“The witch expects a lot from you, and is more than ready to launch an assault right from the start. I also look forward to seeing your strategy.”
Those lines belong to the visual novel and correspond to the option of playing Turn of the Golden Witch. Why mention them? Because they summarize well what is being introduced to Umineko’s formula.
After Legend of the Golden Witch introduced the whodunit mystery element of the narrative, the readers were also barely initiated to two other elements as well:
[2.a] Τhe narrative begins with an extended flashback, before the events of 4th of October and focuses on a romantic subplot, that builds on certain characters' personalities and joint chemistries, and sets a solid foundation for later parts.
And gradually, this subplot transits to the 4th of October, involving preparations for the family’s annual meeting at both meta and island level. Retracing to my Episode 1 review, I had mentioned how mothers assume main roles in parts of this story. For the current episode, the torch passes to Ushiromiya Rosa, a little more on section [3].
[2.b] And on to Rokkenjima events, where the highlight is the intrusion of fantasy elements that complicate matters and raise the difficulty bar of the mystery.
Retracing to section [1.], Battler must deny the existence of magic while Beatrice aims to making him accepting it. To do so, he needs to debate with her and solve individual mysteries, be it locked rooms, bizarre circumstances, etc. Yet she wastes no time or energy in crushing his reasoning, making resistance seem futile. Those parts are entertaining, to say the least, as well as an exciting mental challenge for the reader/player.
Often employed by both opponents is twisted logic, however: as abusing it could lead to stalemates and to an unfair treatment of both Battler and the readers, Beatrice introduces a tool named the Red Truth. When a surefire truth is to be spoken, it is said in red letters. Of course, Beatrice uses that tool in crafty ways, yet nonetheless readers/players can more easily challenge the witch and solve the puzzles.
As mentioned in section [2.a], certain characters receive more focus and as such, more needed development. The romantic pairings in particular show elements of potentially star-crossed lovers, their relationships complicated by both intrapersonal and interpersonal factors, as well as the involvement of Beatrice. Ushiromiya Rosa is also among the main cast, her complicated relationship with her atypical daughter and occult savant Maria as well as her own personality being equally important to the narrative’s progression.
Needless to say perhaps, the star of the cast is Beatrice. Cruel, whimsical, playful, majestic are only some of the words one can use to describe her. She’s one stellar antagonist, with a larger-than-life presence and highly entertaining dialogues. And this episode is not even the tip of the iceberg for her highly dynamic and multilayered character. As for Battler, he does not falter way too behind. He remains determined and passionate yet also rational and quick-witted, and despite being at a severe disadvantage he is trying to use his reasoning to plow his way through Beatrice’s trolling and games and pin her down, alongside invested readers/players who vouch for his victory. And given the odds, he certainly can stand his ground.
I’m obliged to be fair though, and note that not all characters receive development and those who do don’t display too much depth, at this stage the narrative focuses elsewhere. However, there are still interesting and entertaining moments involving even less developped ones, and next episodes are going to uncover more layers of characters.
I prefer the current artwork to that of Episode 1. Character designs are more polished and there is a bigger ratio of highly memorable scenes (the one below is among my favorites). Expressions remain one of the highlights, especially mocking but also some fiendish ones.
And of course, lovely horror scenes. Hey did I mention that this episode fits like a glove with Halloween doubly than the previous one? Won't be hard to find out why. Outside those aspects, the mere presence of Red Truth elevates the artwork, for sentences spoken/written are highlighted in bright red text.
One of the drawbacks of artwork are backgrounds though, as many often lack enough detail, being merely functional rather than rich enough. Also, sometimes characters at long distances can miss key details here and then. Nonetheless, the artist more than makes up with portraying poignant scenes with exactly what is required at a given time.
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