the gacha game.

Story

In June 1983, poisonous volcanic gas suddenly emerged in the village of Hinamizawa, killing around 1200 residents. This event is known as the Great Hinamizawa Disaster. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Mei begins ten years later, in June 1993. A girl who lost her family in the disaster, Kazuho Kimiyoshi, decided to visit her now abandoned hometown. There, she ended up discovering monsters she’s never seen before. Kazuho desperately ran away, but got cornered. As she was about to be killed, Kazuho was saved by Tamurahime no Mikoto, who introduced herself as a goddess. Kazuho received from Tamurahime no Mikoto a special power which allows her to fight against the Tsukuyami, the monsters. And as per Tamurahime no Mikoto’s instructions, she headed towards the Furude Shrine ceremonial tools’ shed, the Saiguden. When she entered the Saiguden, Kazuho suddenly found herself in a nostalgic, peaceful Hinamizawa. It seems like Kazuho time-traveled to before the disaster.

Gallery

Character design for Kimiyoshi Kazuho

Character design for Akasaka Miyuki

Character design for Hōtani Nao

Character design for Ryūgū Rena

Character design for Sonozaki Mion

Character design for Hōjō Satoko

Character design for Furude Rika

Trailer

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Mei's official trailer

Sources

Official website
Further information