Steins;Gate 0 [Season 1 Episodes 1-23]

Alright, let’s dive into Steins;Gate 0, the sequel to the iconic time-travel anime that left fans both heartbroken and craving more. Produced by White Fox and based on 5pb.’s 2015 visual novel, this series takes us back to the chaotic world of Rintarou Okabe—but not the same Okabe we knew.

The Setup: A Broken Mad Scientist
In the original Steins;Gate, Okabe’s wild experiments with the “Phone Microwave (Name Subject to Change)” led to him altering the past to save his friend Makise Kurisu. But Steins;Gate 0 explores a darker timeline where he fails that mission. We meet a version of Okabe who’s abandoned his “Hououin Kyouma” persona—no more lab coats, no more dramatic monologues. Instead, he’s a shell of his former self, haunted by regret and trauma. As one fan put it, “He’s not the mad scientist anymore; he’s just a guy who lost everything.”

The Plot: Alternate Timelines and Emotional Turmoil
The series delves into the consequences of time travel, focusing on themes of regret, sacrifice, and redemption. Okabe is stuck in a world where Kurisu is dead, and he’s forced to confront the weight of his choices. The narrative weaves through multiple timelines, introducing new characters like Maho Hiyajo, a researcher who helps Okabe cope with his grief, and Suzuha Amane, who returns with her own mission to fix the past.

Fan Reactions: Love, Confusion, and Watch Order Wars
Steins;Gate 0 has sparked intense discussions among fans. Many praise its emotional depth—”It’s not just about time travel; it’s about healing,” one viewer noted. Others, however, find the timeline-hopping confusing. A common debate revolves around the “correct” watch order: should you watch the original series first, then 0, or follow a chronological sequence? As a MyAnimeList user ranted, “Why has this fan-made watch order become a thing? Just watch Steins;Gate, then 23b, then 0!” But another argued, “The chronological order ends on a high note, which feels more satisfying.”

The Ending: A Bittersweet Farewell
Episode 23 wraps up with Okabe recording a video message to his past self, setting the stage for the original series’ events. Fans are split on the conclusion: some find it predictable (“I saw the ending coming a mile away,” one admitted), while others call it a “perfect setup” for the original’s climax. As one commenter explained, “Zero Okabe never reaches the Steins Gate worldline, but he paves the way for the original Okabe to succeed. It’s a tragic but necessary sacrifice.”

Why It Works (and Why It Doesn’t)
Steins;Gate 0 excels in character development. Okabe’s journey from despair to acceptance is raw and relatable. The animation, while not groundbreaking, maintains the original’s gritty aesthetic, and the voice acting—especially Mamoru Miyano as Okabe—delivers emotional punches that hit hard.

However, the series isn’t without flaws. The pacing can be slow, and the timeline jumps might leave new viewers scratching their heads. As one fan joked, “I needed a flowchart to keep track of all the worldlines!” But for those who stick with it, the payoff is worth it.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch for Steins;Gate Fans
Steins;Gate 0 isn’t just a sequel—it’s a love letter to the original. It explores the “what ifs” that make time-travel stories so compelling, while adding layers of emotional depth. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the franchise, it’s a series that will make you laugh, cry, and question the nature of fate. As one viewer summed it up, “It’s not as flashy as the original, but it’s more human. And that’s what makes it unforgettable.”

So, grab your lab coat (or not—Okabe would approve), and dive into this alternate timeline. Just be prepared to have your heartstrings tugged… and maybe a pen and paper to map out those timelines. You’ve been warned!

“The fake is of greater value. In its deliberate attempt to be real, it’s more real than the real thing.” — A fan’s poetic take on the series’ themes.

Rating: 8/10
For fans of the original, it’s a must-watch. For newcomers, maybe start with the original Steins;Gate first—trust the watch order debates. Either way, Steins;Gate 0 is a thought-provoking ride that proves time travel isn’t just about changing the past; it’s about learning to live with it.