Info about STEINS;GATE: Linear Bounded Phenogram:

Official game description:
A story for every lab member. Discover a new side of each STEINS;GATE character and get a glimpse of their inner thoughts through 10 new stories.  
While STEINS;GATE unfolded from the perspective of the protagonist, Okabe Rintaro, STEINS;GATE: Linear Bounded Phenogram features stories told by the rest of the main cast.  
*   STEINS;GATE: Linear Bounded Phenogram is available only with purchase of STEINS;GATE ELITE

Release date: Feb 19, 2019

Categories: Visual Novel, Branching Narrative, Character-driven Interactions and Dialogue, Multiple Perspectives, Anthology Structure, Narrative-driven Storytelling, Choice-based Narrative, Emotional Storytelling


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Engaging and varied storylines (weight 0.84): The game features a variety of engaging and well-written storylines, each offering different perspectives and scenarios. These stories are emotionally resonant and thought-provoking, providing a rich narrative experience.
- Rich character development (weight 0.82): The game provides extensive character development, exploring the psychology, motivations, and backgrounds of various characters. It offers unique insights into their thoughts and decision-making processes, enriching their overall portrayal.
- Emotional and dramatic depth (weight 0.59): The stories in the game are emotionally impactful, with dramatic events and heartwarming moments. They explore themes of fate, free will, and the butterfly effect, adding depth to the narrative.
- Faithful to the original (weight 0.34): The game remains faithful to the original art style, music, and overall feel of the Steins;Gate series. It includes returning original voice actors, providing a consistent and satisfying experience for fans.
- Supplementary content and lore (weight 0.11): The game provides a large volume of supplementary content, including alternate anthology series and additional backstory. It enhances the understanding of the main game and its universe.

Common complaints:
- Inconsistent story quality (weight 0.67): The quality of the stories varies greatly, with some being boring, forgettable, or feeling like fanfiction. This inconsistency can lead to a disjointed and unsatisfying experience.
- Inconsistent translation quality (weight 0.45): The game's translation has frequent errors, including spelling and grammar mistakes. Some translation choices are also criticized as being wonky or flawed.
- Not a standalone game (weight 0.4): The game is not sold separately and must be purchased with another game, specifically Steins;Gate Elite. This bundling is seen as a drawback and may deter some players.
- Lack of Chinese language support (weight 0.34): The game does not have official Chinese language support, requiring players to find third-party patches online. This can be inconvenient and may affect the overall gaming experience.
- Character and plot inconsistencies (weight 0.31): There are inconsistencies in character portrayal, motivations, and plot points. Some characters act out of character, and certain storylines conflict with the original or feel contrived.
- Repetitive and underdeveloped routes (weight 0.16): Some routes in the game are repetitive, underdeveloped, or feel meaningless. This can make certain parts of the game feel like a slog or lack depth.
- Expensive and bundled sale (weight 0.15): The game is considered expensive for what it offers and is bundled with Steins;Gate Elite, which has a bad reputation. This bundling is seen as unnecessary and a drawback.
- Audio and voice acting issues (weight 0.1): There are issues with audio mixing, where music and sound effects can drown out voice audio. Additionally, there are criticisms of the voice acting in certain parts of the game.
- Lack of meaningful story arcs (weight 0.03): Due to the game's format, there are no meaningful story arcs or actual story-changing choices. This can make the game feel less engaging and impactful.

Gameplay feedback:
- Anthology of character-driven stories (weight 0.97): The game is an anthology of various short stories that expand the main narrative from different character perspectives. It includes 11 routes from different character viewpoints, providing unique insights into their thoughts and feelings.
- Visual novel with episodic structure (weight 0.58): The game is a visual novel with an episodic, anthology-style structure. It features interconnected narratives and alternate world lines, with a focus on character-driven stories set in the STEINS;GATE universe.
- Multiple world lines and endings (weight 0.45): The game includes multiple world lines with different endings, offering supplementary details to the original story. It provides different perspectives on key events and features interconnected stories set in alternate world lines.
- Varied quality and themes (weight 0.21): The game presents an anthology of various routes and hidden scenarios, with different emotional impacts and themes in each route. Some sidestories are comical while others are emotionally impactful, providing unique experiences.
- Coherent mystery and pacing (weight 0.04): The game offers a coherent and consistent mystery, with good pacing and plot developments. It features a linear constrained tree diagram, ensuring a well-structured narrative.
- Achievements and multiple routes (weight 0.04): The game includes achievements and multiple routes, with full achievements having some difficulty. This adds replay value and challenges for players.
- Touching and funny storylines (weight 0.03): The game features touching and funny stories, with unique and interesting storylines. This mix of emotions adds variety to the gameplay experience.
- Optional character interactions (weight 0.03): The game includes a mail function for optional character interactions, with characters sending caring messages. This adds a layer of engagement and connection with the characters.

