So after Corinthian kept recommending me animes I started watching the top one on his list: Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni. I've currently just finished episode 8 yesterday, and I thought Imma come here with some first impression thoughts.
NOTE: These are just first impressions, so I might very well change my mind later on.
First off I have to say the anime has a slow start particularly with its characters, but after it gets rolling I have to say I admire the writing, and characterization of whatever characters are being focused on at the time quite a lot even if it isn't perfect. The anime's plotline is definitely gripping. From an objective standpoint I could very well say the way they're "handling" the plot is very much one that's padded out, but because the nature of its execution is done so interestingly that concern doesn't bother me as much as it would've.
A complainant so far I have is that some other of the central characters don't seem to get as much characterization as I might've liked, but given the nature of the anime that'll likely change.
Also, this is a bit spoilerly so I won't go into much detail, but the way they're currently handling the plot also means much of what happens doesn't carry any true weight over into the later episodes. Strangely enough that's what my brain tells me to be bothered by, but in reality it doesn't bother me too much at all.
The art style of the anime is very cutesy, one that I feel they definitely have gone the right direction with. Most other animes that do this may have gone for a more serious style to showcase "WE SERIOUS YOU MUSTA TAKE US SERIOUS", but what Higurashi does adds a very compelling layer of charm to the entire show by having mixed in conventional "anime kawaii" moments. It forms an amazing contrast with its "other moments", and is even arguably one of the main pillars which carries this anime on for me.
So the big question: 8 episodes in, and am I enjoying Higurashi? Despite some flaws I most definitely am, and will certainly see this one to the very end!