Spoiler-less Umineko: Golden Fantasia Review As condensed as I could get this while getting as much as I want to describe FIRST OFF : This game's Community Edition (under the game's Properties > Betas) fixes certain bugs (i.e uncapped framerate causing uncapped game speed, soundtrack resetting whenever you "Restart" in Training Mode) and adds the ability to set controls in the menu. There's some nice things to have, such as the ability to turn off Screen Shatters (if you don't want those), and hitbox display in Training. It also adds some stability to the netplay. I strongly recommend playing on that version to get a better experience. Umineko: Golden Fantasia is a 2v2 fighting game based on the Umineko: When They Cry visual novels. It features a cast of characters directly from said games, along with a ton of references to character actions, events, and even specific descriptions to said characters in events (i.e Rosa SP2). CONTENT The content is pretty standard for a fighting game: Arcade Mode, Versus (Offline + Online), and Training Mode. There is a Gallery Mode that contains all the Arcade Mode CGs, character paintings (which are really nice to look at), as well as a ton of fanart that was sent to 07th Expansion back when this game was first released. If you are a big fan of the visual novels, there are a ton of references in the game to appreciate. This game is "very Umineko"; it's not simply a "fighting game with Umineko characters", it carries the soul of the source material very well, even within the central mechanic (Meta World; it's like the arguments you'd see in the VN). The characters that you love (or not lol) will be here almost seamlessly like they're from the visual novel itself. GAMEPLAY It's a fighting game, so there's naturally a lot of focus on gameplay; easy to understand with complexity underneath (I'll try to keep things simple, there's a lot more stuff): - Pick one Point Character (starts in the front) and one Reserve character (starts in the back). Each character has a passive ability that can be activated via Touch (the "tag" of this game); only activates via Neutral Touch, Assault Touch, or Meta Declare. Your character choices can determine your win condition. - Combo system is pretty universal (keep in mind character-specific move hitboxes and opponent hurtboxes): A > B > C; one standing and one crouching in each button permitted per combo. Certain characters get very long combos (i.e Erika, Jessica, Willard, Virgilia), so there's plenty of combo depth as there is plenty of nuance based on position (from corner, spacing, etc.) and opponent. - Meta World is this game's signature mechanic; upon "Declaring Meta" (done by pressing ABC when you have 1 Bar of meter and an active Meta Gauge), you initiate an argument with your opponent. The opponent is able to "refute" any one of your arguments with 2 Bars, which likewise you can refute with your with an additional 2 Bars. The argument can go back and forth until either player runs out of meter; it's possible to initiate an argument that the opponent cannot argue on (not enough meter). If you win the argument, you establish your Meta World; this activates both of your characters' abilities at the same time for a set duration and gives you access to "Meta Supers" (universal super moves that cost no meter and give a lot of value). What separates this game from other tag games (and why it's so special to me) is how it incentivizes switching characters regularly: - You only generate meter for your partner (not your current character) - You can restore the Guard Break meter (by a percentage) by switching characters - The passive ability combinations lead to some satisfying synergies (some moreso than others) The game rewards synergy and juggling between two characters, but each character is generally easy to pick up (save for a few like Beatrice, Virgilia, Erika) that it isn't overwhelming. Plenty of nuance to learn about each character kit too. NETPLAY The netcode is rollback, but it is an earlier implementation of it. There are certain issues such as desyncs (usually only with Beatrice and Lambda's moves that have RNG; Meta Towers and EX Blackhole) and crashes after a longer netplay session. A recent patch in April 2026 has greatly increased the stability quite a bit, but I will warn that crashes will likely happen from time to time. It does not have the stability of something like GGPO. But rest assured, it is still actively being improved and developed. There is a Discord server (called "Golden Fantasia (Ougon)") that you can check out to find games, ask questions, or otherwise interact with about Umineko. This game is still active :) CONCLUSION If you are a fighting game fan, this game is absolutely worth checking out. It has a unique tag system and plenty of depth in how you interact with your opponent with the Meta World. The team synergies, side-swap setups, combos to find and grind (especially on characters like Erika and Willard) really add a lot of value to this game if you're willing to spend the time with it. Additionally, if you are also an Umineko fan, this game is something special. As a fighting game that comes directly out of 07th Expansion themselves, you'll certainly appreciate how many little details from the visual novels were fit into it. As a fighting game for your time and money, your mileage may vary since this isn't Street Fighter, Tekken, or Guilty Gear. The game is certainly old, and has some archaic and sometimes strange design choices like messed up offense with Guard Break (+ a very strong defensive option) and 0f throws (though there is a whiff animation). However, there are many hilarious interactions and jank to be found in this one. I can guarantee a good time if you play with friends, especially if you play it offline (perhaps at a local or major tournament BYOC).