Steins;Gate

 PlayStation 3
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 116 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 100 out of 116
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 116
  3. Negative: 14 out of 116
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  1. Jagger
    Jul 12, 2015
    10
    Story - Some of the best writing and storytelling I have ever experienced in a video game, or any medium for that matter, even rivalling the best sci-fi narratives in movies, books, and television. Unlike most shallow sci-fi stories, Steins Gate is hard science-fiction, which goes into detail on how the science works. However, a lot of hard sci-fi usually suffer from being convoluted orStory - Some of the best writing and storytelling I have ever experienced in a video game, or any medium for that matter, even rivalling the best sci-fi narratives in movies, books, and television. Unlike most shallow sci-fi stories, Steins Gate is hard science-fiction, which goes into detail on how the science works. However, a lot of hard sci-fi usually suffer from being convoluted or lacking characterization. Steins Gate strikes a great balance, dealing with many current scientific theories in an understandable and digestible way without becoming convoluted (there's a glossary to help), yet this never gets in the way of the amazing characterization. The plot twists are also very well-done. Unlike a lot of sci-fi plot twists, the plot twists in Steins Gate don't come from nowhere, but are always foreshadowed and well-explained within the context of the narrative. And because of the strong characterization, making you care for the characters, the story always packs a powerful emotional punch.

    Characterization - This is where Steins Gate truly shines. The cast of characters are very well-written and memorable. The star of the show is Okabe, a self-proclaimed "mad scientist" and one of the most likeable protagonists I've ever come across. At first he comes across as being arrogant and delusional, but as we listen to this thoughts, he comes across as a well-developed, three-dimensional person, with human flaws and anxieties beyond his arrogant and quirky exterior. The lead female character Kurisu is also very well-written. She's a mentally strong character, with an intellect rivalling Okabe, and has a well-developed, three-dimensional personality. This makes the relationship and banter between Okabe and Makise immensely enjoyable. The supporting cast are also well-developed and likeable in their own ways, including the naive childhood friend Mayuri, the Otaku nerd Daru, the fake "moe" character Faris, the CRT-obsessed landlord Mr. Braun, the part-time "warrior" Suzuha, etc. Steins Gate makes you care for the characters, adding a great deal of emotional weight to the story.

    Gameplay - This is where some of the more traditional gamers might have an issue, but something most visual novel fans should be used to. Like most visual novels, you'll be spending a lot of time reading, with the gameplay mostly limited to making choices and decisions along the way that impact the non-linear narrative. Like most visual novels, the decisions you make have a big impact on how the story unfolds, much more so than non-VN video games. Unlike most RPGs, for example, where the choices usually have very little impact on how the story unfolds, the choices in visual novels like Steins Gate can have major unforeseen consequences and lead you down different narrative paths and timelines. Compared to your average visual novel, Steins Gate adds more interactivity with Okabe's cell phone, which becomes a type of time-texting device in the story. This is where you make your choices, with the way you use your cell phone affecting how the story unfolds, whether it's deciding whether or not to answer calls or read text messages, or how you choose to respond to calls and messages. This innovative gameplay mechanic helps give the game more interactivity than what you'd find in your average visual novel.

    Visuals - The visuals in Steins Gate are unique and original. The dark tones, the water-colour art, and the grimy look, all give the game a dark, unique feel. The character design is also unique, such as the eyes having a swirly hypnotic look to them, adding to the game's dark mood. Overall, the art-work is very impressive.

    Audio - This is something that visual novels (also called "sound novels") usually excel at, and Steins Gate is better than most. While the voices are only in Japanese, the voice acting is excellent. The voice actors did a great job at portraying the characters, perfectly capturing the personalities, tones, expressions, and emotions. The sound effects are also put to great use, with the right sound effects at the right moments. And the music does a great job of capturing the right mood at the right times.

    Pros - The writing, storytelling, and characterization, are some of the best I've seen in any medium, let alone video games. The visuals and audio are excellent. The gameplay, revolving around a time-texting cell phone, is also unique.

    Cons - The gameplay is somewhat limited compared to your average video game. There's a lot of reading, for those not used to reading.

    Overall - Steins Gate is a masterpiece. Highly recommended to anyone interested in science fiction, non-linear storytelling, or just a great story.    … Expand
  2. ScotchYeti
    Jun 21, 2017
    10
    Keep in mind that this is a "Visual Novel", which means that actual gameplay is very limited. There are some choices here and there but most of the time you will read through lots of text (it took me about 30 hours).

