The three versions at a glance
| Feature | Original | Elite | RE:BOOT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation | Static VN artwork | Anime footage | Redrawn VN art + E-mote |
| Script | Original full script | Edited for pacing | Elite base + new text |
| Phone Trigger | Original phone UI | Adapted interface | Refined VN-style system |
| Audio | Original recordings | Earlier recordings | Voices re-recorded; music remade |
| New route | No | No | New worldline and ending |
The script starts from Elite, not the full original
The most important distinction is structural. Official material says RE:BOOT is based on the scenario from STEINS;GATE ELITE and is refined for a smoother reading pace. That means returning readers should not expect a line-for-line restoration of the 2009 script.
RE:BOOT expands that base with new dialogue and narration. The new material is meaningful, but it sits inside the Elite-derived version of the story. Readers who value every piece of original prose may still prefer the original visual novel; newcomers may find RE:BOOT easier to move through.
Redrawn art, E-mote, voices, and music
- Characters, backgrounds, and event stills were redrawn rather than simply upscaled.
- Official figures place event stills at roughly twice the Xbox 360 original and backgrounds about 20% higher.
- E-mote adds breathing and subtle facial motion while retaining illustrated visual-novel scenes.
- The cast re-recorded the voices and composer Takeshi Abo remade the background music.
The new worldline and ending
RE:BOOT adds a new worldline and ending alongside new dialogue and narrative text. That makes it more than a presentation refresh, though the familiar core story remains the majority of the experience.
The added route is best approached after the established endings. A route guide can explain how to reach it, but the value of the new material depends heavily on how recently you read the original story and how attached you are to its pacing.
Which version should you read?
| Your priority | Best starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Complete original prose | Original | It preserves the original script and presentation |
| Anime-led retelling | Elite | Its identity is built around animated footage |
| Modern art and new material | RE:BOOT | It adds redrawn assets, new audio, and a new route |
| First-time accessibility | RE:BOOT | The edited script and updated UI are easier to enter |
