Higurashi no Naku Koro ni

The Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (ひぐらしのなく頃に?, When Cicadas Cry) games form what are referred to as the question arcs. These first four games of the series were meant to give the player a sense of the world where the story takes place and introduce the mysterious circumstances surrounding the village of Hinamizawa. Since there are no concrete answers given to the questions that the story presents in these arcs, the question arcs allow the player to form his or her own opinions about the events taking place in Hinamizawa. Each question arc game contains all of the previous question arcs.

Onikakushi-hen (鬼隠し編?, Spirited Away by the Demon Chapter)
This chapter introduces the player to the world of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni. The player is shown the simple rural life of Hinamizawa, the after-school club activities, and the friendships of the main characters. However, things take a sinister turn after the Watanagashi Festival, when Keiichi discovers what his new friends have been concealing from him. This chapter implies that Rena Ryugu and Mion Sonozaki are the villains.

Watanagashi-hen (綿流し編?, Cotton Drifting Chapter)
By this chapter, the player should have an overall idea of how life in Hinamizawa is like. Once again, this chapter begins innocently, with the Watanagashi Festival again marking the start of the sinister events in Hinamizawa. An ancient curse strikes, and a pair of sisters are not what they seem. Shion Sonozaki makes her first appearance in this chapter, while Mion Sonozaki is portrayed as the villain.

Tatarigoroshi-hen (祟殺し編?, Curse Killing Chapter)
In Tatarigoroshi-hen, Keiichi and Satoko develop a brother-sister relationship so when Satoko's abusing uncle returns to Hinamizawa, Keiichi attempts to help Satoko with drastic measures. However, as more and more people die, it is clear he is not the only one involved in this. This time, the spotlight shines on Satoko Houjou as being the "victim". Keiichi Maebara's passion to protect Satoko turns him into an unknowing villain in this chapter.

Himatsubushi-hen (暇潰し編?, Time Killing Chapter)
Himatsubushi-hen takes place five years before the previous three. In contrast to the first three chapters, this chapter is shown through the eyes of Mamoru Akasaka, a young police investigator from Tokyo who comes to Hinamizawa in order to investigate a kidnapping of a politician's grandchild. Soon, he too becomes implicated in the mysteries of Hinamizawa. This chapter focuses on Rika Furude as being the key part of the mystery.
by:adriana