Ever wished you could date Shinji Ikari?
Okay, maybe that sounds weird. But hear me out! Neon Genesis Evangelion is famous for giant robots and existential dread. But what if I told you there was a game where you could raise Shinji Ikari yourself?
That’s the basic idea behind Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project. It's less about saving the world and more about... well, raising a kid. A very, very complicated kid.
So, what's the deal?
You're basically thrust into the role of guardian. You get to decide how Shinji spends his time. Will he study hard? Will he train to pilot an Eva? Or will he just bum around all day?
Your choices affect everything. His personality, his stats, and even his relationships with other characters. Think of it like a super weird, anime Tamagotchi. Except instead of a pixelated pet, you're raising the Shinji Ikari.
And yes, romance is on the table! Depending on your choices, Shinji can end up with various characters. Asuka, Rei, even some surprising (and hilarious) options. It’s a wild ride!
Why is it so addictive?
First off, the sheer absurdity of it all is amazing. Taking the brooding, angsty pilot and turning him into a dating sim character? Genius!
It's also fun to experiment. You can create the "perfect" Shinji. Or you can create an absolute disaster. Either way, you’re guaranteed some laughs. The game's endings are notoriously varied, ranging from heartwarming to utterly bizarre.
Beyond the humor, it gives you a new perspective on the original series. You get to see the characters in a different light. It allows you to explore relationships and dynamics that were only hinted at in the anime.
More than just a dating sim
Don’t get me wrong, the dating sim aspects are fun. But the game goes deeper than that.
It forces you to think about Shinji's well-being. What does he need to be happy? What kind of environment fosters growth? These are questions that the original series dances around but this game tackles head-on.
It offers a sort of "what if?" scenario. What if Shinji had a supportive guardian? What if he had a different set of friends? What if he wasn't constantly traumatized by giant robots?
Is it worth playing?
If you're an Evangelion fan, absolutely! It's a fun, quirky, and surprisingly insightful take on the series. Even if you're not familiar with the anime, it's still a charming and unique life-sim game.
Just be prepared for some weirdness. It wouldn't be Evangelion without a healthy dose of the bizarre, would it?
Give Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project a shot. You might just find yourself surprisingly invested in the well-being of the most reluctant robot pilot of all time.
Who knows, maybe you'll even help him find happiness. Or at least a decent haircut.
This game is a fascinating experiment.
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