I finished Steins;Gate today, October 25, 2024, at 9:21 pm. Watching the entire show in just three days, I’d say it was one of my best anime experiences of the year—and maybe even my whole life. I’d confidently rate it a 10/10; it’s earned a spot as my top 2 favorite anime of all time.

What made Steins;Gate stand out was its uniquely paced storytelling. The show starts off confusing and even a bit slow, but with each episode, it becomes more gripping, to the point where it’s almost impossible to stop. I’d start watching in the morning, only to realize it was nighttime without even noticing. I loved how each twist and turn in the plot ties back to the story's beginning, giving it an intentional and incredibly satisfying feel. Writing something this intricate is no small feat—the author must be a genius to pull off such a cohesive, mind-bending plot. I used to wonder why Steins;Gate was rated in the top 1 or 2 spots on so many anime lists, but after finishing it, I completely understand why it’s regarded so highly. It definitely deserves its place at the top.

The portrayal of time travel is probably the best I’ve seen—both believable and absorbing. The main character, Hououin Kyouma (Okabe Rintarou), is legendary, easily comparable to Subaru from Re
. Both characters face seemingly impossible challenges and solve them by revisiting the past. However, while Subaru has to die to reset, Okabe travels to the past with the Microwave Time Machine and retains his memories due to his "Reading Steiner" ability. Subaru suffers both physically and mentally, but Okabe’s mental anguish is on another level. Okabe’s story even reminds me of Meliodas from Seven Deadly Sins, as they both endure endless cycles of loss. Okabe is without a doubt one of the best protagonists in anime history, ranking in the top ten for many fans. His resilience and growth make him unforgettable.

Though the story starts off slow, that pacing is actually something I love. I enjoy stories that take their time to build and evolve, and Steins;Gate excels at that. It reminds me of Saekano, my previous top 2, which also starts somewhat complicated and slow, but the more you watch, the more addictive it becomes. Now, Steins;Gate has taken that number 2 spot, moving Saekano to my top 3. I realized that I’m especially drawn to time-travel genres. If an anime has time-travel elements, I’m immediately intrigued. There’s something fascinating about the concept, the challenges it poses, and the moral questions it raises.

At the end of the day, I would give Steins;Gate a perfect 10/10. It was flawless, with complex characters, engaging storytelling, and a plot that leaves a lasting impact. It truly lives up to its legendary reputation and will be unforgettable for me.