Game Groups > Higurashi no Naku Koro ni / Higurashi: When They Cry series

Higurashi: When They Cry (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, ひぐらしのなく頃に, lit. "When the Cicadas Cry") is a series of horror visual novels by 07th Expansion. It was originally released as a series of eight dōjin soft (i.e. hobbyist-created) visual novels throughout the 2000s. The series has since seen a number of re-releases, as well as spin-offs and adaptations in the form of manga, anime, and book novels.

The series is set in the 1980's, and revolves around a mysterious series of brutal murders in the mountain village of Hinamizawa.

The main series

The following eight visual novels form the main Higurashi series:

1. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Onikakushi-hen
2. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Watanagashi-hen
3. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Tatarigoroshi-hen
4. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Himatsubushi-hen
5. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai: Meakashi-hen
6. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai: Tsumihoroboshi-hen
7. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai: Minagoroshi-hen
8. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai: Matsuribayashi-hen

The first four games are referred to as "Question Arcs"; the latter four games form the "Answer Arcs". Collectively, the Higurashi Question and Answer arcs constitute the first two entries in the wider When They Cry franchise.