The pacing was considerably better, if not still too fast, than Episode I-I. They are missing a lot of intended emotions from the viewer that was brought forth by the other media. On the better side, they will probably do a good job of catching the interests of those who doesn't know the novel yet.
First off, the letter reading scene. I'm surprised at the lack of shock from the adults about the appearance of the witch's letter. They are suppose to freak out on why Maria was holding a letter with the family head's seal. It was an important factor, but the anime toned it down too much. This is up to when the siblings rush to Kinzo's study. Maria being like that when reading the letter, I have no complains about that, although they could've skipped the transition for a better punch.
Next is we got Kyrie's and Battler's discussion. Still no info on Kyrie's relationship to Battler? I'm guessing they might reveal this on later episodes (maybe not this Episode even). It's short and ok, but Rudolf's conversation was underplayed. They should have taken the chance to explain their family's situation here, about Battler's tense relationship with Rudolf, and his relationship with Kyrie. This would have been the best place to put that eyecatch.
Krauss showing Natsuhi the gold. It will be a good surprise for the anime-only watchers. However, Natsuhi's reaction shouldn't have been cut. The short scene with the cousins and Jessica's irritation shouldn't have been cut as well. These two will contribute to that supposedly powerful scene with Jessica and Natsuhi. This was the first part in the novel where I got really touched. The anime, again, toned it down. While on an anime-only viewer perspective, it was a nice insight on Natsuhi's relationship with Jessica, there's a lot of lost factors. The mention of Natsuhi's mirror is also missing eh?
Everything is good up until George's proposal with Shannon. Should've been a bit more longer, specially with the "it's an order" stuff. Although it's good as it is. Next, Gohda didn't get much character development in the first two episodes. He lost his "bully" aura, and we're stuck why Shannon stayed in the mansion longer. Then, butterfly sound effect (yay!) and Sasori no Harawata plays. This was a great fanservice to the novel players.
Next day comes, and people are missing. Then Natsuhi goes to Kinzo. I have no complaints in this scene. It was done well. They could have added the Eva-Natsuhi banter though. Ah I'm not easily satisfied am I?
Then we go to the warehouse. The first thing I noticed was "woah, that's a big warehouse!" It isn't that important though hehe, I've always imagined the warehouse is as high as two people combined but that's irrelevant. Oh, did I forget to mention Kanon's design is taller than Shannon? Small nitpick but irrelevant right now. Then we go to...hey is that Higurashi on TV?
Then warehouse scene, Golden Slaughterer!! Good choice. Battler's breakdown is missing though, all stolen by Hideyoshi. His "breakdown" is a bit over the top though. They could have done better if they wanted to shorten it like, "father and Kyrie-san's face! why is there no face?!" Then, George asking about Hideyoshi if there are 5 people.
Over all, a lot of lost factors mainly being the original mood conveyed, but that's my nitpick as a novel player. From an anime-only watcher's perspective, the episode was well done. I'm not sure how to say about the feelings conveyed though since I can't say without being biased. I'd have to hear from the anime-only watchers first. I gave it a 8/10 again, just because the pacing improved, if just a little bit, from the first episode. A couple of potentially powerful scenes missed the mark (Natsuhi-Jessica, Battler's breakdown) but we have to be considerate of the producion constraints. They could've done a lot better though.
The best pros for this episode? The game BGMs
Also, the no censors (what is there to censor?
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