Steins;Gate 0 Episode 1: Missing Link of the Annihilator: Absolute Zero

In an alternative timeline, we find a broken Okabe Rintarou that failed in saving Makise Kurisu and as such, continues to live in the Beta Timeline that is doomed to be destroyed by World War 3. But while there’s still people that wants to change the future, Rintarou refuses and instead, tries to live on with his life. But everything changes when, in a science conference, he sees…

Th whole new AI plot isn't exactly my cup of tea, since it feels like the story will stray from its themes of time travel and world lines. I guess we'll see how it goes, hopefully it retains its thriller and suspenseful nature throughout this new plotline.

The psychological horror sequence when we delved into Okarin's mind briefly made the episode for me. It featured such cool scenes1 We didn't really get proper exploration on his mental state beforehand, so watching him let loose and be more open (to the audience) about his distress feels much more refreshing, and instantly instills the stakes still at play in this world.

The shift in tone, especially in Rintaro, feels jarring compared to him in the original Steins;Gate series. His Kyouma persona feels like something of the past, which feels a little saddening knowing his intense "3 weeks" is what caused this. It's bittersweet, yet still feels like something is missing since I found the mad scientist persona central in his character.