Steins;Gate 0 (2018)

[シュタインズ・ゲート ゼロ]

Director: Kenichi Kawamura
Studio: White Fox
Starring: Mamoru Miyano, Kana Hanazawa, Tomokazu Seki
Episodes: 23

Synopsis:
In a world line where Okabe fails to save Kurisu and abandons any further attempts to alter the timeline, Kurisu's research is used to develop a revolutionary AI.

Impressions:
We could title this season "Steins;Gate - Earn Your Happy Ending" because this season is all about what Okabe goes through to set himself on track to achieve the Steins;Gate world line. It helps to see the alternate version of Episode 23 of the previous season to understand how our favorite mad scientist became a sad scientist instead. If you really enjoyed Okabe's antics in his Kyouma Hou'ouin persona, then you're not going to like the husk of a man that's been left behind. Even though he's left the persona behind, Mamoru Miyano still tends to do his Peewee Herman scream, which is fine for comedic moments but really narms up the dramatic ones. It's a slow burn, but there's some good buildup as we explore the Amadeus System and Suzuha continues her efforts to find a way to avert WWIII, with or without Okabe.

I particularly enjoyed new addition Maho Hiyajo, the 'legal loli' (Daru's words, not mine) upperclasswoman of Kurisu. Professor Leskinen tended to be fairly entertaining as well. Kurisu's absence is rather pointedly felt, but that's kinda the point. Interestingly, Mayuri's circle of cosplay friends are brought in more, but with the exception of Yuki, there's not much to them.

While I enjoyed this season, it didn't feel quite as tightly plotted as the original and there are some shenanigans near the end. All told, however, it's definitely worth seeing if you're a fan of the franchise, but I can't quite rate it as a must-buy.

Rating:
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