    I am a big Science Fiction fan and have read hundreds of books including many genre classics. To my big surprise and joy "Steins;Gate" can compete with the best and offers    Keep in mind that this is a "Visual Novel", which means that actual gameplay is very limited. There are some choices here and there but most of the time you will read through lots of text (it took me about 30 hours).

    I am a big Science Fiction fan and have read hundreds of books including many genre classics. To my big surprise and joy "Steins;Gate" can compete with the best and offers a deep, thoughtful story that doesn't shy away from hard SF concepts or philosophical questions. Who would imagine that a video game quotes Heidegger!

    The first part is rather lighthearted and I enjoyed the interaction of the characters, especially Daru's humor and Okarin's over-the-top acting. The story unfolds in a rather slow fashion but is never boring.

    With chapter 5 the mood changes and the first ending in chapter 6 left me an emotional wreck. I was sitting there staring with a bleeding heart at the tv screen - it was one of the most emotional moments in my gaming history. Then the same happened again in some of the other endings and was even topped by the roller-coaster ride in the true ending.

    If you have only the slightest interest in visual novels then do yourself a favor and don't miss this masterpiece.

    El Psy Kongroo (1.048596)    … Expand
  3. jumarq
    Jun 17, 2022
    10
    Die beste Visual Novel bis heute. Eine Geschichte die mich so sehr berührt hat wie kein anderes Spiel jemals davor und danach.
  4. mrnice
    Feb 26, 2017
    8
    The concept for the sci-fi part is exciting and exceptionally well explored. During the 30 hours playthrough, there is sadly a lot of what feels like filler dialogue, totally irrelevant to the plot. I got a bit turned off by that, even though I came into the experience hoping for lots of Japanese quirkiness. It was just a bit too much and a bit too basic and obvious, a lot of the dialogue.The concept for the sci-fi part is exciting and exceptionally well explored. During the 30 hours playthrough, there is sadly a lot of what feels like filler dialogue, totally irrelevant to the plot. I got a bit turned off by that, even though I came into the experience hoping for lots of Japanese quirkiness. It was just a bit too much and a bit too basic and obvious, a lot of the dialogue. Even worse was the tendency to tell everything through dialogue. No need to think or ponder at all, since the main character made sure to think everything out loud.

    However, I think the consistent and solid sci-fi had such a unique playfulness that writers could really learn from in order to make their thoughts more entertaining . It's just fun and at the same time it's got the amazing depth.    … Expand
  5. Axel293410
    Apr 12, 2016
    10
    10.
    One of the best Ps3 games, that should have came out 4 the Ps4 as well.
    I bought the collectionist version, really really cheap, and in return i got on of the best experience on my ps3.
  6. Nick538
    Oct 7, 2019
    10
    Best Visual novel with the coolest plot.With some of the best characters.I recommend to all without exception.
  7. cheburagen
    Jul 12, 2020
    10
    Купил после того как посмотрел аниме. Не пожалел ни разу. Только после получения всех концовок ты распутываешь тот клубок который создали геймдевы. И получаешь истинный кайф.
    Про озвучку и CG, все на высоте.
  8. dogshea
    Aug 24, 2020
    10
    The best scientific fiction visual novel game ever. Character designs and story cannot be better, and the branches of the story and the playing system are really interesting. Masterpiece.

Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best PS3 Game of 2015
4
#4 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2015
5
#5 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Digitally Downloaded
    Aug 27, 2015
    100
    Steins;Gate has a deep and interesting story to tell and does so through characters worth investing in. The writing is excellent, the presentation folds seamlessly into the rest of the package and the game itself will stick with you long after you have reached its conclusion. It remains, years after its original release, one of the best visual novels available on any platform.
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  2. ZTGD
    Aug 26, 2015
    95
    With that said, Steins;Gate is an absolute master class in storytelling and world building in a game. It deserves to be experienced by anyone who claims to enjoy a good sci-fi adventure, and those who don’t and take a chance with Steins;Gate might just find that they just haven’t experienced the right one until this very moment.
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  3. LaPS4
    Jul 27, 2015
    80
    The West welcomes what is for many a cult visual novel. Conspiracy and intrigue tag along to let us decide what to do. Just for real fans of the genre.
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