Dec 5, 2022
I've been wanting to make a review to this series for a long time. Sooner would've been better though.
Anyway, Steins;Gate is a mostly character-driven anime with a well-constructed plot, critically acclaimed to be great by a large group. Of course, those people are invested in the show and loved what it offered to them. I feel the same and I totally agree. Although, I have my own perspectives of what they considered to be weak aspects of the show.
Story
First off, how the show starts is intriguing and something you don't see everyday in most of the animes today. Completely putting you in a scenario without
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clear explanation, which is rare for shounen anime to do. In certain parts of the first few episodes do display forced exposition, which is expected but barely bothersome for the less nit-picky. Just don't nit-pick the obviously generic aspects.
The slow-burn criticism you hear from others is a personal feeling. The same can be said for anything that's rushed. However, the show was slow for a reason. Having more than 2 or 3 characters (important or not) means the show will take its time to establish them properly and having you to get used to them, long enough for the audience to care about their well-being, with the protagonist being the one to have the most screentime.
The show's point of no return starts at episode 7. The protagonist no longer is capable of going back to where they're comfortable. Thus, going through an emotional roller coaster that they won't be able to solve alone. The moods ranged from sadness to tense with some parts feeling romantic, wholesome and hopeful, despite being overwhelmed by the former moods.
From midway to the climax, everything will start making sense and start getting intense. Questions you have are answered, wtf moments here and there, washing away all complications out the window with a mood of strong hope.
Unlike the Visual Novels, the show did not add further explanations on things that need explanations. Those complications you have have been answered in the Visual Novels. Although, it's not entirely necessary since it's only recognized if you noticed it.
In the end, the show continued to be great without it.
Characters
The show being more character-driven makes it all the more captivating. Focusing on the perspectives strengthen's the sadness mood.
Dynamic or static, flat or round, multi-layered or one dimensional. No matter what, Steins;Gate has all of it and the types of characters served their purposes well.
If we're talking about what character is likable or unlikable, it really depends on who you ask. The fact that some people hate a particular character because of their personality means that the character's personality is not their type for sure.
But you don't have to like them personally to make them great or memorable characters. Okabe is that character that I don't personally like, but him being a dynamic character made me love him change as a person. His character mental breakdown is the juicy part of his arc, as all dynamic character arcs should have. The rest of the cast are a chaotic bunch, creating a ton of crazy scenes of them debating that feel natural despite the exaggerations.
Sound and Music
Nothing crazy to note. Most sound effects are ordinary, but some are originally distinctive and would certainly sound like it belonged in this show. Those sounds are: the divergence number, time machine, Mayuri's catchphrase, and some that I must've forgotten. Music as well is noticeably great. The one music that you will hear but in a different version, hit well knowing that it represents a particular character.
Art and Animation
Huke's art style makes Steins;Gate a recognizable show and hard to miss. The eyes may not appeal to all, but every artist has their own distinctive appeal.
The animation is not praised enough by people, when in reality, its above today's normal character movement, unless its Cloverworks, KyoAni, Comix Wave Films, Studio Ghibli, Ufotable or A-1 Pictures.
There may not be great animation scenes that would top the ones nowadays, but its consistent qualities are all that's necessary.
Some part of it have seemed to be interpolated and it was done well, not looking out of place.
I've enjoyed it personally, captivating plot and characters with tear-jerking moments.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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