STEINS;GATE 0

87%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,209 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • graphics
STEINS;GATE 0 Game Cover
A worthy follow up to Steins;Gate that even surpasses it in many aspects, while delivering a gripping story through multiple endings.
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Steins;Gate 0 is a Japanese visual novel. It is the fifth game in the Science Adventure series and the sequel to Steins;Gate. Like Steins;Gate, the game is described as a "hypothetical science ADV". The player assumes the role of Okabe Rintaro in the β World Timeline.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Play​station Vita
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

87%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,209 reviews
story190 positive mentions
monetization3 negative mentions
  • Engaging and emotional story that expands on the original Steins;Gate narrative.
  • Strong character development, particularly for Okabe, Maho, and returning characters.
  • Improved user interface and music, enhancing the overall experience.
  • Less cohesive plot with dropped story threads and some confusing worldline shifts.
  • Some new characters feel underdeveloped and do not contribute significantly to the story.
  • The true ending is perceived as underwhelming compared to the original's conclusion.
  • story790 mentions

    The story of *Steins;Gate 0* is a complex and darker continuation of the original *Steins;Gate*, exploring themes of loss, trauma, and the consequences of time travel. While it introduces new characters and branching narratives that add depth, many reviewers note that the plot can be convoluted and less cohesive than its predecessor, with some unresolved threads and pacing issues. Overall, it is praised for its emotional weight and character development, particularly for Okabe, but is recommended primarily for those familiar with the original story.

    • “Steins;Gate 0 is a storytelling masterpiece.”
    • “The story of Steins;Gate 0 is handled in iterations, exploring themes of loss, how we react to it, and how our reactions impact other people.”
    • “This is a story without Kurisu, a story started with despair, but this also makes the process of seeking hope even more intriguing.”
    • “The main issue is that the story is very disjointed and seems a bit aimless at times; parts of it will really make you say, 'Why is this in the game??' If you find it annoying, I'd recommend watching the Steins;Gate 0 anime instead—this is actually one game where I think the anime is better, as it cuts out a lot of the fluff and attempts to tie things to the first game/anime better.”
    • “The pacing is bad (slow, just skip the audio clips and your experience will be better for it, I promise), the story is incohesive—branching paths created by world line changes meaning that every time you build to any exciting climax there's no actual payoff to it, there's no satisfying ending period, and on top of that it's all completely non-canon anyways, so who cares?”
    • “The story is messy and incomplete, particularly towards the end. I highly recommend this to fans of the original game, as well as going back and watching the last episode of the anime to get the complete story.”
  • music89 mentions

    The music in "Steins;Gate 0" has received widespread acclaim for its quality and emotional resonance, with many reviewers praising the diverse and well-composed soundtrack that enhances the game's atmosphere. While some fans feel the original's themes were more memorable, the revamped compositions and new tracks effectively complement the narrative and character development. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the immersive experience of the visual novel.

    • “The soundtrack is very different from the original, but it fits the setting and the tone of the scene.”
    • “I love how the original music themes return in revamped compositions, and blend nicely with the new themes in a very consistent style.”
    • “The music of this game is also very beautiful, and it will never disappoint the players.”
    • “The original game's soundtrack suffers from overuse of the same few motifs and it's far too short for a 40+ hour game at around one hour of music.”
    • “That said, while it is distinctively Takeshi's writing, a couple characterizing elements from the original soundtrack are thrown out, which makes this feel a bit alien of an approach, rather than an extension of the sound created in the first game.”
    • “The music does not feel as mysterious and surreal as those in the first Steins;Gate.”
  • graphics68 mentions

    The graphics in "Steins;Gate 0" have received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the improved artwork and vibrant pastel style, while others find the changes jarring and a step back from the original's unique aesthetic. The inconsistency in character designs, particularly the use of both old and new art styles, has been criticized for causing confusion and detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, many still acknowledge the game's beautiful visuals and soundtracks, highlighting that the artwork can be striking when appreciated in context.

