Posts Tagged “Ookamikakushi”

Over the last two weeks I caught up with watching Ookami Kakushi. The last time I had watched it was when I spent my 21st birthday immersing myself in everything 07th Expansion. I watched the first two episodes and after only that I was pretty much able to formulate a solid theory which later proved to be correct with each subsequent episode. The ease at which I solved the “mystery” was the main reason I fell behind it in the first place. Yet I find that very fact the reason I believe Ookami Kakushi is a better anime than Umineko. When put next to the Higurashi anime it definitely doesn’t compare but still I would place it above the likes of the Umineko anime. To put things into perspective I place the Umineko sound novels on equal terms as the Higurashi anime.

As a mystery series Ookami Kakushi pales in comparison to the Higurashi anime and the Umineko novels. As previously mentioned it is a lot easier to predict than would be expected. In fact I wouldn’t even classify Ookami Kakushi as a mystery series at all but rather as supernatural suspense. The show does not really have to rely on the mystery elements at all and can focus on character interaction and the moment-to-moment events that befall Hiroshi. At times the show can seem shallower than Higurashi or the Umineko sound novels but it also doesn’t place the same expectations that made the Umineko anime a letdown in many respects. In a way this allows the series to sidestep several of the many big faults with the Umineko anime–the terrible transition of the mystery to animated form. Get ready for possibly massive spoilers as is always the case when I discuss stuff about 07th Expansion.
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For some reason I spent yesterday in 07th Expansion Mode and ended up watching the first two episodes of Ookami Kakushi. From the very start I couldn’t help but get my tablet ready to take down notes as per usual for mystery-solving purposes and before I knew I had enough to make a post. In my theory-induced mood I also finally got around to watching the second half of the Umineko anime. If you haven’t watched/read Higurashi no Naku Koro ni/Kai/Rei, Umineko/Chiru or Ookami Kakushi be prepared for tons of spoilers.
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Now that the fall season is wrapping up it’s time for my quarterly look at what I’ll be watching in the coming season. Despite how barren a season may look I usually find plenty of shows that I feel have potential. There are a handful of titles that I’m pretty sure I’ll enjoy but otherwise winter looks as if I’ll have free time to catch up on my infinite backlog. Time for a look at what I’m actually looking forward to:
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According to Dengeki Online, KONAMI announced a new game for the Sony PSP entitled “Ookamikakushi” to be directed by Ryukishi07 of Higurashi fame with character design left to manga-ka duo PEACH-PIT. The title is a play on words and roughly translates to “Hidden by the Great God” or “Hidden by the Wolf” and in typical Ryukishi07 fashion will be a serious mystery novel. Date of release and price have yet to be announced.

Here’s my rough translation of the story summary from the official site:

A God? A Wolf?
The old town’s concealed law…Fear and mystery blend together.
The summer of Showa 58 (1983). Everyone’s expectations become entangled by the repeating nightmare and 10 stories become chained together…What in the world is the truth!?

Original text below:

神か？　狼か？
旧市街の隠された掟…恐怖と謎が交錯する。
昭和58年夏。繰り返される悪夢に人それぞれの思惑が絡み合い、10のストーリーが連鎖する…真実はいったい何なのか!?

The description is very vague right now but I’m excited for this game since I love Ryukishi07’s stories but of course what makes this particularly appealing is one reason–it will most likely actually have good art.