This article was originally published in Italian on GeekGamer.it in 2017.
Writing a follow-up to a renowned work like Steins;Gate is no easy task. After all, we’re talking about one of the rare visual novels that managed to inspire a successful anime adaptation even in the West, where mainstream audiences are often unaware of the video game origins of these small gems of contemporary storytelling. Yet the team at MAGES. and 5pb., once again led by the brilliant pen of Shikura Chiyomaru (author of Chaos;Head, Steins;Gate, Robotics;Notes, and the recent Occultic;Nine), seems to have worked a miracle.
I must admit that when I first heard about the announcement of Steins;Gate 0, yet another visual novel in the Steins;Gate franchise, my initial thought was of one of the many spin-offs and tie-in works released exclusively in Japan—pieces often dominated by fan service and an intent to squeeze every last drop from the golden goose. However, my initial indifference was eventually replaced by curiosity, piqued by its unique narrative premise: this installment is neither a sequel nor a “gaiden” (a game set in an alternate universe with the same characters), but rather the story of how Okabe Rintaro, the series’ protagonist, refused to surrender to a cruel fate.
This adventure runs parallel to the original and sheds light on a new aspect of the story, one that is at times even more poignant than what was previously seen. Set in a parallel timeline to the one already known, Steins;Gate 0 functions both as a sequel and as an integral part of the original narrative, as it tells the events that lead the protagonist toward the elusive concept of “Steins;Gate”—a universe where the prospect of a third world war has been entirely forgotten. Think of it as a “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me” in visual novel form. And like David Lynch’s film, this visual novel also deserves close attention.
While the localization team has made efforts to make this work accessible as a standalone title, it’s clear that this “episode zero” is primarily aimed at fans who are already familiar with the diverse cast of characters. The personal journeys of these characters intertwine with the main hero’s in a continuous succession of plot twists, A Song of Ice and Fire-style perspective shifts, and occasionally shocking revelations. Unfortunately, the initial premise essentially spoils a crucial and defining point in the plot of this iteration, where themes of grief and emotional depth play a central role in the experience offered by this visual novel over its many hours of gameplay. That said, even newcomers starting with Steins;Gate 0 can establish an emotional connection—albeit partially—though this reviewer highly recommends experiencing the original chapter first, if only for its inherent value.
Without spoiling anything about the plot, it can be confidently stated that Steins;Gate 0 not only offers a decidedly more mature tone, especially given the themes it tackles, but also takes the time to explore the personal stories of supporting characters who, in the past, did not have the chance to shine amidst the whirlwind of events that marked their appearances. The frequent shifts in perspective not only deepen the audience’s affection for the familiar faces that have upheld this franchise’s reputation for years but also enrich the narrative to the point of transforming it into a heartfelt coming-of-age story rather than a visual novel dominated by “waifu” tropes.
Of course, the series’ hallmark blend of relentless otaku culture references from Akihabara (Tokyo’s famous district), melodramatic moments worthy of a Japanese drama, and conspiracy theory-infused thriller vibes remains intact. However, the narrative pacing, which at times weighed down the first half of the original story, gives way here to more concise writing. While the game still includes hours of character development and technical exposition, it succeeds in remaining engaging until the very end.
The cast of characters—retained in its entirety—is bolstered by several new additions, most of them female. Nevertheless, the recurring issue with this series’ works persists: the antagonists. It seems the writers have no qualms about overusing clichés and the most basic stereotypes when it comes to villains, treating them almost as afterthoughts or bipedal plot devices. This is a shame, considering the psychological depth afforded to the vast majority of the main cast is otherwise excellent.
The gameplay mechanics, based on branching storylines, are much simpler than those seen in other visual novels or the direct prequel. Players can experience six partial endings, only one of which is definitive. Altering the course of the story involves carefully using the protagonist’s phone to make decisions in specific situations. Thankfully, you can save at any time, and every key decision point is preceded by a quick-save feature that allows you to reload even after a choice is made. This feature enables experimentation with different branches without consuming too much time. Also convenient—though standard for the genre—is the ability to skip already-read text, facilitating replays to explore new paths.
Interestingly, interactions via RINE, the instant messaging app inspired by LINE, are entirely superficial and do not affect the narrative in any way. Missed opportunity? Hard to say, but a greater variety of gameplay elements would undoubtedly have enriched the experience. It’s worth remembering that, while many titles have attempted to blend genres—such as the well-known Danganronpa series—Steins;Gate 0 remains a pure and straightforward text adventure without much embellishment. This minimalistic gameplay might deter those drawn to the franchise after watching the anime adaptation, brought to Italy by local publisher Dynit. Yet, much like a good book, despite its simple English translation and lack of literary flourishes, this adventure with Okabe Rintaro and his companions could represent an exciting opportunity for a passionate read.
The sound design is excellent as always, featuring a soundtrack rich in touching tracks and collaborations with artists like Itou Kanako and Zwei, who are well-versed in both this franchise and the visual novel genre. The Japanese voice acting is also superb, conveying the often heart-wrenching emotions the protagonists endure through each twist and turn. Illustrator Huke returns as well, with his signature bold style showcasing a visibly more mature cast, particularly in the numerous illustrations that punctuate key story moments. This sense of maturity is also evident visually during flashbacks, where the 2D sprites from the prequel make a reappearance, sure to delight longtime fans.
Adding another chapter to a story long thought concluded, like Steins;Gate, was no easy feat. Yet Nitroplus and 5pb.’s team of writers achieved the remarkable by creating something fresh, captivating, and in many respects superior to the original work. Steins;Gate 0 doesn’t reinvent the formula that made its predecessor so beloved but instead upends the balance of that same universe, turning it into the stage for a heartrending ensemble tale.
An anime adaptation covering the events of this sequel is set to debut in 2017, ensuring that Japanese animation fans won’t be left entirely unaware of this continuation. A prologue animation is already available online. And with that, I’ll close: El. Psy. Congroo.