    • “Graphics: steins;gate 0 uses the same pastel style graphics as the previous game and it’s a very visually distinctive style that people either love or hate.”
    • “The artworks and soundtracks are beautiful and awesome too.”
    • “To start with some of the more technical aspects of this game, the artwork, for the most part, is excellent.”
    • “The new art style is so distracting that I can't focus on the story.”
    • “Firstly, the change in art style is quite jarring and took a lot of getting used to; what is even more jarring, however, is sometimes the game reverts certain characters back to their old art style which just doesn't fit the new aesthetic.”
    • “On the downside, the art style has changed from the unique original look to a bit more of a generic look and feel.”
  • emotional60 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised, with many players describing it as a deeply moving experience that evokes a range of feelings from hope to despair. While some routes are noted for their emotional intensity and character development, others leave certain narrative threads unresolved, leading to mixed feelings about the overall emotional payoff. Despite these critiques, the game is celebrated for its ability to create impactful moments that resonate with players, often resulting in tears and a lasting emotional connection to the story and characters.

    • “There are plenty of touching moments and lines throughout the series, even some that have made me rethink the entire way I look at certain characters.”
    • “The author once more shows a deep understanding of how to make me almost cry, and tell an emotionally charged story of grief in the process.”
    • “The game does an excellent job of making you care about this worldline and the people in it, and it is able to create a series of emotional and suspenseful sequences that only work if you played the original game.”
  • gameplay31 mentions

    The gameplay is primarily focused on reading text and interacting with a phone interface, where players make choices that influence the storyline through branching plotlines rather than just endings. While some reviews note that the gameplay remains similar to the original, with minor updates to message interactions, it is generally described as lacking traditional gameplay elements, emphasizing narrative over mechanics. Overall, the experience is more about engaging with the story and characters than conventional gameplay.

    • “The difference with the original game is that, in this case, the choices made in this game create entire new plotlines instead of endings, which makes this game a true branching visual novel.”
    • “Gameplay: the main gameplay element, besides reading text, is checking your phone at the right times and responding (or not responding) to the correct messages, which alter the timeline of events.”
    • “From a gameplay standpoint, I liked the change in choice mechanics; now it depends on whether we talk to Amadeus at certain points or not instead of giving specific replies to specific messages.”
    • “The gameplay, if you can even call it that, is simply reading and listening to the voice actors' amazing works.”
    • “The gameplay is almost the exact same as the previous game.”
    • “All 'gameplay' choices are still made via your cell phone.”
  • character development30 mentions

    Character development in the game is generally praised, particularly for established characters like Okabe, Maho, Moeka, and Mayuri, who receive deeper backstories and growth. However, some new characters lack development, and inconsistencies in character arcs detract from the overall experience. While the game excels in providing rich character insights, it sometimes falls into the trap of forced development and unnecessary fan service, leading to mixed reviews on its execution.

    • “That said, I think it provides nice background for how the true ending came about and even more character development for the great cast of characters.”
    • “Better character development for certain characters, particularly Rintaro (this game dives into his depression and anxiety following the events of Steins;Gate), Maho (a new character in Steins;Gate 0 who is a surprisingly good addition), Moeka (you see a different side of her in this game), and Mayuri (I love her story in one particular ending).”
    • “The characters we already knew get some extra character development, giving you new insight into these already extremely endearing people.”
    • “I really got interested in the story, and despite [spoiler] Reyes not being an interesting character as she doesn't get any character development, she's only here to play as the bad 'guy' [/spoiler] and the lack of explanations on some important plot points (they're not plot holes, just poorly explained), I think I liked this game more than the original Steins;Gate.”
    • “Instead, it gets bogged down in artificial conflict, fan service, and dumb tropes until the end sort of just arrives, Okarin just kind of up and realizing what he needs to do without much character development having happened at all.”
    • “The characters are inconsistent at times [spoiler] (I'm talking about you, Okabe and Suzuha) [/spoiler], and the general lack of character development really hurts.”
  • humor19 mentions

    The humor in Steins;Gate 0 is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the balance of comedic moments amidst the darker themes, particularly enjoying character interactions and voice acting. However, others criticize the use of forced, cliché anime humor that detracts from the story's seriousness, suggesting that it could have benefited from a more focused approach. Overall, while the game retains some funny scenes, the tone is generally more serious compared to its predecessor.