Performance notes:
- Game crashes and bugs (weight 0.08): Players report occasional game crashes and specific bugs that hinder progress, including issues with word wrapping in phone mail.
- Translation and dialogue issues (weight 0.07): There are notable problems with translation and dialogue, affecting the overall gaming experience.
- Performance on Steam Deck (weight 0.06): The game's performance on Steam Deck is highlighted, specifically mentioning the hardware specifications such as the AMD Zen 2 processor and RDNA 2 graphics.
- Fullscreen display problems (weight 0.03): Some players encounter issues with the game's fullscreen mode, impacting gameplay.
- Audio mixing problems (weight 0.02): The game suffers from bad audio mixing, which detracts from the overall experience.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for fans (weight 0.51): The game is highly recommended for fans of the Steins;Gate series. It is suggested for those who enjoyed the original game and are looking for more content and deeper understanding of the story.
- Worth buying on sale (weight 0.4): Several reviews mention that the game is worth purchasing, especially during a sale or promotion. Some reviews specifically recommend waiting for a discount to get the best value.
- Detailed character portrayals (weight 0.02): The game is praised for its detailed character portrayals, making it worth purchasing for fans who appreciate character development.

Other player notes:
- Localization patch enhances humor (weight 0.05): The game uses a localization patch that adds humorous and relatable elements, making it more enjoyable for players familiar with the original game.
- Requires original game knowledge (weight 0.05): To fully appreciate the game, players need to have experience with the original game, as it builds on the previous content.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.24): Players feel satisfied due to the game's emotionally impactful and well-structured storylines, detailed character development, and the variety of perspectives that enrich the main narrative. The high-quality episodes, logical plot consistency, and enjoyable pacing also contribute to this sense of fulfillment.
- Disappointment (weight 0.19): Disappointment stems from the lack of innovative stories, inconsistent story quality, and plot inconsistencies that conflict with the main storyline. Some characters are also perceived as acting out of character, and certain storylines have unsatisfying endings.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.12): Players enjoy the game due to its diverse character perspectives, unique episodes, and the ease of experiencing different stories. The high-quality content, enjoyable character interactions, and the emotional depth of the narratives also contribute to this enjoyment.
- Sadness (weight 0.1): Sadness is evoked by the emotional and melancholic storylines, tragic character arcs, and the impactful endings that resonate deeply with players. Some routes are particularly tear-jerking and require tissues, adding to the emotional weight.
- Excitement (weight 0.1): Players are excited by the unique and refreshing storylines, surprising twists, and the large volume of content offered. The engaging chapters, different perspectives, and high-quality stories contribute to this excitement.
- Joy (weight 0.08): Joy comes from the humor and lighthearted moments, as well as the enjoyment of varied and emotional storylines. Playing from the perspectives of other characters and the unique experiences in different storylines also bring happiness.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.07): Nostalgia is felt through the references and callbacks to the original game, as well as the connection to the original characters and stories. The sidestories and certain scenarios evoke a sense of longing and fond memories.
- Emotional Resonance (weight 0.06): Players are deeply moved by the emotional journeys of the characters and their stories. The selfless sacrifices and mutual support among friends evoke strong feelings of being touched.
- Appreciation (weight 0.06): Appreciation is felt for the different perspectives and character insights provided by the game. The unique narrative structure, rich character development, and the detailed character perspectives are highly valued.
- Frustration (weight 0.04): Frustration arises from unrealistic character behaviors, sudden character changes, and difficulties in achieving certain in-game goals. Plot inconsistencies and bundled sales also contribute to this frustration.
- Admiration (weight 0.03): Players admire the high production standards, emotional depth, and the detailed and expansive nature of the storylines. The determination of characters and the unique perspectives offered are also highly regarded.
- Surprise (weight 0.03): Surprise comes from the unexpected plot twists and the initial difference from expectations. The unique perspectives and character development, as well as the involvement of notable scriptwriters, add to the sense of surprise.
- Happiness (weight 0.02): Happiness is derived from the emotional stories involving favorite characters, heartwarming interactions, and the mix of touching and funny stories. The overall positive and uplifting narratives bring joy.
- Sad (weight 0.02): Sadness is evoked by the emotional weight of certain storylines and the sense of longing for more content. Some stories are particularly sad and resonate deeply with players.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.02): Players express liking for specific characters and storylines that bring joy and entertainment. The enjoyable and humorous aspects of certain routes are particularly appreciated.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Anger is triggered by certain character behaviors and plot points that are perceived as unsatisfactory or offensive. The perceived whitewashing of a character is a significant source of this anger.
- Disappointment (weight 0.02): Disappointment is felt due to the perceived whitewashing of a character and the poor quality of certain storylines. The inconsistencies and unsatisfactory writing in some routes contribute to this sense of disappointment.}