Fans of Higurashi: When They Cry and mahjong will be interested to know that Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Jong, a 2009 riichi mahjong game for the arcade and PlayStation Portable (PSP), is being remastered for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, with a planned release in 2027. Titled Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Jong REMASTER, the game is being developed and published by City Connection, which worked on re-releases of classic strip mahjong titles like Idol Mahjong Suuchi Pai Saturn Tribute and Super Real Mahjong LOVE♥2~7!.
The remaster has three game modes: Oyashiro Mode serves as the main story mode and follows Keiichi Maebara as he engages in life-threatening mahjong matches to prevent tragedy from befalling Hinamizawa village. Completing the main story unlocks the game’s Bonus Gallery, where you can view new art from guests such as Gou and Sotsu character designer Akio Watanabe (also known as Poyoyon♥Rock).
Club Mode is essentially a free play mode, letting you engage in lower-stakes mahjong matches against members of the after-school club. Winning a match in Club Mode unlocks a unique cutscene involving an embarrassing punishment for the loser.
Club Mode Extra: Paikuzushi Chapter was originally exclusive to the PSP and includes the second half of the game’s story. After Mion Sonozaki uses a cursed set of mahjong tiles, Keiichi performs a sealing ritual that requires him to defeat eight female opponents in a row. Completing this mode unlocks special cutscenes.
Like the original game, the remaster has cheats that let you turn the tables on your opponents (both titles are exclusively singleplayer). One Shot Riichi, for example, guarantees that the next tile you draw will win you the hand. Given that the main story is filled with high-stakes matches, you need every trick up your sleeve to win against your CPU opponents. Those who aren’t well-versed in mahjong or would like to skip straight to the story can make use of the Auto-Play mode.
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Jong REMASTER adds new cutscenes for character entries, special moves, and reward scenes, as well as dynamic animations throughout the mahjong matches. Several of the original voice actors will also reprise their roles, such as Soichiro Hoshi as Keiichi Maebara, Yukari Tamura as Rika Furude, and Mai Nakahara as Rena Ryugu.
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Jong REMASTER is set to release in 2027 for Windows (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.
