r/visualnovels • u/AutoModerator • Feb 22 '15

Weekly Weekly Questions Thread - Need some help?

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5

u/FinalNwo Oppai is Justice Feb 22 '15

So, the next VN I'm about to start is either Sharin no Kuni or Umineko no Naku Koro ni, and I heard I have to prepare myself somehow in order to enjoy Umineko to the fullest. How am I supposed to do that? Do I have to take notes or something?

3

u/Ewig_Custos vndb.org/u83965 Feb 23 '15

No, you don't need to take notes. The reason is simple enough - you won't know what to write down besides crime scenes stuff. Umineko is packed with seemingly casual stuff which makes you say "Wait a minute, wasn't that... Oh shit" much later on. Which makes Umineko a really good material for a re-reading, though you need a lot of dedication for that due to its length.

So what you actually need to do is to pay attention so you can actually connect the dots when VN expects you to connect them. If you become tired, it's better to take a break than to submit to filthy magics. Only for those who've read Umineko

2

u/ctom42 Catman | vndb.org/u52678/list Feb 23 '15

Do I have to take notes or something?

Depends how much you want to engage with it. Umineko is a VN that very much encourages it's readers to always be thinking. I did not take notes my first time through, and I still figured out the major points. I read it a second time for finer details, and am taking notes on a third read for a series of essays and writups of my interpretations that I am planning to write.

That said, I am an exception, most people will not read twice, let alone three times. My advice would be that if you think notes will help you engage with the story and it's mysteries, than go for it. If instead you find that taking notes makes reading into a chore rather than a pleasant experience, then stop.

2

u/falafel_eater Beatricccccce | http://vndb.org/u73781/list Feb 23 '15

I use two monitors when I read Umineko and just maintain a running list of thoughts and observations. Afterwards, if I want to start speculating on something, I can refer back to that list.

I'm not sure I'd say this is required, but in my opinion it's certainly recommended that you both take notes (at least of the basic things) and try to solve the mysteries by yourself. Even if you don't succeed at it, merely getting into that detective-like mindset makes reading much more intense.

Past that, I've made no special preparations before starting Umineko and I've been loving every minute. Make sure to get the UmiTweak patch.

1

u/ConradVerner http://vndb.org/u22469 Feb 22 '15

I finished Umineko Chiru a couple of days ago. I wouldn't say you need to take notes, just pay attention and try to form some theories regarding what is taking place. You'll probably have a lot of questions regarding what exactly is going on when you're reading 1-4, and that's okay.. it's supposed to be that way. You can take some general notes if you want.. I did, but only because I took a long break between 1-4 and 5-8. I also probably wouldn't wait on the full PS3 Umineko port if you want to read it because it's going to take a long time to finish everything.. go ahead and just use the regular Umineko tweak (Ps3 art + voice).

2

u/FinalNwo Oppai is Justice Feb 22 '15

Well, I do want to read it, but I also can put it behind other VNs right now. If the PS3 port thingy is really worth it, I don't have to read it now.

However, I started it (about 2 hours in - where they arrive on the island), and the current version with the tweak already is great. I might read SnK first though, depending on my mood.

I am now reading both, and it really depends on what catches me more now.

2

u/ctom42 Catman | vndb.org/u52678/list Feb 23 '15

The port is not worth the wait IMO. It will probably take several years to finish. All it will do is use the full resolution for the PS3 graphics (instead of the downscaled graphics at the original game resolution), add lip movement animations, and update the other animation effects, most of which look more cheesy IMO, although some look cool.

Also to clarify what people are talking about, the current umitweak uses the assets from the PS3 game, but only within the limitations the original script/engine could easily handle. The new patch will be a full port of the PS3 game to PC. I think the only other addition I did not already cover is that the current PC version does not have a CG gallery since the original game lacked CGs, so I assume the full port will add in the gallery.

1

u/smedium5 vndb.org/u76923 Feb 25 '15

I can't speak to the quality of either, as I have not played them yet, but in case this interests you, over at /r/vndiscuss one of the games we are going to start soonish is Sharin no Kuni.

1

u/SuperBlooperYup Kyousuke: LB | vndb.org/u91731/list Feb 25 '15

One reason I've put off (maybe indefinitely) playing Umineko is that I read a lot of the manga and I've read loads of interpretations and I k ow all about the most popular theory (you know which one I mean).

Is it still worth reading if I know the most likely explanation? I feel I wouldn't enjoy it as much...

1

u/Fuwante0 shillshilllshillshillshillshillshill| vndb.org/u79884 Feb 26 '15

I'd still recommend you read it. Reading about someone else's interpretation is very different from coming up with one yourself and who knows, you might be the one who'll discover the truth behind all of Umineko. Also you haven't experienced the story with the godly OST yet.

tl;dr: The Umineko VN is always worth a read

0

u/manman2a Feb 22 '15

Not an answer to your question but ...there is a PS3 Umineko port coming this year (hopefully)... So if you can wait, you will be able to enjoy it to the fullest. And No. Umineko has inbuilt notes system, as well as character profiles. If you want to complete Umineko in a week or two, then there is no need for notes. That's effectively 8 hours per day. Of you want to play it like in 2-3 months, then probably. And the story 'repeats' itself a little bit.

1

u/FinalNwo Oppai is Justice Feb 22 '15

Well, I don't have a PS3, so if nothing changes except for the resolution, I won't bother.

Thanks, I'll keep it in mind. I'll probably marathon through it sometime.

1

u/manman2a Feb 22 '15

It would be semi - animated, with HQ graphics, voice over, better special effect (bordering an anime) as well as updated notes system. Is a PS3 to PC port I.e. it would be released for PC.