Steins;Gate Elite

5pb's 2009 visual novel gets a sizeable makeover - but don't expect it to make new fans for the genre.

This may not be the definitive way to experience the series, but it's damn sure the most accessible, and it beats the hell out of the neutered anime adaptation. For new fans, this is a fantastic entry point. For returning fans, Steins;Gate Elite is a solid reason to revisit a beloved series with a fresh set of eyes. I adored every second of it.

It's surprising just what an impact the new animations have in Steins;Gate Elite -- the additions take an already excellent visual novel and makes it feel much more dynamic and intense. What's more, being able to finally play Linear Bounded Phenogram in English is just the icing on an already very scrumptious cake. Elite is the complete visual novel package, and pretty much the best that the genre has to offer.

Steins;Gate Elite meshes the best parts of the original VN and its anime adaptation, making it the definitive version of this classic.

The definitive way to experience one of the best visual novels.

Visual novel fans simply must play Steins;Gate at some point in their life.

Steins;Gate Elite is for people who have either never experienced Steins;Gate before, people who have never read a Visual Novel, were turned off by their lack of animation or those who want to experience the story in a slightly different way. If you find the anime visuals to be too off-putting, then the original Visual Novel is available on PC, PS3 and the PlayStation Vita. Not only are those available both in physical and digital format, but they are also cheaper than this new $59.99 release. However if you have played the original and are curious about Linear Bounded Phenogram, then you should consider checking this release out as well. No matter which version of Steins;Gate you experience, you’re in for a hell of a ride that can last you a solid 30 hours or more if you try and get every single ending or route.

For those that haven’t played Steins;Gate, Steins;Gate Elite is an ideal place to start, and its use of animation will help ease in those who are less interested in the standard visual novel layouts.

Steins;Gate Elite lays down the welcome mat for newcomers whilst providing a much-needed excuse for eager fans to lose themselves in this stirring tale once more. Long-winded, technical dialogue segments are remedied with engaging animated scenes that keep you more thoroughly ensnared in it's compelling story. Its time-travelling premise is thorough and easy to follow yet shrouds it's narrative in an exciting element of unpredictability that overshadows your every decision with a daunting sense of uncertainty.

Steins;Gate Elite may have done away with its unique art style with this anime approach but it works incredibly well while still conveying the same impressive storyline as before.