Already the final day, huh? Time sure flies when you enjoy yourself. Anyway, for this final day we’ll test your passion as a 07th Expansion fan:
Sell a 07th Work
The title says it all: Try to write something with the goal to convince someone to read a work done by 07th Expansion. Pretend the one you’re talking to has no idea what you’re talking about and has a short attention span. On that note, you are only allowed to write one paragraph per work you’re trying to sell! We will deduct points if you exceed this limit.
The more works you try to sell, the better. I’m sure this’ll be easy for you, fellow passionate 07th Expansion fans!
You get 2 points just for participating in this event, plus 1 extra point for each work you advertise.
Send in your submissions until Sunday 11:30 am UTC .
Team Goldenslaughterers submission:
Trianthology: Sanmenkyou no kuni no Alice (Alice of the Land of the 3 Sided Mirror)
Trianthology centers around Alice, a short-tempered voyager witch, a being who can travel between different universes, and her familiar, Usagi. In the story, Usagi introduces her master Alice to three new universes contained in crystalline pieces called “fragments” and how Alice interacts between these three very different universes. I really reccomend for you to read it, to see the contrast and how Alice interacts jumping into 3 very different stories!
Hotarubi no Tomoru Koro ni (When the Fireflies’ Light Shines)
This story is about a struggling Japanese family dealing with the recent death of their Grandmother – and the mysterious events surrounding it - in the rural village of Hirasaka, with many strange rules and customs. Soon, an outside researcher comes into the village, not a care to respect the customs – and the strange events unfold…this is a great tale for those into Japanese horror, and as well enjoying the many references to Japanese mythology and culture, and their place between being very much alive, yet also being pushed aside, in Japan.
Renai Harem Game Shuuryou no Oshirase ga Kuru Koro ni (When the Game Ends)
A very interesting story revolving around a typical harem setting – but with a twist. Like a horror movie, instead of the girls truly loving the main boy, they are forced into trying to win his affection - or face eternal suffering if they do not try their best or obey the rules, or even try to break free. It has a very intense pressure, plus it’s a kind of hit on the typical harem genre, so it’s definitely worth checking out!
Iwaihime
Another Japanese horror theme game…but this time centering around the themes of Japanese dolls and their roles as vessels for spirits, or even being divine themselves. It also has themes of Japanese family dynamics and culture intertwined among the mysteries. Its a good look into exploring the world of traditional yet modern Japan. I love it as well since the shrine featured in Iwaihime is based off Awashima Shrine, which has the famous doll with growing hair!
Rose Guns Days
To give a brief overview, Rose Guns Days is primarily set from 1947-1950 Japan post World War II, albeit slightly fictionalized.This Japan is more strongly occupied by Chinese and American forces as both countries attempt to gain influence over it .In fact this influence is so strong, come modern times, Japanese culture is practically gone. In the midst of this a journalist gets invited to interview this Japanese mafia group by their leader. The leader begins to tell the tale of a woman named Rose. Rose, her predecessor, and her role in the events that shaped Japan. Rose and her turbulent gun-filled days. So why should you read Rose Guns Days? Many reasons really! It has a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat with excitement. It has excellent character writing and a cast that is as varied as their character designs. It also does deliver on some great themes such as the dangers of nationalism, the individual vs the many, the power of women and their roles, war and the people . The story, sound, and visuals are also very full of flair and is very stylistic… Finally, , the music and sound direction is top notch as expected from a 07thexpansion work
Higanbana(First and Second Night) :
Higanbana is a collection of short stories that are all revolved around Yokai at this particular school. These Yokai haunt both students and teachers alike through a variety of different means that are defined by the rules of that particular Yokai. However, almost all the Yokai are influenced/influence by the bullying and abuse that takes place in the school. The stories are mainly from the perspective of the bullied, the bully, the abuser, or the abused. The titular Higanbana is one such Yokai and she has a role in every short story. Higanbana’s main strengths are the following : variety, thematic cohesion, and stellar sound design. The short stories while generally are squarely in the “horror” category, all illicit different emotions and all are so narratively different, that you will never be bored by any tedium. It helps that each individual story features a new cast of characters (though some characters return in future short stories) so there is always an air of mystery as you learn about these characters. Higanbana’s thematic cohesion is quite stellar too- The main theme is about bullying and abuse, but Ryukishi07 tackles the issues therein from different angles- thus he allows discourse on the theme without forcing one single view on it. It is a particularly nuanced take and very enjoyable. Finally, as expected from a 07th expansion work the music and sound design is great- in particular when it comes to eliciting intensity and horror.
