Higurashi is getting a mahjong game where players must take part in life-and-death battles against the series’ killer anime girls, where cheating, unfair tactics, and death await.
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Jong Remaster is a fresh take on a classic Japanese arcade game from 2009 and is built around two-player Japanese Riichi Mahjong. However, in true Higurashi fashion, the tile-based strategy games aren’t exactly your typical chill Sunday afternoon sessions.
Instead, players must do whatever it takes to survive against their killer classmate companions to avoid a brutal demise, unlock new artwork, and get the game’s true ending.
Higurashi mahjong is back
According to the Steam page, the Higurashi mahjong remaster features three game modes and an original scenario supervised by original creator Ryukishi07. As for said modes, there’s Oyashiro Mode, which pits you against the likes of Mion and Rena in an intense series of high-stakes mahjong battles.
Just like the after-school games Keiichi plays in the original visual novel, players can cheat and use unfair methods to get an edge over their foes. You’ll need to use everything you can to avoid a grizzly death, especially when trying to get to the game’s true ending (you know, the less stabby version).
For those looking for a more chill session without the fear of being brutally murdered, there’s the Club Mode. While you’ll still be able to cheat your way to victory to avoid penalty games, the developers note that sessions here are more ‘heartwarming’ in nature. Not a bad option for those looking to learn the ropes, or just chill with their favorite characters.
Then there’s the Club Mode Extra: Paikuzushi Chapter, which is a newly added mode that features unlockable cutscenes after winning matches. That’s not all either, as there’s a Bonus Gallery where you can enjoy the new illustrations alongside character audio dramas.
Fortunately for those who don’t know how to play mahjong (couldn’t be me), you’ll be pleased to know that there’s an auto mode. By selecting this option, the computer will take control of your moves, so you’ll still be able to experience the story and character animations without having to pick up a beginner’s guide to mahjong.
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Jong Remaster is currently set for a 2027 launch on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam in Japan. There’s currently no word on an English release, but given that the original Higurashi and Umineko visual novels are available in the West, we’ll hopefully get our hands on the upcoming release too.
In other Higurashi-based news, the game’s creator will be joining fans on a tour of the real mountain village that inspired the game.
I’m Abhishek Sharma, an author at TigerJek.com. I enjoy exploring games, testing different strategies, and turning what I learn into clear, useful guides. My goal is to help players understand the game better and improve without the usual confusion.
