Steins;Gate - Reviews

I have always avoided storys about time-travel because generally they don't bring anything new and I find them unoriginal. However, I did decide to give Steins;Gate a chance becuase I had heard so much good about it - and I was pleasantly surprised.

Steins;Gate is a well written, unique, funny, emotional and thrilling story. The characters are great and the character development is superb. I have to admit I got a little lost in the first episode so that I had to re-watch it to follow what was going on, so my tip to you is don't watch this when you're tired and not really paying attention because you will get lost. The story is very complicated if you don't pay attention, especially in the beginning when you haven't really gotten into it yet. But if you do manage to follow, the story will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

Steins;Gate also has an amazing soundtrack and great animations. The artstyle is very appealing and well done. Honestly, everything about this anime is well done. There is hardly anything to complain about except maybe being a little slow in the beginning, but that is earned in the end where you also face a huge plot-twist.

So listen to the masses and watch Steins;Gate, regardless of if you usually like this genre or not. You will (most likely) not be disappointed.

The overall reception for this anime has been simply astounding for me.  I wouldn't put this in my top ten for 2011, or even consider it.  I don't write much, but here's some basic problems I had with the anime by section.

Story - The story did a good job at making sense, which is hard to do in a time travel scenario.  However, making sense does not automatically make something good.  Also, the time travel mechanisms aren't as original as some may say.  The idea of sending messages to the past has been used in a movie like Deja Vu, for example.  The idea of unavoidable events in the future have been used by other anime such as Madoka and Higurashi.  The end seemed to be TOO happy as well, it didn't seem to fit with the rest of the anime.  Overall, the story seemed to be paced improperly, somewhat derivative, and I never found myself really engaged in it.

Animation - Not too many complaints with the animation here.  Character designs are nice, no real eyesores anywhere. 

Sound - I never pay attention to the sound in almost any anime, don't have really anything to say about this either.

Characters - The characters are definitely stronger than the story, and are the main reason I decided to sit throught the whole thing.  Although the point of the characters was to be eccentric, sometimes I felt that the insanity of the cast was a bit too much with a lack of a real "normal" person to keep their quirks in check.  For example, Okabe does things socially inappropriate things all the time, such as groping Ruka in one scene.  No one really reacts too strongly to this, because the rest of them are slightly messed up too.  It just seemed weird to have a whole ensemble of crazy people doing crazy person things.  I do have to give Kurisu credit, however, for being one of the least bad tsunderes I've ever seen, although I still don't like her because she's still a tsundere.

Overall, I have always been surprised by the absolute love of this series that many people have.  I was never deeply affected by it, and although the technical aspects were good, I felt the story was lackluster, and the characters weren't too outstanding. 

"Steins;Gate" is a mind-bending masterpiece that effortlessly blends science fiction, intricate storytelling, and memorable characters. Here's my review, divided into categories and with an overall rating of 10/10:

Story: 10/10 "Steins;Gate" offers one of the most captivating and intelligently crafted stories in the realm of anime. It follows Rintarou Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist, and his friends as they stumble upon a time-travel conspiracy. The plot intricately weaves elements of time travel, alternate realities, and the consequences of meddling with the past. It keeps you on the edge of your seat with its well-timed twists, emotional depth, and philosophical questions about the nature of reality and choice. It's a narrative tour de force that demands your full attention.

Animation: 10/10 While "Steins;Gate" may not have the flashiest animation, it excels in its attention to detail and character expressions. The show brilliantly captures the bustling streets of Akihabara and the small nuances in character interactions. The visual style perfectly complements the atmosphere of the series, enhancing the sense of immersion. The use of animation to convey subtle changes in the timeline and character emotions is a testament to its quality.

Sound: 10/10 The sound design in "Steins;Gate" is a work of genius. The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack adds depth to every scene, whether it's an intense scientific discussion or a heartfelt moment between friends. The use of silence and ambient sounds during key moments creates a sense of unease and anticipation. The voice acting, especially the iconic performance of Mamoru Miyano as Rintarou Okabe, is exceptional and brings the characters to life. The opening and ending themes are memorable and perfectly encapsulate the tone of the series.

Characters: 10/10 The characters in "Steins;Gate" are the heart and soul of the series. Each one is meticulously developed, with their own quirks, motivations, and flaws. Rintarou Okabe's transformation from a self-proclaimed mad scientist to a deeply empathetic and determined individual is a remarkable character arc. The camaraderie and bonds formed among the lab members are heartwarming, making you genuinely care about their fates. Even the supporting characters leave a lasting impression, contributing to the overall richness of the story.

Overall: 10/10 "Steins;Gate" is a tour de force in the world of anime. Its mind-bending narrative, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes make it an unforgettable experience. It's a series that challenges your intellect while tugging at your heartstrings, leaving a lasting impact on your psyche. It's a rare gem that transcends the medium and stands as a shining example of what anime can achieve when it combines exceptional storytelling with well-crafted characters and a touch of scientific intrigue.

Comparison to the Manga: The original visual novel was adapted into both the anime and the manga. While the manga faithfully follows the story and retains the charm of the characters, it can't fully capture the audiovisual elements that make the anime exceptional. The anime's use of voice acting, music, and animation plays a significant role in creating the tense atmosphere and emotional impact of the story. That said, the manga provides a different way to experience the narrative and is a worthy companion for fans who want to revisit the world of "Steins;Gate" in a different format. However, for the most immersive and impactful experience, the anime is the way to go.

I have finished the Stein;Gate anime, watched the ova, and finished the movie and I must say this was a pretty good series.

Characters: They were all likeable (even Moeka tho she's still a crazy bitch). Okeba isn't a crazy idealist and his reasoning isn't completly random which I personal thing I like in my Main characters.

Music: The ost isn't the best but it know when to the right song at the right moment which is something a lot of other anime have a lot of trouble with.

Plot: The plot a bit predicable at time however saying this there was time where thing happen that I didn't see coming is saying a lot for an anime bounded by the rule of time traveling.

Animation: The animation is top-notch and it's still looks great today after 4 years.

Final Verdict: I do not agree with those who state that this is a flaw-less anime but I must say it definitely has way more up then down.

Stein;Gate: 9/10.

Ranking as Honorable mentions in my personal anime ranking. 

[NO SPOILERS], THIS ANIME REALLY IS AMAZING! It explains the concept of time travel in detail and facination. It has an amazing plot to the story and really gets to your feelings and logic. Totally recommend this anime..... Ive watched the whole series over 3 timesthis past 4 months. It will make you love physics btw.