I completed #Umineko When They Cry Question Arcs few days ago but didn't get the chance to post my opinion on it. Today I got that time so here's my summed up thoughts. //Contains spoilers so don't read unless you read the first four episodes//

Smth I didn't mention much about EP 1 before and would like to give a min of attention to; is that I absolutely love the eerie and mysterious atmosphere of it. The sense of isolation consuming Rokkenjima and how the tone changes around the murders, like you're being put in the

victims' shoes. The clock ticking sounds and rain drops build this air that is both chilling and frightening. Just the way it builds suspense is amazing. Other eps do a great job at setting up the tone too but I believe episode 1 had the most unique feeling to it and that's what

I love about it. With that being said, I prefer Turn abit over Legend. I just enjoyed the characterization that happened to Battler and every other interaction between the characters. The dialogue exchanged between Shannon - Beatrice and Shannon - Kanon were interesting to read.

And I think Beatrice showing up alot this ep bumped up my excitement. That being said, the main reason was bc of the more set-up of the meta world. The red truth is so far one of my fav aspects of the series, such a fascinating meta tool that can both help and trick the reader

but moreover, it had incredible execution. Seeing Battler try to break through Beato's puzzle with the Chapel locked room mystery is one of my fav chapters. It's so fun and intense. Overall the red truth added something to the story that a traditional mystery can't offer alone.

Rosa got spotlight too which made me like her alot more. Ryukishi has so far nailed all the climaxes and the same goes for this one. Can't forget when Worldend Dominator played for the first time... So yeah, sure I was really confused during this ep but it was still vry exciting.

But you know what?? PEOPLE WEREN'T LYING WHEN THEY SAID BANQUET IS A STEP UP FROM THE PREV EPS!! I don't know how to even start with this one... I will begin with the fact that this ep helped me understand the structure of this story abit. By that, I mean I started to get

the "Oh, so this is what Umineko is about" impression. Bc ep 1 and 2 felt like set up to the gameboard and meta world, while ep 3 was like expanding more on those themes and offering more hints and tools for the mystery while being the most engaging all the way through.

The introduction of Eva-beatrice was a real surprise, and I love what she brought to the table. I like how she complimented the characters of Eva and Beatrice very well. Ronove and Virgillia were also good additions to the meta.

I love the dynamic between Battler and Beatrice so much. It's my fav aspect of the series!!! Every interaction they have is engaging but also adds more nuance and layers into their character. They started off as a rivarly that turns into smth so much more.

Banquet of the Golden witch overall made it truly feel like it’s a game between equals, compared to how Battler's game went with Beatrice in EP 2.

Last but not least, Alliance of the Golden witch is undoubtedly my fav ep of the Question Arcs and my fav tea party. Alot of the interactions felt really close to me like Battler and Ange's precious sibling bond and Ange - Maria dialogue and because of that,

their moments hit really close to home. I felt like the family theme was presented well and Ange's journey was amazing and helped provide a deeper meaning to the story despite her dominating the screentime of only one episode.

The tea party was some of the most emotionally thrilling climaxes I ever seen. I can't get it out of my heaaadd. Seeing Beatrice in that state was heartbreaking and her voice actor really did her alot of justice.

To sum up, Umineko Question Arcs offered some unique ideas, themes and concepts presented in an amusing way backed up by immensely appealling character designs, great voice acting performances, nuanced writing and a 10/10 soundtrack.

I did have some issues with the eps, awkwardly paced at times, odd story structure at other times but thankfully they weren't issues that hindered my enjoyment all that much. And if it's true that the Answer Arcs blow this out of the water, then... I'm not sure if I'm prepared..

I still didn't decide my top 10 so I'm going to mention only top 5

1. Beatrice/Battler
2. Battler/Beatrice
3. Ange
4. Maria
5. Eva

My Episode Ranking

1. Alliance (10/10)
2. Banquet (9.5/10)
3. Turn (8.5/10)
4. Legend (8/10)

My top 10 OSTs (my music rankings always change alot so this is just currently how I'm feeling)

1. Apathy
2. Worldend Dominator
3. Thanks for being born
4. Dread of the Grave
5. Happiness of Marionette
6. Dead Angle
7. Far
8. Prison Strip
9. Melody
10. Fishy Aroma

//Picture contains Umineko Spoilers//

3x3 of my fav CGs of Question Arcs. The middle is top 1 #Umineko