Greetings! There are two ways to play Umineko in its ideal state. Those are the Umineko Project or the Steam version from mangagamer with the 07th patch.
Both versions include the PS3 sprites (generally considered the best – see a comparison of the sprites available below), the fantastic soundtrack, and the stellar full-voice acting. We believe that, in addition to the story, the BGM and voice acting are essential parts of the Umineko experience.
The Umineko Project is a full port of the PS3 version of the game, which features enhanced animations and full lip sync. It can be configured to play on PC, mac, IOS, android, and linux. We believe it to be the superior of the two options, but it does require some setup. You will need to download the resource, resource update, script, and game engine files from the website below, place them in the same folder, and run the chosen game engine to play. Please download the files here: https://umineko-project.org/en/downloads/
In addition, since this is a fan port, you are asked to support the initial release by purchasing the PC release of Umineko no Naku Koro ni EP4, and the PS3 release of Umineko no Naku Koro ni Rondo. A code created from those two sources is used as an extraction code. See this page for more details: https://umineko-project.org/en/copyright-message/. Instructions on how to purchase these games are here: https://umineko-project.org/buyumi.html
Please do not sail the high seas, or at the very least monetarily support the official release if you do. As you will soon learn, only rats of the most nefarious and blue-haired nature engage in piracy.
If you wish to play the modded steam release, the process is simpler. Purchase these two games: https://store.steampowered.com/app/406550/Umineko_When_They_Cry__Question_Arcs/ and https://store.steampowered.com/app/639490/Umineko_When_They_Cry__Answer_Arcs/. Then follow the instructions and download the mod here: https://07th-mod.com/wiki/Umineko/Umineko-Getting-started/
Do not hesitate to toss a comment down below if you’re having trouble with part of this process, and the two of us will help you out as best we’re able.
Thank you, and please enjoy what we, and many others, consider to be “peak fiction”.