Umineko (Question arcs and Chiru):
Umineko is very difficult to describe. It’s a tale about many things, but at the beginning, it’s simply a story about a Japanese family reunion on October 4th, 1986. The Ushiromiya family is gathering at their private island to determine how their wealthy patriarch’s inheritance will be divided, and all seems fairly normal until dinnertime. At dinner, they receive a mysterious letter from a witch named Beatrice, claiming that if they want their inheritance along with 20 tons of hidden gold, the family will need to solve an epitaph puzzle. And, if the puzzle remains unsolved at the end of midnight on October 6th, Beatrice will kill the entirety of the family. Umineko takes classic mystery tropes and turns them on their head, and it really does its best to make you think outside of the box. It asks you the tough questions; the nitty-gritty details that other mystery stories don’t want to ask you. It has an ocean of character depth, as each family member and servant becomes more than just a body to add to the slaughter. And, of course, it’s got a soundtrack full of harpsichord, piano, bass, and some of the most amazing pieces of music you’ll ever hear. Umineko is more than a story; it is an experience. And Umineko is an experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Ougon Musou Kyoku (Cross) :
Ougon Musou Kyoku (Golden Fantasia) and its updated version Ougon Musou Kyoku Cross are fighting games based on Umineko. The game is a two vs two fighter where you can play characters from all of Umineko. The game has basic fighting game mechanics- cancels, crossups, special moves, etc but it also features a “Metaworld” mechanics. When characters enter the Metaworld, they gain access to their strongest super as well as increased damage output. The Metaworld is also a great to cancel into combos. However, to emulate the back and forth of the battle of wits in Umineko, the opponent can cancel their opponent from entering the meta world and instead enter the metaworld themselves! This becomes a back and forth between that is all about managing your gauge. The game also features an arcade mode that has a completely unique ending depending on the team you picked for the mode. The game is a love letter to Umineko in all shapes and forms from the movesets of the characters to how both humurous and dramatic the different team endings are (looking at you Shannon-Black Battler ending!). Honestly even if you don’t like fighting games, you should play this soley for the different team endings. Even if you aren’t familiar with Umineko, it is a solid fighting game with colorful characters.
Higurashi (Question arcs and Kai):
Higurashi is about the small village of Hinamizawa, and the summer of 1983. Keiichi Maebara is new in town, and he’s surrounded by a bunch of seemingly normal citizens. Once a year, the town celebrates the Cotton Drifting Festival, and pays thanks to Oyashiro-sama. It really is quite a lovely little tradition. Of course, Keiichi soon discovers that Hinamizawa is not quite the lovely place that it appears to be. The story has impeccable control over its atmosphere, and if you’re someone who enjoys a good thrill, this series will be sure to keep you on your toes. Higurashi knows exactly what to show you when, and it does not shy away from its more horror elements, with plenty of both physical and psychological horror. And underneath it all, there’s a rather touching message to unpack. Brutal yet emotional, Higurashi is sure to both send shivers up your spine and tug at your heartstrings.
Rewrite
Rewrite: While Rewrite wasn’t primarly made by 07thexpansion, it had Ryukishi07’s involvement so we will include this. Rewrite follows one Tennouji Kotarou in the city of Kazamatsuri. Kotarou has the ability to “Rewrite” himself- the ability to permanetly change his physical attributes. In any case, Kotarou leads a normal life otherwise and he, out of a need to connect, desires to join a club! He eventually ends up joining the occult club- a club dedicated to investigating the occult. He alongside his friends begin investigating. What will they find in Kzamatsuri? Ryukishi07 specifically wrote the Lucia route which has the trademarks of a 07thexpansion work-mystery, horror, and suspense with an emotionally charged story. Rewrite as a whole’s strong points are unexpected and engaging plot, its loveable cast of characters, and its wide skew of themes. Rewrite tackles on many inssues including lost, the enviroment, the crux of human nature, one’s sense of self. All in all a pretty solid work.
Team SleepingVerborum and RKW Berris submission:
Higurashi No naku Koro Ni:
Let’s get serious for a moment. Higurashi is a tale of good times and bad times. Of murder and mayhem. Of cuteness (hau) and the will to achieve impossible things… It’s a story that forever changed my life and I hope that you too can have the same experience. So come, join me on this journey and experience a truly wonderful story with and… wait. What do you mean you’ve heard this before? Well I’m sure it’s nothing, anywho, welcome back to Hinamizawa we hope you don’t get murdered this time around!
Umineko No Naku Koro Ni:
Ever dreamed of a wonderful vacation on the island, isolated from all mundane bustle? Or about shy busty maids ready to fulfill any of your orders? Or maybe you just want to enjoy some intelligent mysteries and complicated plotlines? Perhaps, even finally find your real waifu or husbando? Everything you want you can find here, in Umineko games. You get the witch’s cackle manual as a gift when buying our Full Bundle of 8 episodes with Tsubasa and Hane.
