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Ciconia When They Cry, Umineko When They Cry Saku Games Delayed to September

The official Twitter account of doujin game circle 07th Expansion announced on July 7 that its Ciconia When They Cry (Ciconia no Naku koro ni) visual novel and Umineko - When They Cry Saku (Umineko no Naku Koro ni Saku) game compilation have both been delayed until at least the end of September. The post noted that 07th Expansion is still adjusting the size of the volume and the system for Ciconia When They Cry, and is similarly adjusting the system for Umineko no Naku Koro ni Saku.

07th Expansion also unveiled the opening video for Ciconia When They Cry that previews the game's titular opening theme song.

Both games were previously slated to release in time for this year's Summer Comic Market (Comiket 96) event in August.

MangaGamer describes Ciconia When They Cry's story:

In Ciconia When They Cry, World War 3 has come and gone, with nuclear winter only narrowly avoided by new military technology, the Gauntlet, which allows those wielding one to fly like fighter jets, fight like battleships, and repel attacks like tanks without any additional equipment. The Gauntlets require particular talent and special training administered from a young age in order to control, and the young boys and girls capable of mastering of them become known as Gauntlet Knights. The main characters of Ciconia When They Cry will be a group of these young Gauntlet Knights who, after the peaceful competition in the International Battle Standard Festival, become fast friends vowing to prevent another world war together. However, world events are leading directly to World War 4 like a cascading row of dominos, and these "main characters" are nothing but pawns in the global games played by those with a right to sit at the table. Will these youth be forced to murder each other? Can the tragedy of war be prevented by mere pawns? Who are the real players in these games, and will you, the fans of When They Cry, fight for your seat at this deadly game?

MangaGamer has licensed the game. 07th Expansion plans to provide a simultaneous English release on MangaGamer and Steam when the game launches.

Ciconia When They Cry is the newest installment in the Naku Koro ni (When They Cry) franchise. Game creator Ryukishi07 is credited with the original designs and scenario for the game, which was previously announced as ●● no Naku koro ni and previously listed as Shin Naku Koro ni. Nakao Bōshi is the main scriptwriter, and Remotaro is in charge of the main graphics and coloring. Maria Sawada is performing the opening theme song, which shares the game's title. Musicians who worked on previous installments in the franchise — including dai, Luck Ganriki, xaki (Pomexgranate), Akiyama Uni, and others — will return for Ciconia When They Cry.

Umineko no Naku Koro ni Saku, which has also been listed as Umineko All in One Package, is a compilation disc of all previous Umineko games plus a new scenario. The included games are Umineko no Naku Koro ni, Umineko no Naku Koro ni Chiru, Umineko no Naku Koro ni Tsubasa, and Umineko no Naku Koro ni Hane. Ryukishi07 is credited with the original designs and scenario.

Witch Hunt's ChronoTrig and Klashikari are in charge of the games' English translations. Klashikari noted on Twitter that they are prioritizing translating Ciconia no Naku koro ni at Ryukishi07's request.

Sources: 07th Expansions's Twitter account and YouTube channel via Gematsu