Shinji Ikari Raising Project Game
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Shinji Ikari Raising Project is a dating and raising type game based on the Evangelion anime series produced by GAINAX for the PC in 2004. A manga with the same name based on the game was released in 2005. The plot of the game is set as the expansion of the alternate universe seen in episode 26 of the TV anime series. The player takes the role of Misato, Shinji’s guardian and has to make decisions for Shinji on a daily basis. The goal of the game is to ‘raise’ Shinji and the choices the player makes ultimately affects his future.
The voice actors for this game are from the original TV anime series. However a significant difference is the character designs are completely different to the original, being created by Yonekura Kengo. In addition, this game includes the comeback of Mana Kirishima, from Neon Genesis Evangelion: Girlfriend of Steel. Also 3 new original characters, Kaede Agano, Satsuki Ooi and Aoi Mogami that are MAGI operators at the NERV headquarters.
Story
The story starts with Misato who picks up Shinji just before battling with the 3rd Angel, Sachiel. This is where he also meets Rei Ayanami. From this point the story continues.
The story proceeds with the user making decisions for Shinji, and throughout the story creates and follows 3 different paths titled “Thanatos”, “Pathos”, and “Campus”. By moving through these paths and the different choices made by the player, the game ends with one of either 18 endings.
6 of the 18 endings are relationship based and can only be accessed on the “Campus” path.The user must make the correct decisions throughout the “Pathos” path to be able to reach this final ending.
The other 12 endings are job based which are determined on how the player raises Shinji and his character statistics. Knowledge, physical strength, sexuality etc all play a part in creating a final job ending.
Gameplay
Shinji Ikari Raising Project is a visual novel type game that tasks aspect from the ‘Princess Maker’ game series also published by GAINAX. There are 3 main elements to the gameplay.
Weekly Schedule
The player decides what Shinji does throughout the week from Monday to Saturday. Each day having 2 slots, the first half and second half of the day. The player can freely choose from a variety of options such as attending school, participating in Evangelion synch tests, battle practice and more. On days off like Sunday, players can also choose extra-curricular activities like shopping and going to the beach, or working at NERV, unlocking new items and equipment. Also depending on the season, special events such as school opening ceremonies and end of term tests are options that make the timeline more realistic.
Each choice has a direct effect on which of Shinji’s statistics are improved.
Shinji’s Stats
Knowledge: The higher this is, the less likely Shinji will fail tests.
Physical strength: The higher this is, the less likely Shinji will become sick.
Morality: The higher this is, the more likely Shinji will listen to Misato.
Sensitivity: Related to getting Shinji to date people.
Sexuality: The higher this is, the more Shinji will be attracted to girls. The lower it is, the more he will be attracted to boys.
Synchronizer ratio: The higher this is, the more damage and defense an Eva will have.
Stress: The higher this is, the more likely Shinji will get sick.
Work Progress: Misato's progress into developing new weapons.
Money: Every month you are given 10,000 yen from NERV to spend on Shinji.
Battles
During the course of the storyline the player will encounter Angel attacks just like in the TV anime series. As Misato, the player must prepare Shinji for battle by picking equipment for Evangelion Unit 01. Depending on the scenario there may be some unavailable weapons and equipment, however they get unlocked during the game. After launch, the player must provide instructions during battle.
Attack: Attack with or without a weapon.
Abandon equipment: Drops equipment (Available only when holding an item).
Defend: Block attack.
Concentrate: Doubles equipment attack power (Available only when holding an item).
Wait: Wait for orders.
Dialogue
The last element of gameplay is dialogue. At various points of the game, Shinji will have to make choices during a conversation with a certain character. These choices also have a strong influence on what events and what path is taken.
New Characters
In the Shinji Ikari Raising Project game and manga, 3 new NERV staff characters, were created and introduced.
Aoi Mogami
A young dark-haired girl with glasses. Aoi is the operator of MELCHIOR in the MAGI system. She is also in charge of Shinji’s intelligence training. A smart girl, too smart that sometimes she has the aura of a ‘mad scientist’ she has the traits of Ritsuko Akagi.
Kaede Agano
A cute brown-haired girl with short hair. Kaede is the operator of BALTHASAR in the MAGI system and is also in charge of Shinji’s mentality training. A sweet and cute girl that is good at cooking she has a motherly-feeling.
Satsuki Ooi
The mature and refine type with long blonde hair. Satsuki is the operator of CASPER in the MAGI system. She is in charge of Shinji’s sensitivity training. She is half Russian and loves vodka. Through training with Shinji she understands his emotions, and is actually one of the options as Shinji’s love interest.
Possible Endings
Depending on the control of the user and the choices Shinij makes throughout the story of the game, there are 18 final endings that a player can reach.
Job Related Ending
- Jobless Man
- Basketball Player
- Blade Man
- University Student
- Musician
- Cartoonist
- Teacher
- Overseas support
- Cello player
- Artist
- Novelist
- Production house
Relationship Related Ending
- Asuka
- Kaworu
- Mana
- Misato
- Rei
- Satsuki Ooi