First Two Higurashi Arcs Available on iTunes App Store

An English version of 07th Expansion’s Higurashi no Naku Koro ni has been released by SEAMS on Apple’s iTunes App Store compatible for anyone using an iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad. The first arc is currently a free download, with the second costing no more than $3.99. Both titles are currently listed as “books” under the App Store and are direct ports of MangaGamer’s English release of the two titles.

The idea for the port was made by HOBIBOX Japan, who handled the licensing for Higurashi and was previously only available on Japan’s iTunes store. For those unfamiliar with the title, here’s a synopsis courtesy of VNDB.org:

“Higurashi no Naku Koro ni takes place during June 1983, at a fictional rural village called Hinamizawa, which has a population of approximately 2000. The main character, Keiichi Maebara, moves to Hinamizawa and befriends his new classmates Rena Ryugu, Mion Sonozaki, Rika Furude, and Satoko Hojo. Keiichi joins their after-school club activities, which consist mostly of card and board games (and punishment games for the loser, usually him.) Hinamizawa appears to be a normal, peaceful, rural village to Keiichi. However, the tranquility abruptly ends after the annual Watanagashi Festival, a celebration to commemorate and give thanks to the local god, Oyashiro-sama. Keiichi learns that every year for the past four years, one person has been murdered and another has gone missing on the day of the Watanagashi Festival. Keiichi himself soon becomes drawn into the strange events surrounding the Watanagashi Festival and Oyashiro-sama. In each story arc, he or one of his friends become paranoid, and a crime is committed. Usually, the crime involves the murder of one of their own friends. While it seems impossible to tell their delusions apart from the mystery of Hinamizawa, slowly the truth is revealed.”

The game currently has an aggregate score of 8.6/10, and can also be purchased for the PC from MangaGamer’s official website at $48.29.

Via Apple iTunes Store.