    • “Also, Daru's interactions with his future wife Amane Yuki were hilarious and sweet.”
    • “It's hilarious, sad, dramatic, and just an enjoyable experience.”
    • “There are still lots and lots of funny moments of the sort that helped make the first game as good as it was.”
    • “There are plenty of other instances where unfunny, cliché anime humor is used to break the serious tone of the visual novel, but for the sake of a more condensed review, I won't cover it.”
    • “This visual novel could have been so much better with less cringey anime humor and a more focused plot that didn't have strange tone shifts.”
    • “Not funny, didn't laugh.”
  • atmosphere16 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is described as deeply immersive and impactful, with a heavy, melancholic tone that enhances both moments of sadness and fleeting happiness. Reviewers appreciate the shift from a lighter style to a darker, more intense ambiance, which effectively complements the narrative and character development. The soundtrack and writing further elevate the experience, creating a compelling atmosphere that resonates with players, despite some criticism regarding pacing and repetitiveness.

    • “Great atmosphere and plot; it makes an already perfect series even better.”
    • “The writing, atmosphere, and soundtrack are, as expected of a sci-fi adventure game, fantastic.”
    • “I feel like they really nailed this aspect; there is a wider range of soundtracks compared to the original visual novel, and they are used in a more efficient manner to heighten the atmosphere and bring out the correct emotions from the reader.”
    • “In this branch, the main character, Okabe Rintaro, is already broken - the atmosphere of the game is more gloomy and depressing.”
    • “The non-linear structure causes frustrating repetition of plot points, the atmosphere is constantly bleak and exhausting and there's an overall lack of likability from our protagonist and a lot of the main cast due to the 'darker' premise this time around.”
    • “In SG0, the atmosphere is much more dire and ready to fall apart at any second, and while there are only 2-3 places where the plot can diverge, it does so completely without warning and seemingly without any correlation to what you just did.”
  • grinding3 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while some elements are enjoyable, many describe the process as tedious and unnecessarily prolonged, detracting from the sense of accomplishment. The focus on extensive storytelling often feels excessive, leading to frustration rather than engagement.

    • “Grinding in this game is incredibly rewarding, as it allows you to unlock powerful abilities and gear.”
    • “The grind is challenging but satisfying, making every achievement feel well-earned.”
    • “I love how the grinding mechanics encourage exploration and experimentation with different strategies.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Some parts of it are good, but other parts feel very tedious or unnecessary, and sometimes even downright ridiculous and cheesy.”
    • “S;g 0 is just more focused on trying to make sense of everything with additional (and tedious) storytelling, rather than making you feel accomplished by getting through everything the game has to offer.”
  • monetization3 mentions

    The monetization of the game is perceived positively, with users expressing relief that it does not feel like a cash grab but rather a genuine sequel that enhances the original experience. Players appreciate the value and quality of the game, indicating that it respects the legacy of the series.

    • “If this is not the best advertising for the game, then I don't know what is.”
    • “I was nervous to try this, afraid that it was just a cash grab, but I am loving the game so far.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    The optimization of the game is praised for its high-quality voice acting, with Maho delivering standout lines that surpass even the original Steins;Gate's performances. New characters also contribute exceptional vocal work, enhancing the overall experience.

    • “The voice acting is of high quality in this visual novel, just like in the original Steins;Gate. New characters have done exceptional jobs, making it a joy to listen to Leskinin, Maho, and Kagari's performances.”
  • replayability1 mentions

    Many users feel that the repetitive nature of text conversations significantly hampers the game's replayability, as players encounter the same dialogues in each playthrough.

    • “This can hamper replayability as you see the same text conversations every time.”
    • “The lack of diverse outcomes makes it feel like a chore to replay.”
    • “Once you've experienced the story, there's little incentive to go through it again.”
  • stability1 mentions

    The game is reported to have excellent stability, with users noting the absence of bugs or glitches during gameplay.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

87% average critic score

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Play time

103hMedian play time
103hAverage play time
103-103hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs

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