With three different ways to play the visual novel Steins;Gate and an anime adaptation, some newcomers may now be wondering what is the best way to experience the series?
Well in today's article, we're going to cover the main differences between each version, and hopefully help you decide which one to look into!
It honestly does come down to personal preference, so it is important you understand what version has to offer, and what is missing between them.
The Original Steins;Gate
The first option for playing Steins;Gate is none other than the original release. In the West, this version is available on PC, iOS, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation Vita, but it does not have a modern console port. It goes without saying, but it is, in fact, the full original experience, and will be many fans' main choice.
Unlike later releases, this version of the game contains a much longer script, with protagonist Okabe's thoughts and actions often being described in detail. While it might come off as a bit slow in the initial chapters, the game uses this pacing to great effect as it builds the player's emotional attachment to these characters. That being said, it is no secret that Steins;Gate is a rollercoaster, and those who reach the turning point will surely remember it for the rest of their lives.
Players who choose to play the classic version of Steins;Gate will generally have a much fuller experience, but they should also be aware of some of the game's content. There is no denying that specific scenes might be offensive, and the long-winded nature might turn others away as well. Overall, this is the version we recommend, but it is not going to be for everyone.
Main Points to Consider:
- Classic visual novel style with great art
- Longer script, though some might find it a bit long winded at times
- It is the full original experience
- Only available on PC, iOS and older platforms
Steins;Gate Elite
Steins;Gate Elite is what you get when the developers take scenes directly from the anime and apply them to the original visual novel; however, it isn't a complete 1:1 conversion. The game is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4, and comes with different bonus games based on the version purchased.
Rather than using the original script and recreating scenes that were missing, Elite is a trimmed-down version of the original. Descriptions and inner thoughts are either cut back or completely removed, actions are now seen visually due to the new animation (allowing the text to be taken out), and a large chunk of one character's story arc is omitted entirely. These edits do make for a much faster-paced story, which can make the game easier to get into—especially for anime fans who typically do not enjoy reading visual novels.
The real draw of this version is, in fact, the anime scenes and overall presentation. It feels like watching an extended version of the anime adaptation, though a lot of it is actually just the same scene frozen in place so extra dialogue can be added. It is a fun way to play through Steins;Gate, and it can be entertaining for longtime fans as well, but just keep in mind that it is quite a bit shorter than the original.
Main Points to Consider:
- A faster paced story
- Greatly cuts down a story chapter and removes a side character
- Anime visuals
- Bundled with a second game, depending on the platform
Steins;Gate Re:Boot
Steins;Gate Re:Boot is the newest release of the game, and it sits in a very weird position. Available on PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox, it is the most accessible Steins;Gate on modern hardware. However, it does, in fact, use Elite as its base.
Adapting the classic visual novel style while applying new Live2D-style animations to the characters, Re:Boot feels like a mixture of the previous two versions, but with some added content as well. The Elite script has been revised to include additional text for thoughts and actions to make up for the lack of anime visuals, but it is still missing the removed story content and also tones down some of the violence and "possibly offensive" dialogue during specific scenes. On the plus side, this version adds new content that helps tie Steins;Gate to its follow-up, Steins;Gate 0, and includes a previously released Drama CD story as part of the game itself. It is thanks to this that the game is longer than Elite, though it still cannot compare to the original.
Re:Boot is honestly a great way to experience Steins;Gate, but again, it will depend on what you are looking for. If the length of the script in the original feels like a bit too much, then Re:Boot serves as a great alternative while retaining the classic visual novel style. However, if you want the full experience, keep in mind that it will not be found here. Sadly, the original isn't available on all modern hardware, so for many, this might be the only option open to them—and there is nothing wrong with that. Steins;Gate Re:Boot is still Steins;Gate, and it is still worth playing through no matter which form you choose.
Main Points to Consider:
- Classic visual novel style with Live2D style animations and rerecorded voice acting
- New story content
- Trimmed down script from Elite, but with some added text
- Tones down specific scenes
- Available on all modern platforms
Steins;Gate the Anime
In addition to the games, the Steins;Gate anime is a great way to experience the story. However, it is best reserved for those who cannot access the visual novel or simply do not enjoy reading. While the anime faithfully adapts the main story—unlike other Science Adventure adaptations—it is only about 10 hours long, compared to the 30- to 50-hour original. To achieve this, all extra ending routes were removed, references to other parts of the series (specifically Chaos;Head) were cut, and explanations of the science behind key points in the story were omitted. With this faster pacing, a few major plot points may not hit quite as hard, though the anime still retains much of the emotional weight seen in the games. Ultimately, it is a fantastic adaptation, but anyone interested in playing Steins;Gate should hold off on watching it until after completing the visual novel.
You Can't Really Go Wrong
The thing about Steins;Gate is that it is a great story. However you choose to experience the game, there isn't really a right or wrong way. Many fans will always prefer the full original script, which is our personal favorite way to experience the story, but it isn't for everyone. The long script can be a turnoff for some, especially before certain plot points finally hook you. Elite, on the other hand, often gets flak for its trimmed-down script, but its faster pace and anime art style will definitely appeal to a wide audience—especially those who would rather watch an anime than read a visual novel.
As for Re:Boot, it is accessible on a wider range of modern platforms, returns to the classic style, and includes new content. While the faster pace remains a downside for purists who love the original, it can help ease newcomers into the series, and the newly recorded voice acting is very well done. Fans of the original who dislike the animated style might gravitate toward Re:Boot as a way to quickly replay the game, whereas newcomers who start with Re:Boot will still have a reason to check out the original if they find themselves wanting more. Overall, none of these visual novels truly replace one another, but not everyone will be willing to go through the same story multiple times. Simply pick whichever version sounds most appealing to you and enjoy the ride.
Post a Comment