Detective Evangelion Game
Detective Evangelion is a PS2 video game that was developed by game studio Broccoli and released exclusively in Japan on January 18th, 2007. Three versions of the game were released: a standard version (sold for 7,140 yen), a premium edition (sold for 8,190 yen), and a “premium box” (sold for 26,040 yen) that included a special-made wristwatch. The game also came with pre-order bonuses, including an originally designed magnifying glass and a jigsaw puzzle of the box art.
Gameplay
Much of the game is played in a visual novel-style format, where story is told mostly through text, voice acting, and still images. There are, however, some points where the game changes to a 3D, third-person battle format. All of the main voice actors and actresses return to voice their respective characters in Detective Evangelion as well. While Shinji is a fairly normal teenager in Neon Genesis Evangelion, in this game, Shinji has a profound ability as a detective. Although he is humble about it, his deductions have led to thousands of cold cases being solved. Because of this incredible accomplishment, Gendo Ikari assigns him as not only the pilot of Evangelion Unit 01, but a NERV special investigator as well. Other characters have similar changes made to them. Asuka and Rei are both special investigators along with Shinji. There are a variety of characters that were also designed specifically for this game to fill roles like teachers and students to either be victims or witnesses to a crime to help Shinji and the others make his case.
Investigations
Most of Detective Evangelion has the player control Shinji through various environments in Tokyo-3. The game itself plays similarly to other games like Phoenix Wright and Danganronpa in that a majority of the game centers around the protagonist collecting clues and information to prove the identity of the “criminal”. In this game specifically, crimes are committed by Angels that can hide amongst humans, making it difficult to correctly identify whether or not they are an Angel. SEELE captures who they believe is an Angel, although they are often incorrect. Because Angels are supposed to be the force that will destroy humanity, captured individuals would be sentenced to death if they weren’t given a fair trial.
As such, the player is tasked with proving the captured person’s innocence by moving between various areas near the crime scene and talking with witnesses, interacting with victims, and gathering evidence that can be used in the trial that will be held later. Evidence can be things like a witness’ testimony or a photograph and are treated like items that can be selected during the trial. The trials themselves are held by SEELE, with Keel Lorenz acting as the judge and Kaworu presenting his case as a prosecutor. It is up to the player to connect the dots regarding the case and counter Kaworu’s debates by selecting the correct piece of evidence when prompted to. If enough evidence is gathered and the player uses said evidence correctly, Shinji should be able to find the true culprit behind the crime and prove the innocence of the unfortunate individual that was unrightfully captured. When this happens, a mini-game or battle follows in order to truly defeat the Angel.
Angel Fights
While most of the game is played like a visual novel, these battles use a 3D, third-person fighting system. There is a H.U.D. that displays Evangelion Unit 01’s remaining health, as well as Shinji’s synchronization rate with the unit. The battles themselves can take place in a variety of locations, like the streets of Tokyo-3 and Terminal Dogma. Both the player and the enemy can usually move freely through these spaces and attack each other. The player has a variety of attacks (like punching, kicking, and grabbing) that can be used to damage the enemy Angel, although the enemy’s remaining health is not displayed. The player simply has to continue damaging the enemy until it is defeated. Sometimes, a special gimmick is introduced to these battles to make each one unique. After each enemy is defeated, that case is “closed” and the next one begins.
Characters
Here are the characters that appear in the game from the original series.
- Shinji Ikari voiced by Megumi Ogata
- Rei Ayanami voiced by Megumi Hayashibara
- Asuka Langley Soryu voiced by Yuko Miyamura
- Misato Katsuragi voiced by Kotono Mitsuishi
- Gendo Ikari voiced by Fumihiko Tachiki
- Ritsuko Akagi voiced by Yuriko Yamaguchi
- Ryoji Kaji voiced by Koichi Yamadera
- Kozo Fuyutsuki voiced by Motomu Kiyokawa
- Kaworu Nagisa voiced by Akira Ishida
- Keel Lorenz by Mugihito
Special Edition Gifts
Upon release of the game, a number of special limited edition gifts were given together with the game.
- NERV Magnifying Glass: A black magnifying glass keychain with the NERV logo in red.
- Original Picture Puzzle: A picture puzzle including the 4 Evangelion pilots.
- NERV Wristwatch: Included with the premium box came a special edition silver wristwatch with the NERV logo in red.