Girlfriend of Steel/Iron Maiden Game
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Girlfriend of Steel is a video game created by GAINAX following the Neon Genesis Evangelion timeline also known to Evangelion fans as ‘Iron Maiden’. The original game was released officially only in Japan for Windows PC in 1997. It was also released on Sega Saturn and PlayStation with a sequel Neon Genesis Evangelion: Girlfriend of Steel 2nd in 2005.
Later, in 2006, a special edition with extra scenes was released on the PS2 console as a part of the Evangelion’s 10th anniversary. Finally in 2009, a version for the PSP was released.
Gameplay
Girlfriend of Steel is visual novel style game that consists of two discs following the storyline as the main character of Shinji Ikari. The player controls Shinji to trigger and encounter certain scripted events in the story. Similar to a story book, the gameplay is very simplistic. The player has little choice, until the very end, where the player can make the final decision, resulting in three different endings. There is an extra fourth ending in the special edition of the game.
The graphics and design are similar to the original anime and original work from GAINAX.
Introduction of Mana Kirishima
The Girlfriend of Steel game introduces the addition of a new character to the Evangelion cast, Mana Kirishima. A 14-year old student from Kagoshima that in the story, transferred to Shinji, Asuka and Rei’s class. On first appearance, Mana is the halfway image between Asuka and Rei. With reddish-brown hair similar to Asuka’s hair color, but short like Rei’s hairstyle. Her personality is also like the midway between the two, not as overwhelming like Asuka, but also not as quiet and shy like Rei.
In the game, Mana Kirishima is voiced by Megumi Hayashibara, the same voice actor as Rei Ayanami.
Plot
The story starts in the middle of the original Evangelion anime TV series. Considering the timeline, in the peaceful time somewhere before the battle with the Angel, Ireul. The new character, Mana Kirishima is transferred to Shinji’s school, where she and Shinji start to begin a special relationship.
Similar to the series, with Asuka’s love-hate feelings towards Shinji, this new relationship provokes jealousy within her and suspects that Mana is not what see seems like. Asuka is suspicious that she is a spy from another organization that has come to steal secret and sensitive information about Shinji, NERV and the Evangelion Units. As the story folds, Rei holds a very background role in the story.
Despite this, through the events of the game, Shinji and Mana create a closer relationship resulting in the two going on a date.
Eventually, the story reveals that Mana Kirishima was in fact a spy for a rival defense contractor, and is one of the three test pilots for the man made robot the TRIDENT, also called the "Land Cruiser", and the newest competitor to the Evangelion Units.
The plot reaches a climax when Mana’s TRIDENT robot goes berserk and Shinji, Asuka and Rei are ordered to stop and destroy it. This leaves the user in limbo as to what finally happens to Mana in the end.
At the climax of the story and the end of the game, the player is given a choice of what player to focus on. This choice determines how the game is finally ended.
Girlfriend of Steel Endings
Mana Ending
If the player chooses to conclude the game with focus on Mana, the game ends to reveal that Mana didn’t die in the last battle with the Evangelion Units. Shinji saves Mana and the plot ends with Mana and Shinji back at Misato’s apartment. A happy ending, but Shinji has to say his goodbyes as Mana has agreed to leave to Tokyo-3.
Asuka Ending
If the player chose to conclude the game with focus on Asuka, the game ends with insinuations that Mana had died in battle. A distressed Shinji is comforted by Asuka and as a result grow closer. The plot finally ends with scenes of romantic images of Asuka and Shinji together, embracing in a hug.
Kaji Ending
The third ending doesn’t focus on a particular character. However when the player chooses this ending option, Mana is not killed in the final battle, and the story ends simply with mana saying ‘goodbye’ to Shinji.
Special Edition Ending
In the PS2 special edition version of Girlfriend of Steel, an extra fourth ending is available for players. If chosen the story ends with Mana being alive after the battle. Shinji and Mana express their feelings towards each other and despite the continuous attacks of the Angels move in together, with Mana eventually becoming a part of NERV.
Awards
At the time of release, Girlfriend of Steel was greeted with a warm reception. The game won the "Best Interactive Software" in the November 1997 Animation Kobe Awards. This was at the same time that both the Death and Rebirth and End of Evangelion movies were nominated in the movie category of the awards.