Okay, I'm new to Higurashi...can anyone help me out?

[Shiraishi]

So I've finished Baccano!, Lagann, caught up to Sayonara Sensei, and I want to start a new anime series, so I don't fall off and stop watching anime; I looked around and thought this looked pretty good.

I'm just wondering if anyone could answer some of these questions about the series?

1. I know I'm probably off base, but is the series like some of the other series based off games and such? Is it a little too 'cute' and fanservice like sometimes?

2. If you could say it related to any anime out there, which one would it be? I've heard that it is somewhat like Death Note in ways.

3. Is the tone 100% dark at all times? Dark humor, ect?

4. Are the characters likable as a whole?

If this is against the rules of the forum, you can delete it. Anyone who answers will be repaid. Thank you!

[Kole]

It's always nice to see new (potential) Higurashi fans :)

1. Yeah, it's based on Higurashi no Naku Koro ni game. Unfortunately it's not completely translated yet :(
2. Death Note is also only anime I can think of that's similar to Hirurashi, although they are kinda different...
3. Each arc starts with light-hearted atmosphere and humor but after 2-3 episodes it starts getting scary.
4. Definitely yes.

Also, don't ask about things when you don't understand them because that's how it's supposed to be.

And BTW, be sure to write down your expressions after Episode 4 :wink

[Shiraishi]

Is there any annoying fan service that you might see on some other games that are adapted to animes?

I can only take a dash amount of fan service when it's put in a good and comedic series like Zetsubou Sensei. In a dark anime, I don't think I would like it.

[dspr8_rugged]

Here are my answers:

1. I know I'm probably off base, but is the series like some of the other series based off games and such? Is it a little too 'cute' and fanservice like sometimes?
Higurashi is game-based, yes. Cute, yes. Fanservice, no.

2. If you could say it related to any anime out there, which one would it be? I've heard that it is somewhat like Death Note in ways.
I can't even imagine comparing Higurashi to Death Note (well, maybe except in one thing). Heck, I can't even compare Higurashi to any anime as a whole.

3. Is the tone 100% dark at all times? Dark humor, ect?
What Kole said. Casey and Friends is all about fun and games until something goes bad. TERRIBLY bad.

4. Are the characters likable as a whole?
Yes, for their different perks and quirks. Even the most evil of characters are likeable.

Hope that helps. :)

[Shiraishi]

Is the series episodic? Does each story end and then revert back and everything is forgotten, or is everything in a straight line that is continuous? Like each arc leads into the next and the next?

[dspr8_rugged]

All I can say is that you are right in some of the things you said. :)

Just try watching until Episode 5 and you'll probably get how the story flows in Higurashi. :nod

And you can always refer to this thread (http://forums.narutofan.com/showthread.php?t=288442).

[Kole]

Is the series episodic? Does each story end and then revert back and everything is forgotten, or is everything in a straight line that is continuous? Like each arc leads into the next and the next?

I'll just say that each episode is connected with another in some way. Any more and it will be spoiler.

[Clouds-Are-Nice]

Is there any annoying fan service that you might see on some other games that are adapted to animes?

I can only take a dash amount of fan service when it's put in a good and comedic series like Zetsubou Sensei. In a dark anime, I don't think I would like it.

There's really not much fanservice, there's some but it's treated as more of a joke within itself I think. There's effectively none I'd say.

Is the series episodic? Does each story end and then revert back and everything is forgotten, or is everything in a straight line that is continuous? Like each arc leads into the next and the next?

Um, that's a hard one... :sweatdrop

But no it's not episodic at all, each episode and arc ties into the others even if it's not clear at first. And at the end it all comes together. :amuse

[Paul the SK]

Is the series episodic? Does each story end and then revert back and everything is forgotten, or is everything in a straight line that is continuous? Like each arc leads into the next and the next?
Everything is one story but just watch the anime. Asking too much questions (especialy for Higurashi) can spoil the concept.

[dspr8_rugged]

And getting spoiled makes watching this series less enjoyable. Trust us.

The best way to watch this series is not knowing ANYTHING about it.