Neon Genesis Evangelion

"The best anime game ever?"

Introduction
Well, it is obvious that this game is based on the famous Neon Genesis Evangelion anime by Gainax. So, you'll play across the story of the 26 episodes and even by the two movies, never released in theatres outside Japan, but by now available in a dvd version worldwide.

Gameplay
I would have to say that this game has one of the most amazing gameplay experiences I've ever seen. You'll play mostly some fighting scenes, but there is also a " bust a move " (the dancing game!) sequence, a shooting game, some button mashing levels (like those old track and field games) and some other surprises.

Some of the sequences may seem hard to control when you first see them, but you'll master them easily after some practice. If you know japanese you will have an easier time finding the controls (they are quoted in the pause screen!), but not even that will save you from the harder levels.

About the modes, there are lots of them that you can unlock, like a 3d image gallery with most of the things made for the game, special training missions (like the ones that appeared in the series), the ability to play with any of the 5 eva pilots and many other things.

A special mention should be given to the the option to erase the save game, which is called " Third Impact ". Fans from the series may know what it means, and it is pretty cool, don't you think?

Story
Well... like said before, this game has exactly the same story as the anime from Gainax, so it would be to difficult to talk about the complexity of the plot in here.

Most of the times you'll be able to control the young and problematic Shinji Ikari (who may be considered as the main character) across all the missions from the series, but sometimes you'll also be able to control the cute Asuka Langley as she fights some of the enemies. As for the mystical Ayanami Rei, of course she is also there, and you'll see her sometimes.

Graphics
The graphics in this game look quite perfect when compared to the other games in Nintendo 64. They are great, clear, plus you can see some really good sequences from the anime, which have sound and video, a feature really uncommon in the games for this console.

Sound
About the sound, it features most of the musics and and sound effects that appeared in the series, even that beautiful music from " The End of Evangelion ".

Play Time/Replayability
This game has a story mode (which takes you across the episodes from the series and the two movies) plus some training modes (in which you can fight some Angels only using a specific weapon you can choose), a simulation mode (in which you can choose which Angel do you wanna battle) and some more easter eggs you can unlock as you finish the story mode.

All these make you game have a

Final Recommendation
This must be one of the best games based on an anime ever, so you must really buy it even if you are not a fan from this really known anime series.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 04/06/03, Updated 04/25/05