Announced today at Anime Expo, Spike Chunsoft will release an English localization of the Steins;Gate sequel story Octet of Shifting Space (previously known as “Variant Space Octet”) for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Steam. Details on how to obtain the game will be announced at a later date, the publisher has confirmed.
Octet of Shifting Space is a retro-style text adventure visual novel that takes place after the events of Steins;Gate. Andrew Hodgson and H. Anthony Israel, previously involved with the original Steins;Gate localization and the upcoming Steins;Gate RE:BOOT localization, are confirmed to be translating this game.
View the full details below, via Spike Chunsoft’s website:
About STEINS;GATE Octet of Shifting Space
STEINS;GATE Octet of Shifting Space is an adaptation of the title originally released in 2011 for Windows XP/Vista/7. This is the first time it will be available for game consoles and distributed on Steam. Inspired by the premise of “What if STEINS;GATE were recreated on a PC from the 1980s?”, the title captures the look and feel of an 8-bit PC adventure game while becoming fully compatible with both software keyboards and USB keyboards for modern gaming platforms.
Screenshots shown are from the Japanese version.
Utilizing Text Parser Gameplay from the Early Days of Adventure Games
Take on the role of Rintaro Okabe and explore the streets of Akihabara alongside your fellow lab members in pursuit of the IBN 5100, which has once again been stolen. Instead of the choice-based gameplay common to modern visual novels, STEINS;GATE Octet of Shifting Space recreates the text parser gameplay that defined adventure games of the 1980s. Advance the story by freely entering English commands. Use your imagination and deduction skills to discover the right actions and uncover the path forward.
Classic Screen-Drawing Visuals
Early adventure games rendered their graphics by drawing each line then filling the image with color. The game faithfully recreates this classic screen-drawing process. Even the anticipation of watching graphics gradually appear on screen captures the charm of a bygone era. Players who prefer a faster pace can skip the drawing animation at any time with the press of a button.
Graphics Modes Inspired by Classic PCs
Graphics modes capture the nostalgic charm of vintage hardware by recreating the capabilities of PCs from the 1980s. Players can enjoy everything from classic 8-color digital RGB graphics to visuals inspired by green monochrome monitors. The sound experience is equally authentic, recreating the FM synthesis and PSG sound chips used by classic PCs. Even differences in hardware specifications, such as three FM channels plus three PSG channels, have been recreated to deliver an authentic listening experience. The music was personally handled by Composer Takeshi Abo.
Spike Chunsoft, Inc. will announce details on how to obtain STEINS;GATE Octet of Shifting Space for Nintendo Switch™ 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation®5, and Steam® at a later date.
We will strive to keep you updated as more information arises on this upcoming release. Visit our Steins;Gate category for more news.
