Why NIKKE Players Felt Let Down by the Evangelion Crossover Event

Shift Up's Goddess of Victory: NIKKE collaboration with Neon Genesis Evangelion fell short of expectations, according to a recent interview with the game's producer. Let's examine what went wrong with the August 2024 crossover event.

The Issues

Shift Up acknowledges several shortcomings. While the designs of Rei, Asuka, Mari, and Misato initially adhered closely to their original appearances, this faithfulness wasn't enough to entice players.

The original Shift Up designs for the Evangelion characters were deemed too suggestive by the Evangelion creators, necessitating alterations. The revised, more conservative designs satisfied the licensors, but alienated the NIKKE player base who found them uninspired.

Player Reception

The underwhelming outfits weren't the only problem. Players lacked incentive to invest in limited-time characters or costumes, especially given the lackluster aesthetic enhancements. Asuka's gacha skin, the most expensive option, bore too strong a resemblance to her standard model, failing to generate excitement.

Goddess of Victory: NIKKE's appeal stems from its bold anime aesthetic and engaging narrative. Recent collaborations, however, have diluted this identity, leading players to deem them unworthy of their time and resources. The Evangelion event, in particular, felt drawn-out and creatively lacking, despite the game's strong foundation.

Looking Ahead

Shift Up claims they are incorporating player feedback into future events, a promise fans hope will be kept. In the meantime, both Neon Genesis Evangelion and Goddess of Victory: NIKKE are available on the Google Play Store. Hopefully, future collaborations will showcase more inspired designs and compelling content.

For more gaming news, check out our coverage of Wuthering Waves' Version 1.4 Android update.