Neon Genesis Evangelion: Shito Ikusei

Released exclusively in Japan on July 22, 1999, for Bandai's monochrome WonderSwan handheld, Neon Genesis Evangelion: Shito Ikusei represents a fascinating entry in the Evangelion video game catalog. Developed by Soft Machine, the game was published during the height of the series' popularity following the release of The End of Evangelion. Rather than focusing on the high-octane combat of the Evangelion units, the game takes a distinctly different approach: players assume the role of Kaji, who in a secret project overseen by Gendo Ikari, is entrusted with the cultivation of an Angel embryo—a fragment of Adam—to study its growth and evolution. This premise allowed the game to explore the more mysterious and scientific aspects of the Evangelion mythos, delving into the nature of Angels, the LCL substance, and the metaphysical AT Fields that define the series' core conflicts.

The core gameplay loop revolves around the digital pet-style nurturing mechanics. Players interact with the developing Angel through a series of menus, managing four key parameters: Energy, which governs vitality; LCL, controlling the composition and quality of the amniotic fluid environment; AT Field, strengthening the Angel's defensive barrier; and Items, which can be administered to treat ailments or boost growth. The choices made in balancing these parameters directly influence the Angel's developmental path, leading to over 20 distinct evolutionary forms, each with unique characteristics and visual designs. This system encourages experimentation and multiple playthroughs, as different stat combinations unlock different Angel variants, from familiar enemies from the series to original creations.

Complementing the raising simulation is an exploration mode that allows players to navigate a chibi-style rendition of NERV headquarters. As Kaji, players can wander through iconic locations such as the Command Center, the Evangelion hangars, and Gendo's office, interacting with key characters including Shinji Ikari, Asuka Langley Soryu, Rei Ayanami, and Misato Katsuragi. These conversations not only provide context and humor but also offer opportunities to acquire items and trigger special events, some of which recreate memorable scenes from the anime, while others present original scenarios exclusive to the game. A New Game+ mode expands the explorable area to Tokyo-3, adding further depth and replayability.

Once the Angel reaches maturity, the game's battle system becomes accessible. These battles are fought as a card game, pitting the player's fully raised Angel against opposing forces—either the three Evangelion units (piloted by Shinji, Rei, and Asuka) in single-player mode, or against another player's Angel via the WonderSwan's link cable functionality. The outcomes are determined by the stats accumulated during the raising phase and strategic card selection, offering a satisfying culmination to the nurturing process. With multiple endings depending on the Angel's final form and the player's choices throughout the game, Shito Ikusei offers substantial replay value. A fan-translated English patch was released in 2021 by the Anime Game Translations Team, making this cult classic accessible to a wider audience for the first time. Its unique blend of virtual pet simulation, exploration, and strategic card combat, all wrapped in the distinctive aesthetic and philosophical themes of Evangelion, ensures its place as one of the most distinctive games in the franchise's history.

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