Monday, 9 Dec 2024

Immerse Yourself in the Captivating World of Neon Genesis Evangelion Games

The highly anticipated classic anime, Neon Genesis Evangelion, has finally arrived on Netflix today. If you’re unfamiliar with the show, it’s a thought-provoking sci-fi tale that delves into the depths of the human psyche while facing an impending apocalypse. But it’s not just about that; it also features giant mechas battling monstrous kaiju and even comedic relief from mischievous penguins.

For true fans, Neon Genesis Evangelion is much more than your typical mecha anime. It’s an intricate saga that explores the complexities of human nature within the framework of traditional sci-fi tropes. The show constantly subverts expectations and presents characters that defy traditional labels of “hero” or “villain,” making them more relatable and compelling. This unique combination of elements sets it apart from any other anime out there.

Interestingly, video game creators often find inspiration in outlandish concepts and the lofty ambitions of literary works. As a result, there are several games that share a thematic resonance with Neon Genesis Evangelion. These games offer somber characters navigating fantastical worlds, providing players with compelling and distinct experiences.

Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc

Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc

Available on: PS4, PC, Vita, iOS

Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc combines elements of a visual novel and a puzzler. In this game, you play as a teenager trapped in a school where a deranged remote-controlled bear forces you and your classmates to live there indefinitely – unless someone can successfully commit murder and get away with it. With dark humor and unexpected pathos, Danganronpa goes beyond its anime-style visuals to captivate players.

Doki Doki Literature Club!

Doki Doki Literature Club!

Available on: PC

While we don’t want to spoil anything, Doki Doki Literature Club! is a visual novel that defies expectations and delves into darker themes. Prepare to have your perceptions challenged and your emotions tested in this enigmatic experience.

I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream

I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream

Available on: PC, Mac, iOS

Based on the bleak short story by Harlan Ellison, I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream is a point-and-click adventure that relentlessly explores themes of despair. Trapped in an eternal torment orchestrated by an evil supercomputer, the deeply flawed human characters must confront their past sins repeatedly, with the hope of breaking free. Be warned, this game delves into heavy subject matter such as self-harm, sexual abuse, white supremacy, and suicide.

For a more in-depth look at the making and impact of I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream, check out our feature on the game here.

Hellblade

Hellblade

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC

A central theme in Neon Genesis Evangelion is the protagonist Shinji’s overwhelming doubt and anxiety, which often leaves him feeling helpless when his friends are in need. Hellblade tackles similar mental health issues with great sensitivity, presenting its own protagonist, Senua, as a complex and relatable character. Her journey is a grueling testament to the emotional obstacles we all face and the strength it takes to confront them. To get a deeper understanding of Hellblade, read editor Elise Favis’ personal account on how the game helped her confront her chronic illness.

Inside

Inside

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, iOS

Inside is an unnerving exploration of a bleak and mysterious world, featuring chilling government operations and haunting architecture. In a similar vein to Neon Genesis Evangelion, the game delves into shocking atrocities while delivering an unforgettable conclusion. Read our review of Inside here.

Into The Breach

Into The Breach

Available on: PC, Switch

If you’re looking for a game that captures the intense battles of Neon Genesis Evangelion without replicating its somber tone, Into The Breach is the perfect choice. Pilot giant robots and defend cities against monstrous creatures in this thrilling strategy game.

Check out our review of Into The Breach here.

Life Is Strange

Life Is Strange

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, PS3, Xbox 360, iOS

While Neon Genesis Evangelion touches on war and societal failures, it also explores the struggles of children burdened with fixing the mistakes of their parents. Life Is Strange mirrors this exploration, focusing on the trials of adolescence. Play as high school student Max Caulfield, who must navigate personal relationships and discover her mysterious ability to rewind time.

Mass Effect 3

Mass Effect 3

Available on: Xbox One (backwards compatibility), PS3, Xbox 360, PC

The Mass Effect series stands as one of the greatest in gaming history, emphasizing the impact of difficult choices on the galaxy. Mass Effect 3 showcases the devastating consequences players face after years of investment in the series. The tragedy and epic moments in Mass Effect 3 rival the emotional intensity found in Neon Genesis Evangelion.

To dive deeper into the choices of the Mass Effect series, check out our comprehensive exploration here.

Metal Gear Solid 4

Metal Gear Solid 4

Available on: PS4 (PS Now), PS3

Metal Gear Solid has always confronted the traumatic effects of war while simultaneously highlighting the beauty of violence. This fusion of dissonance mirrors the power behind Neon Genesis Evangelion. Metal Gear Solid 4, specifically, delves deeper into the exhaustion and despair experienced by the game’s traumatized heroes.

Nier Automata

Nier Automata

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Nier Automata swaps fantasy tropes for a sci-fi setting, where androids wage an unending proxy war against robots. This bold and ambitious game beautifully captures the essence of Neon Genesis Evangelion, delivering massive successes alongside heart-wrenching moments. Brace yourself for an experience that matches the weird-to-somber ratio of the anime.

Night In The Woods

Night In The Woods

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, iOS

Breakdowns and societal struggles are fundamental themes in both Neon Genesis Evangelion and Night In The Woods. While Evangelion ramps these themes up to the extreme, Night In The Woods takes a more mundane approach. Despite the impending doom, this game finds solace in the bonds of friendship during overwhelming hardships.

Prey (2017)

Prey (2017)

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Humanity’s capacity to create its own suffering and despair plays a significant role in Neon Genesis Evangelion. Similarly, Prey showcases the destructive consequences of human arrogance, though we won’t spoil the details here.

For an in-depth review of Prey, click here.

Shadow Of The Colossus

Shadow Of The Colossus

Available on: PS4, PS3, PS2

Though not set in a sci-fi world, Shadow Of The Colossus shares the somber mind games found in Neon Genesis Evangelion. As you progress through the game, you realize that your successes come with a heavy price, leading to a devastating finale.

Read our review of the recent Shadow Of The Colossus remake here.

Soma

Soma

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Similar to Neon Genesis Evangelion, Soma is a traditional sci-fi story that gradually becomes more twisted. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, you find yourself in an underwater facility as humanity’s last hope for survival. Brace yourself for gut-punching moments as the narrative unfolds.

Steins;Gate

Steins;Gate

Available on: PS4, PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Vita, PSP, iOS

Steins;Gate delves into the moral and philosophical complications that arise when time travel becomes possible. This visual novel offers a narrative experience that will challenge and captivate you in ways reminiscent of Neon Genesis Evangelion.

What Remains Of Edith Finch

What Remains Of Edith Finch

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Family and misery are intertwined themes within Neon Genesis Evangelion. Similarly, What Remains Of Edith Finch explores the complexities of family dynamics and our struggles to find our place within it. Immerse yourself in this expertly crafted narrative adventure.

For a full review of What Remains Of Edith Finch, click here.

Wolfenstein: The New Order / Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Wolfenstein: The New Order / Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch (Wolfenstein II)

Neon Genesis Evangelion deftly combines its somber themes with mecha action. Likewise, the Wolfenstein series takes on similar somber themes while replacing mechas with Nazi-killing. The result is a frantic, thought-provoking experience that blends zany moments with deep philosophical musings.

With this diverse range of games capturing the essence of Neon Genesis Evangelion, you can now immerse yourself in captivating narratives that explore the depths of the human condition. Each game offers a unique experience, allowing you to discover compelling and thought-provoking stories that resonate with the themes of the beloved anime.