Rose Guns Days:
Cool game about pasta and hot Japanese ladies and a man who looks like a lion who will try to get the best harem and also a fake foreigner with fake english accent they will fight against each other in awesome mini-game sequences with even more awesome BGM and there are even big Chinese men and soy sauce-filled guns and cool punchlines and Richard as well, don’t forget Richard and his threats, and you will laugh you will cry you will dance you will AAAAAAAAH!!!
Higanbana No Saku Yoro Ni:
People die when they are killed… or do they? Discover that death is never the end while following the wacky adventures of schoolgirl Marie as she meets an extensive cast of colourful characters tucked away in her very own school! She’ll learn all about bullying, self-expression, and the sweet sweet taste of honey~ Top it all off with some delicious rice crackers to keep that smile going all night long! Well, maybe two nights.
Hotarubi no Tomoru Koro ni:
A departure from Ryukishi’s regular works, this one is highly focused on just one thing… survival. Familiar faces as well as some not-so-familiar ones fight against paranormal entities as a strange fog descends on an unsuspecting family… The car breaks down and supplies begin to run out, humans turn on humans as demons descend, a spectacle both horrifying and beautiful all the same… When the fireflies burn, who will be left unscorched by the far-reaching flame? There are also flies with human faces. Need I say more?
Team Goatdatricers submission:
Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni:
Thwack . Some stories start with a bang, but a good hearty thwack is just as good for my money. And the beginning is exactly where you want to start. Every 07th expansion work has references to the ones that came before it… except for Higurashi, because it was the first. But more than that, Higurashi is, on its own, a study in contrasts. Lots of stories are silly and cute and adorable. Lots of stories are terrifying. Lots of stories are heart-breaking. What Higurashi did uniquely is to have all of those together in one tale. You know, like life is. Higurashi is Life.
Umineko no Naku Koro Ni:
On an island in Japan 18 people has gathered for a family meeting. But when a typhoon swallows the island several murders occurs and the survivors must now stay alive until the typhoon passes and the police can arrive. Follow as distrust, fear and paranoia fills you and the survivors in equal measure in this Japanese version of ”And Then There Were None”. Question everything as the Mystery genre and the Fantasy genre begin to fight it out before your very eyes. Be confused as you yourself begin to wonder if the culprit is one of the humans or if it is the Golden Witch Beatrice that is said to haunt the island. Finally wonder who will still be alive, When the Seagulls Cry.
When The Game Ends:
Hey, you! Yeah, you! Have you accepted your new god and master Zepfur?
No, this isn’t a cult. This is me shilling you manga. Let me explain. When The Game Ends is a horror-harem manga. And I know what you’re thinking. No thanks, I’ve already watched Highschool of the Dead. But, see. Hold onto your hats because so far it’s looking like this is, yes that’s right, a METANARRATIVE DECONSTRUCTION! Everyone’s favourite buzzword, I know. But seriously. When The Game Ends asks… What would it look like if the narratively forced-lewd events of a standard harem story… became literally forced under the rule of a vicious, and highly amusing devil. All to sate the whims of a sad-sack sap loser. Yes, that’s right. That loser is YOU! Wait. No. I meant to sell this. Look, my point is, that you can totally make this harem story seem highbrow and that means you don’t have to feel ashamed. Read it on the bus! Read it on the plane! Read it at your grandma’s funeral! No matter where you are, you’re sure to get people complimenting your good taste.
Also the art looks pretty nice and the characters are kinda fun but who cares about that when you can have guiltfree soft-smut!!!
Zepfur out.
Team Goldenslaughterers gets 11 points ! We decided to discount Rewrite as a 07th work after much deliberation, sorry.
Team SleepingVerborum and RKW Berris gets 7 points !
Team Goatdatricers gets 5 points !
Apologies! In the confusion with different methods of submission I forgot another set of submissions.
Team 5 Elements of DESIRE submission:
Umineko: The only mystery worth buying. Also, it means SEACATS. If that doesn’t sell you straight away, try to get through the first few chapters quick: it starts slow but that don’t get comfortable! First chapter introduces red blood, second chapter introduces red text. Anything else will ruin the experience, so I’m gonna end this paragraph by letting you know that at some point in this story, Krauss will punch a goat that stands twice his height.
Higanbana: I’ll be honest: I know little about this work myself. But fourteen Discord alerts telling me to read it can’t be wrong, can they? Quick warning here that you don’t wanna start the first chapter when you’re in an overly happy mood. If you’re wondering why that is, you’re thinking when you could be reading!
Higurashi:
Step into the town of Hinamizawa and as you explore the “ordinary village”, try not to feel sick. Or insane. Or despairing. Don’t worry though, it might have a happy ending.
**Team 5 Elements of DESIRE gets 5 points !
