STEINS;GATE RE:BOOT Review – Time Leaping Classic

STEINS;GATE RE:BOOT Review

STEINS;GATE RE:BOOT is a remake of the 2009 visual novel STEINS;GATE. The original game is the second title in the Science Adventure series and a classic in the visual novel medium. In fact, it’s arguably the highest reviewed visual novel of its era.

So, how does the remake hold up? The answer is: shockingly well.

Eccentric university student Rintaro runs a supposed mad science club with a handful of friends. He passes the days grandstanding, monologuing, and arguing over nicknames. When he discovers an actual method of time travel, no one is more surprised than he is.

Together, Rintaro and his friends find a way to send text messages into the past. The outcome of those messages then ripples into the present, changing the world they experience.

However, the simplest actions can have outsized impacts. Bizarre events and conspiracies soon surround the group. As the situation spirals out of control, Rintaro must find a way to take responsibility for what his careless actions have caused.

Humans are Temporal Beings

STEINS;GATE RE:BOOT is a visual novel. As such, it offers a branching narrative that can develop in multiple directions. The first half of the game is fairly linear, but more optional scenes and endings unlock in the second half. As the story unfolds, player choices impact how this sci-fi tale plays out.

Interacting with Rintaro’s phone is a major game mechanic. While advancing the plot, players get prompted to make plot-mandated calls and send messages. However, it’s quite easy to miss optional emails.

The game draws on some real science theories and well-known science fiction concepts. It’s also chock full of nerdy references and Japanese pop culture jokes. Fortunately, all of these are listed in the game’s Tips section as you come across them.

I should note that it is no longer 2009, and some elements of this game are now quite dated. The jokes surrounding the character Luka’s feminine gender presentation hit differently now, for example. Though an immature and insecure guy like Rintaro being insecure and uninformed about gender does make sense. Everyone in the cast is deeply flawed anyway, and better for it.

The main game is largely standalone. However, post-ending content–including the new Gamma Worldline–is best enjoyed in the context of the larger Science Adventure series. Chaos;Head Noah and Steins;Gate 0 are particularly relevant.

STEINS;GATE RE:BOOT is a Classic Time Travel Tale

STEINS;GATE RE:BOOT is an incredible narrative-driven experience. The cast is strong and memorable, though their personalities may be polarizing. The story is slick and the atmosphere is delightfully thick. This game can slide from charming slice of life to unsettling and horrific in moments. It’s relatively slow-moving and dialog-heavy, but the payoff hits hard.

Once the plot kicks into gear, you could cut the tension with a knife. Even during the technobabble explanations. I’ll refrain from going into detail, but suffice to say, I enjoyed the ride.

The game also looks great. The character designs have been redone by the original artist huke, and the still images have been reworked under huke’s direction. They’re now animated, giving each character distinct body language.

The re-recorded Japanese voice-acting is great. Rintaro’s voice is especially expressive and animated, which is good, because this man does not shut up. And the game’s soundtrack is expressive, charmingly electronic, and at times downright heartbreaking.

There are plenty of CGs of characters, items, and events. These still illustrations are gorgeous and help build an equally charming and unsettling atmosphere for the game.

Bad Things are Bad

STEINS;GATE RE:BOOT is a great game. However, it does have a few pitfalls. First up, it’s quite an expensive remake for a game from 2009. I’d recommend buying it if you care deeply about visuals or want the expanded and polished version of the story. Otherwise, the Steam port of the original STEINS;GATE is right there and much cheaper.

Text sometimes appears scrunched and is difficult to read. There are also a few typos and spacing issues. It’s not to the same degree as the botched Ever 17 English translation, but it’s still annoying.

For some reason, Rintaro’s voice is pitched low enough that it’s hard to hear over some songs. I had to turn up the voices in settings to stop this.

Finally, the fact remains that this game is quite old. The remake is full of dated memes and terminology. People expecting a story that is perfectly sensitive towards all of its themes and characters may be disappointed. However, if none of this is a dealbreaker, I heartily recommend checking this game out.

STEINS;GATE RE:BOOT is not a story about perfect people. Frankly, everyone in this game is a weird nerd, a weird pervert, or both. But it is a story about flawed people caring deeply during a tense sci-fi plot. I think that’s more interesting than perfection.

***Switch code provided by the publisher***