Best Neon Genesis Evangelion Games

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Best Neon Genesis Evangelion Games

Key Takeaways

  • Neon Genesis Evangelion has spawned numerous video games, from visual novels to fighting games.
  • Titles like 1st Impression and Battle Orchestra offer fans an interactive anime experience.
  • Evangelion 64 stands out as the best all-rounder for offering a solid gameplay experience on the Nintendo 64.

As a lifelong fan of the enigmatic world of Neon Genesis Evangelion, I’ve had the privilege to immerse myself in various iterations of this captivating franchise. Among these experiences, one title that stands out is the Nintendo 64 gem, Evangelion 64, or as it’s more popularly known, Evangelion AKA.

A veritable icon and cultural cornerstone, “Neon Genesis Evangelion” remains a powerful influence nearly three decades after its debut. This seminal anime series, which centers around apocalyptic battles fought by troubled adolescents piloting giant robots, is one of the most cherished and recognizable franchises in Japanese animation. Its popularity has continued to grow over the years, thanks in part to its availability on Netflix and the release of a fourth and final “Rebuild” movie in 2021.

For video game enthusiasts, the series of “Evangelion” offers numerous adaptations, ranging from pachinko machines, dating simulators, visual novels, mobile games, and more. Keeping track of all these titles can be quite a challenge. Here are some standout mainline Evangelion games for your enjoyment.

Although Neon Genesis Evangelion gained significant popularity internationally, unfortunately, most games based on the series have not been made available outside of Japan. Consequently, these games can only be enjoyed by those who understand Japanese.

7 Neon Genesis Evangelion 1st Impression

First Impressions Last In The Series Video Game Debut

  • Developer: SEGA AM2
  • Platform: Sega Saturn
  • Release Date: March 1, 1996
  • Genre: Visual Novel/RPG

The initial experience in this game series is predominantly shaped by emphasizing footage, visuals, and melodies from the TV show rather than focusing on gameplay mechanics. The storyline unfolds soon after the episode “Asuka Strikes!”, placing you in the shoes of Shinji Ikari, who has lost his memories due to a harrowing Angel battle. Your mission is to regain your memory by engaging in sparring matches with Asuka, culminating in a final showdown against the Angel that previously defeated you.

This game combines role-playing features with an abundance of animated scenes and symbols from the series. It’s a compact game, lasting approximately forty minutes, so it might not provide a deeply immersive gaming experience, but it’s a joyful tribute to the anime, featuring some visually appealing graphics reminiscent of the Saturn era.

6 Shinseiki Evangelion: Typing Project E (PC)

One Of The Most Outlandish But Enjoyable Entries

  • Developer: Gainax
  • Platform: PC
  • Release Date: February 8, 2001
  • Genre: Typing

In this typing game, those who have played Sega’s “Typing of the Dead” will recognize the format, where the player quickly types words on a special keyboard within a time limit to accomplish tasks. “Typing Project E” leans towards the humorous side in the world of Evangelion games, as it playfully switches between serious and less-serious situations.

In just about a minute, Asuka will engage in combat against mass-produced units, replicating an iconic scene from The End Of Evangelion. Moments after that, you’ll see adorable Misato whiling away time by drinking beer and preparing bento boxes in her kitchen. This game features typing of Kana and Latin characters, adding a bit more intrigue for English-speaking players in this vibrant, eccentric production.

5 Neon Genesis Evangelion 2nd Impression

Second Time’s The Charm As Shinji Continues His Adventures

  • Developer: Gainax
  • Platform: Sega Saturn
  • Release Date: March 7, 1997
  • Genre: Visual Novel/RPG

Second Installment, as the title indicates, carries out many similar tasks to its predecessor. The main distinction lies in the fact that this game adopts a choose-your-own-adventure format, offering various paths for the player to navigate within the story, each culminating in a unique ending. While it presents a completely fresh narrative, it maintains the same episode-like structure as the show, making players feel like they are immersed in an interactive anime experience.

This game primarily revolves around Shinji’s relationships with a new student, Mayumi Yamagishi, and their encounter with an Angel. The gameplay builds upon the RPG structure established in the previous title, while incorporating generous amounts of animated sequences to enhance the experience.

4 Neon Genesis Evangelion: Battle Orchestra

No Room For Teen Angst In This Brawler

  • Developer: Headlock
  • Platform: PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable
  • Release Date: June 28, 2007 (PS2), March 19, 2009 (PSP)
  • Genre: Fighting​

In this exhilarating fighting game, reminiscent of grand battles between powerful figures, you’ll find epic encounters that were initially launched on PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable. Fans of Evangelion will be ecstatic as they can now engage in fierce combat, with every Eva Unit and Angel from the series represented. To add to the delight, characters from the Rebuild films are also part of the mix for an extra touch of fan appreciation.

The mechanics for playing this game might not match up to popular fighting games such as Super Smash Bros., yet they remain functional. Notably, it offers fully-developed 3D settings, and every playable character has the ability to execute two unique special attacks which can lead to powerful special moves.

3 Rebuild Of Evangelion: Sound Impact

Make Sweet Music In This Rhythm Action Game

  • Developer: Grasshopper Manufacture
  • Platform: PlayStation Portable (PSP)
  • Release Date: September 29, 2011
  • Genre: Rhythm

This PlayStation Portable game, developed by Grasshopper Manufacture (creators of “No More Heroes”) under the supervision of Executive Producer Suda 51, emerged around the same time as the initial release of the Japanese version of the Rebuild movie. The majority of its soundtrack was sourced from that very film.

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2 Evangelion VR: Throne Of Souls

A Truly Spectacular Experience – With A Catch

  • Developer: Bandai Namco Entertainment
  • Platform: VR Arcade Experience
  • Release Date: July 14, 2017​
  • Genre: First-Person Mech Combat

Throne Of Souls offers a chance for many Evangelion enthusiasts to live out their fantasies – a first-person virtual reality game that lets you pilot an Eva Unit. You’ll find yourself seated in a motion simulator designed to resemble the cockpit, minus the soaking in immersive LCL orange fluid. Your mission is to protect Tokyo-3 from The Tenth Angel, working alongside two other pilots to drive off this vile creature.

The game mirrors aspects from the series, such as tracking the player’s synchronization rate, and its graphics are cutting-edge, resulting in an unparalleled virtual gaming extravaganza. Regrettably, this immersive experience can only be found at specific VR arcades in Japan, implying that a significant amount of travel expenses will be necessary if you wish to pilot Shinji’s mecha.

1 Neon Genesis Evangelion, AKA Evangelion 64

The Best All-Rounder Offers A Solid Eva Experience

  • Developer: BEC
  • Platform: Nintendo 64
  • Release Date: June 25, 1999
  • Genre: Action/Fighting​

Evangelion 64 earns the number one spot due to several factors: it delivers an enjoyable gaming experience, strikes a perfect balance between fan engagement and game mechanics, and provides extended playtime compared to many of its contemporaries. Additionally, visually it outperforms numerous Nintendo 64 games released concurrently, serving as a technical pinnacle for the console.

In essence, the game follows a straightforward concept: Shinji takes control of Unit 01 to vanquish Angels, but it offers additional playable modes featuring Rei and Asuka too. The cinematic style of the game gives it an almost real-life feel, much like watching an episode. Plus, it incorporates storylines not covered in the original series or films, making it a treasure trove for dedicated Evangelion enthusiasts.

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2024-10-02 11:34