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STEINS;GATE

Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 4, Android • 2016

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Quick resume

Developed by 5pb. and Nitroplus, STEINS;GATE was awarded Famitsu magazine's coveted annual Game of Excellence award and was voted one of the most emotionally charged “tear-inducing games” ever made, in a Famitsu poll. It is a gripping and moving Visual Novel, which has already spawned manga and anime adaptations.

Global score

97/100

Genres

Adventure, Visual Novel

Pros

  • Deep and emotionally engaging story
  • Multiple endings with meaningful choices
  • Unique phone interaction gameplay
  • Excellent voice acting and soundtrack
  • Rich character development

Cons

  • Slow pacing in early chapters
  • Complexity may require guides for true ending
  • Limited interactivity typical of visual novels
  • Some minor translation and ui issues
  • Not suitable for players seeking action or competition

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players make key story decisions through phone interactions, choosing when and how to respond to calls and messages, influencing multiple endings."

  • Competence
    2

    "Requires attention to detail and understanding of complex story and time travel mechanics; some skill in managing choices via phone triggers."

  • Competition
    -5

    "Focuses on personal narrative experience without competitive elements or comparison to others."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Players engage in long play sessions with multiple endings and replays encouraged to explore all story branches."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player visual novel experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players creatively influence story outcomes through unique phone-based interaction system and branching narrative."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; story-driven personal experience."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Immersive story and emotional engagement provide escape from real life; players report strong emotional impact."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and love for story and characters, not obligation."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Exploring different story branches and endings encourages experimentation with choices and timing."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Players discover new story paths and hidden details through multiple playthroughs, though environment is static."

  • Expression
    1

    "Limited character customization; some expression through choice of phone responses but mostly predefined presentation."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Science fiction setting with time travel and conspiracy elements, blending realistic and imaginative fiction."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Primarily a solitary experience focused on individual story engagement rather than community interaction."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop understanding of complex narrative and time travel theories; protagonist undergoes significant personal growth."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay typical of visual novels with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused reading and attention; not designed for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy
    3

    "Strong emotional connections to characters and story foster feelings of closeness and attachment."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements; purely individual narrative experience."

  • Progression
    3

    "Progression through story chapters and unlocking multiple endings and achievements."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Slow start with calm daily life scenes, building to emotional and intense story moments; mixed relaxation and tension."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Visual and auditory elements enhance emotional impact; not focused on high sensory stimulation or excitement."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social status or recognition mechanics; experience is personal and private."

  • Story
    5

    "Highly praised narrative with deep character development, multiple endings, and complex time travel plot."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Requires thoughtful decision-making about phone interactions to influence story outcomes."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Emotional suspense and plot twists provide thrilling narrative experience."

  • Value
    4

    "Highly regarded for story depth and replay value; players feel time investment is well rewarded."

  • Violence
    -3

    "Story contains dramatic and tragic events but gameplay does not focus on violence or combat."

  • Survival
    1

    "Themes of avoiding tragedy and changing fate are present, but gameplay is narrative without survival mechanics."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026