Overall, I think the complete series were 'above average'. I loved the first 4 arcs, but as I played through Chiru I just lost my feeling. I was not happy with the ending at all, there were still so many things I didn't get an answer to. Also, was I the only one that was hoping we'd see the 'Black Witch', that Maria was talking about? I mean, Siesta 556 was killed by the Black Witch, but in reality, Rosa broke it. And then Ange comes saying 'Yeah, Eva-trice is the Black Witch' and so on... I don't know, I was just hoping we'd might get an answer to who's really the Black Witch.
Anyways, I think that the script of the story was a great idea, but the execution of was pretty disappointing. I'm sure alot of people will be happy with the way it ended, but while many cared alot for the mystery it was not living up to expectations. I have to say, before Chiru got released I was starting to love Umineko more than I loved Higurashi, but I cannot say that now. In Higurashi, everything was answered clearly and yet, you got an awesome ending. So I must say that Higurashi still beats Umineko in lenghts. Although I enjoyed the series, and I'm hoping for another When They Cry to get released! (I need moar Bernkastel D
The only thing which made me stay with the series was the characters. I've always loved Ryukishis characters, and I think that Umineko had the best ones. Except for Maria... God, I hate Maria >_>
If I were to rank the Episodes in order, it would probably go something like this:
Ep 1>Ep 3>Ep 4>Ep 2>Ep 5>Ep 6>Ep 7>Ep 8