I’ll state this right off the bat: while Steins;Gate 0 is a brilliant game, it doesn't quite match the emotional depth and impact of the original. That said, it’s clear that the developers never intended for it to surpass the first game, but rather to offer something different—an exploration of a darker, more introspective narrative.

The central theme revolves around Artificial Intelligence, specifically the development of an AI that is capable of complex emotional responses and evolving consciousness. This topic feels particularly relevant today, given the rapid advancements in AI and its increasing presence in our lives.

The story centers on a project called "Amadeus", which is an AI system that is capable of storing and emulating the personality and memories of a person, making it indistinguishable from the real person in terms of behavior and interaction. The story explores the implications of this technology: how it affects relationships, the ethics of creating digital copies of consciousness, and the philosophical questions surrounding the nature of identity and humanity. This idea leads to profound emotional conflict, as characters grapple with interacting with AI that is, in many ways, a continuation of lost loved ones.

Fast forward to today, and the ideas presented in Steins;Gate 0 are more relevant than ever. The concept of AI mimicking human emotions, personalities, and even replicating someone’s voice or mannerisms is no longer purely theoretical, but increasingly achievable. Many companies and research institutions are working on making AI systems capable of engaging in conversations that feel human-like, developing deep learning algorithms that allow machines to recognize and respond to emotional cues. This technological landscape brings the game's exploration of AI to the forefront of contemporary debates.

• Can AI truly replicate human consciousness? As AI technology progresses, we see more examples of AI being used in ways that mimic aspects of human behavior. However, as Steins;Gate 0 suggests, there is still a fundamental difference between a digital simulation and an actual person, no matter how convincing the AI might seem.
  
• The ethics of AI consciousness: If AI can simulate consciousness, should it be treated with the same rights as humans? Is it ethical to create digital beings that are aware of their own artificiality?
  
• AI and memory: The emotional weight of memory is central to Steins;Gate 0. AI that preserves memories, like Amadeus, raises questions about the authenticity of these memories. If an AI "remembers" something, is it the same as a human remembering it, or does the experience lose its emotional depth when reproduced by a machine?

I truly believe that Hiyajo Maho is the standout character added to the game. She is a well-rounded character with clearly defined traits, and her dialogues are, by far, the most thought-provoking in the entire game. As a friend of Kurisu's, Maho shared a professional and personal connection with her, having worked together in AI research and development in the U.S. Like Okabe, Maho is deeply affected by Kurisu’s death. The conversations between Maho and Okabe about their shared experiences with Kurisu are some of the most impactful moments in the game. It’s evident that both characters held immense respect and affection for her, with Maho even describing Kurisu as "the Mozart to her Salieri".
Writing a character like Maho without making her feel like a mere replacement for Kurisu must have been a challenge, but I’m pleased to say that Maho is so well-developed that, from the very start, she feels like a fully realized individual in her own right. Her unique presence injects a fresh dynamic into the narrative, adding emotional depth and complexity without feeling like she's some sort of "replacement" for Kurisu.

I have to be honest and say that I do not care much for Kagari. She’s a character who often feels absent, even when she’s physically present in scenes. Unfortunately, Kagari comes across as a shoehorned-in character with too little personality for players to really latch onto. While she does have a role in the story, I found it difficult to connect with her, and her emotional development didn’t resonate as strongly as with other characters. Her ending was, by far, the worst one; it came out of nowhere and honestly it left a sour taste in my mouth.

I honestly had to look up their names to include them in this review— that’s how little of an impact they left on me. To put it simple: they’re both Mayuri's friends and feel totally like filler characters. Both of them are largely irrelevant to the main plot, and their presence never really adds anything meaningful. They don’t stand out in terms of personality, development, or emotional depth, and by the end of the game, it’s hard to remember much about them.

Yuki's character is a bit difficult to assess, as her development can take dramatic turns depending on the route you choose. Overall, though, I don’t feel her presence detracts from the main experience.

Dr. Leskinen is an enjoyable character whose enthusiasm shines through every scene. He’s mischievous and adds humor, especially in the early parts of the game. His character takes some interesting turns, and his ending is sure to surprise many, manipulating both Okabe’s and the player’s attachment to Kurisu in clever ways.

Judy feels underdeveloped, with little screen time and a role that doesn’t justify her presence. The game asks us to accept her suddenly significant role in the plot without giving us the time to develop an attachment to her, which feels lazy. A better example of a more effective character reveal would be Tennouji’s unexpected "double agent" twist in the original Steins;Gate, which felt earned due to the time spent building his character.

• Soundtrack - The music is still top-notch, setting the perfect tone for the game’s emotional moments.
  
• Voice acting - The voice performances are excellent, continuing the high standard set by the original.
  
• Character designs - The updated character designs are a visual improvement, and the addition of mouth movements during dialogue adds a new layer of animation to the scenes.
  
• Enhanced visuals - The game's visuals are more dynamic, and the characters now move their mouths during dialogue, which, though minor, brings more life to the scenes compared to the original’s static images.

• Pacing - Can feel sluggish at times, especially with the shift in perspectives.
  
• RINE - While text messages were important in the original game, the use of RINE messages here feels way less impactful.

In the end, Steins;Gate 0 is an excellent visual novel that builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor. While, in my optinion, it may not surpass the original in terms of impact, it offers a dark, thought-provoking narrative that remains highly relevant to today’s AI discussions. The game’s exploration of grief, memory, and artificial consciousness will leave a lasting impression, even as it explores difficult, philosophical questions about the future of AI.


El. Psy. Kongroo.