Neon Genesis Evangelion 2 Game
Neon Genesis Evangelion 2 is a single player role-playing game with elements of a dating and raising sim for the PlayStation 2 console based on the Evangelion TV anime series. Developed by Alfa System and published by Bandai in 2003. The game allows users to experience the Evangelion world and follow a variety of different characters throughout the events in the storyline of the anime.
In 2006, the game was re-released as a PSP game under the name Neon Genesis Evangelion 2 -Another Cases-. The PSP version, included added events, scenarios, Angel battles, hidden items and multiple possible endings. In addition, with the release of the PSP game, two boxes ‘regular’ and ‘10th year memorial box’ went available on sale.
Gameplay
Neon Genesis Evangelion 2 starts with the player taking control of the main character Shinj Ikari, the pilot of Evangelion Unit 01. Throughout the story, the user can move, interact with other characters, eat, go to the toilet, and fight with enemy Angels.
As your character proceeds through daily life, the game timeline clock introduces Angel battles at the correct timing. Besides from these Angel battles, the player is free to explore the Evangelion world without limits.
Upon the first start, players can only choose Shinji as the main character. However as the player completes certain scenarios, they have the choice of becoming other characters. In the PSP version of the game, players are given the choice between Shinji, Asuka and Rei from the start.
RPG Elements
In Neon Genesis Evangelion 2 there are 5 elements to the role-playing system of this game.
Scenario AI
As players can control their players freely, the game’s AI controls the timing on when to trigger the appearance of Angels following the story timeline.
Ai and Memories
Events, conversations and the overall story proceeds with logging all actions taken by each character. As certain scenarios are tailored to certain characters, players can find more about the characters inner feelings and motivations. Filling in the blanks to some of the details that were not stated in the anime series.
Everyday Life
Each character has personal gauges that measure hunger, thirstiness, cleanliness, toilet urge and sleepiness. Players need to complete certain actions like eating, sleeping and going to the toilet to keep their character’s gauges in good health. By keeping these gauges satisfied, another gauge called the A.T gauge will also rise. When this A.T gauge is satisfied, the character is happy, resulting in the opening of more interactions and events throughout the game. This also has an effect on how the player battles with Angels.
Battles
During the everyday exploring of the Evangelion world, the player will encounter Angel attacks similar to the TV anime series. If the player is an Evangelion pilot, the character must listen to Misato’s orders and attack the Angel. If the Evangelion Unit receives damage in the battle, it may result in the character ending up in the hospital. If a character dies, it is game over.
In the case that a player is not an Evangelion pilot character such as Kaji, battles with the angels are turned into just reports of conclusion. If the player is Misato, then the player has more input to each battle giving instructions to the Evangelion pilots from the NERV control room. Also as an added bonus as Misato the player must deal with the paperwork after each battle such as invoices for building repair after the wreckage by an Angel. Without finishing this paperwork, army buildings are not repaired and will not come to aid in future Angel battles.
Classified Information
Throughout the game, players will come across pieces of ‘classified information’ through unlocking certain scenarios that is a special bonus of this game. This information helps reveal and expand more about the franchise and a lot of the secrets behind the mystery of the Anime series. It is said that these answers came directly from an interview with Hideaki Anno, the director of the series himself.
PS2 and PSP Version Difference
One of the most significant differences is the addition of an ‘Impulse’ gauge to the PSP version. This gauge is the opposite to the A.T gauge found also in the PS2 version. During the day to day events of the game when something ‘bad’ happens this gauge rises. In turn, making the A.T gauge more difficult to raise.
PS2 Version Differences
Improved graphics and Evangelion Unit-01 being rendered in 3D.
You can unlock all Scenarios using a code.
Certain scenarios are only available in the PS2 version.
Action buttons are used to make choices when talking to another character.
PSP Version Differences
The opening introduction is removed.
To get new scenarios, the player must complete certain events.
A DefCon that is a timer of when the next battle will occur is added.
The game play for the Scenarios is extended and improved.
Several new voice-overs are created by the voice actors.