/jp/ - Otaku Culture

>>30544624
This is a really good, yet subtle question!! It certainly seems angry given the eyebrows and otherwise plain and neutral expression, right? However, to be technical, the default original sprite for Maria (see image and filename) is the same in terms of that expression, so I don't think that the PS3 sprite changed that in particular obviously; but you still bring up a very good topic that I'd like to discuss here regardless.

First of all, in answering this question comprehensively, let's refer to Maria's original design in contradistinction, which is less childlike in general. There are over 50 sprites in the PS3 version for Maria, of which more than a handful of them are completely unique. Quite a few are childish and natural for a young girl her age. On the contrary, and furthering the point, there is also a trend of outright deranged faces and reactions; neither of which are present in the same way with the original sprites. Now consider in an introductory sense the Legend of the Golden Witch, around the time after Maria began behaving strangely, there is an expository dialogue between Jessica, George and Battler attempting to make sense and justify the complexity of Maria's personality, a major theme for the entirety of Umineko. How are these things related? Well, it seems that in the newer sprites they more explicitly flourished that exact dissonance or juxtaposition of an unhinged occultist versus childlike innocence, don't you think?

In alignment with her expressions, the original creative intent also seems clear that, while the both sprites' art may be interpreted as containing western, high-class fashion for the time, like the red shoes, it is still her stylistic take on the familial clothing theme, like with her crown or bag full of items. Additionally, her design, like the other witches, females, and fantastical magic characters, is based on gothic lolita fashion: https://forum.rokkenjima.org/t/ryu07s-character-design-origins-full-umineko-spoilers-image-heavy/2150

Foreshadowing and outright symbolizing her anti-social, occult belief system is the obvious take away from all of this as an answer to your question at a first glance as well, of course.

As opposed to the PS3 sprites, in conclusion, it appears that the originals had a more uniform, eerie and calm vibe permeating her depiction. Personally this resonates with me rather strongly since I found that specific horror atmosphere isn't limited to Maria, but is rather present throughout the original Umineko. Perhaps I'm just easily frightened, but it's the first available version and thereby, for many here, the first playthrough; containing a literal rainy atmosphere, secluded island with western architecture, occult influence, and photograph filtered background mystique within a sound novel. Maybe it is not exactly scary for some, but I do posit there is art in its horror in spite of that reception. Nostalgically I can remember many late nights playing alone in the dark with headphones on immersing myself in what may be a lost experience on some people in the community. It almost reminds me of playing something like the original Resident Evil with respect to other fictional media, and for analogies sake. It's understandable why there are changes, like I explained above, I'd simply just argue both experiences are interesting in their own ways, and are rarely ever pointed out, much less discussed with heart at all, in my experience.