Steins;Gate 0 (2015)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Steins;Gate 0: A Journey Through Time and Alternate Realities

Introduction

Steins;Gate 0 is a Japanese visual novel developed by 5pb. and Nitroplus. It is the fifth game in the Science Adventure series and the sequel to Steins;Gate. Like its predecessor, Steins;Gate 0 is described as a “hypothetical science ADV” and features a branching storyline with multiple endings. The player assumes the role of Okabe Rintaro, a university student who gains the ability to send text messages to the past.

Story

Steins;Gate 0 takes place in an alternate timeline to the original Steins;Gate. In this timeline, Okabe failed to save his childhood friend, Mayuri Shiina, and she was killed by a terrorist bomb. Devastated by Mayuri’s death, Okabe gives up on his time-traveling experiments and falls into a deep depression.

Several months later, Okabe is contacted by a mysterious organization known as the Rounders. The Rounders are interested in Okabe’s time-traveling abilities, and they offer him a chance to go back in time and save Mayuri. Okabe accepts their offer, and he travels back to the day before Mayuri’s death.

However, things do not go as planned. Okabe is unable to save Mayuri, and she is killed once again. Heartbroken and绝望的, Okabe gives up on time travel and returns to the present day.

But Okabe’s journey is not over yet. He soon discovers that the Rounders are not what they seem, and that they are actually working for an evil organization known as SERN. SERN is interested in using time travel to control the world, and they will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.

Okabe must now team up with his friends to stop SERN and save the world. But can he do it without sacrificing the people he loves?

Gameplay

Steins;Gate 0 is a visual novel, which means that the gameplay consists primarily of reading text and making choices. The player’s choices will affect the course of the story, and there are multiple endings depending on the choices that are made.

In addition to the main story, Steins;Gate 0 also features a number of side stories and bonus content. These side stories provide additional backstory and character development, and they can be played in any order.

Characters

  • Okabe Rintaro: The protagonist of Steins;Gate 0. Okabe is a university student who gains the ability to send text messages to the past. He is a brilliant scientist, but he is also reckless and impulsive.
  • Mayuri Shiina: Okabe’s childhood friend. Mayuri is a kind and gentle girl, and she is always there for Okabe.
  • Kurisu Makise: A brilliant scientist who works with Okabe on his time-traveling experiments. Kurisu is a tsundere, which means that she is initially cold and hostile towards Okabe, but she eventually warms up to him.
  • Itaru Hashida: A hacker who helps Okabe with his time-traveling experiments. Itaru is a skilled hacker, but he is also a bit of a slacker.
  • Rukako Urushibara: A cosplayer who is also a member of the Rounders. Rukako is a skilled fighter, and she is also a bit of a flirt.

Themes

Steins;Gate 0 explores a number of themes, including the consequences of altering the past, the nature of time, and the importance of friendship. The game also raises questions about the ethics of time travel and the responsibility that comes with it.

Reception

Steins;Gate 0 received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its compelling story, intriguing characters, and branching storyline. It was also praised for its beautiful artwork and music.

Steins;Gate 0 has won numerous awards, including the Famitsu Award for Excellence and the Dengeki PlayStation Award for Best Adventure Game. The game has also been nominated for several other awards, including the Game of the Year award at the Golden Joystick Awards.

Conclusion

Steins;Gate 0 is a must-play for fans of visual novels and time-travel stories. The game’s compelling story, intriguing characters, and branching storyline will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Steins;Gate 0 is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience that will stay with you long after you finish playing it.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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