Publisher Level Infinite and developer Hotta Studio have confirmed that their highly anticipated collaboration with the popular anime series EVANGELION is set to launch next month on March 12, 2024, in the free-to-play, open-world MMORPG Tower of Fantasy. Tower of Fantasy is available on both PC and mobile devices.
The story of the collaboration centers around the arrival of the 4th and 10th Angels from the rift, which shatters the peace in Vera, and the invading Angels have been spotted outside of Mirroria. In response to this imminent threat, the three Evangelion outsiders, who control Multipurpose Humanoid Decisive Weapons, join forces with Vera Guardians and the Executor to engage in an all-out battle against these creatures. Unfortunately, due to a lack of power, the three Evangelion units are moved into a sealed hangar in Vera where they can be recharged in preparation for the Angels making a comeback.
To better prepare for this threat, Mirroria reactivates the original mecha of Tower of Fantasy. Players will serve as the pilots of this ancient piece of war equipment in their battle against the Angels alongside the Evangelion units. With the original mecha equipment, Mirroria has performed specialized refitting on a batch of all-terrain vehicles called Soul Plugs. These vehicles are equipped with powerful anti-gravity engines that enhance adaptability to different terrains.
In addition to the original content, the collaboration also brings the beloved Evangelion character, Asuka Shikinami Langley, as an added simulacrum. Players can also enjoy the exclusive content of Smart Servant Pen Pen, a partner who follows the player around to help out in combat situations.
To get a glimpse of the Evangelion Fantasy Collaboration, players can view the trailer released by the developers, which is included below. New artwork has also been released to celebrate the upcoming launch!
About Neon Genisis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a groundbreaking Japanese anime TV series that aired from October 1995 to March 1996. Created and directed by Hideaki Anno, the show was produced by Gainax and Tatsunoko Production, comprises 26 episodes, and is now considered one of the most influential and critically acclaimed anime series of the 1990s, if not of all time.
The story of Neon Genesis Evangelion is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is threatened by gigantic creatures known as Angels. The series follows the story of Shinji Ikari, a teenager recruited by his estranged father to pilot a giant bio-mechanical robot into battle against these creatures. The narrative explores complex themes such as existentialism, depression, and the human psyche, distinguishing it from other mecha (giant robot) series.
Neon Genesis Evangelion draws inspiration from various sources, including Judeo-Christian symbolism, psychoanalytic concepts, and Anno's personal experiences with depression. It is not based on any existing work. The series has been subject to numerous interpretations and analyses, and its influence is evident in many subsequent works of anime and popular culture.
The franchise expanded after the original TV series, including movies, manga adaptations, video games, and merchandise. Notably, the Rebuild of Evangelion film series (started in 2007) revisits and retells the original story with significant changes to its plot, characters, and ending, aiming to provide a definitive conclusion to the saga. Hideaki Anno's personal struggles and reflections are deeply woven into the narrative, making Neon Genesis Evangelion a highly personal work that resonates with its audience on many levels.
Neon Genesis Evangelion has had a significant impact on the anime industry and its audience. Its innovative approach to storytelling, character development, and visual style set new standards for the medium. The series blended traditional animation with avant-garde techniques, using abstract imagery, unconventional shot compositions, and a unique narrative structure that defies genre conventions. This has made Evangelion a subject of academic study and a pivotal point of reference in discussions about anime's artistic and cultural significance.
The characters of Neon Genesis Evangelion, particularly its protagonist Shinji Ikari, have become iconic within anime culture. Shinji's struggles with identity, worthiness, and human connection resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, offering a stark contrast to the typically confident and heroic protagonists in earlier mecha series. Similarly, other characters, such as Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley Soryu, have been analyzed for their complex personalities and how they embody various psychological and existential themes.
Evangelion sparked discussions on the relationship between creators and their audience, especially in the context of its controversial ending. The final two episodes of the original TV series presented a radical departure from the narrative and visual style of the preceding episodes, focusing on an introspective psychological analysis of the main characters. This led to mixed reactions from fans and prompted the production of The End of Evangelion, a feature film that provides an alternative conclusion to the series. This film, released in 1997, aimed to address the criticisms and unanswered questions left by the TV series' ending, offering a more conventional narrative resolution while maintaining the series' thematic depth and complexity.
The legacy of Neon Genesis Evangelion is evident in its enduring popularity and influence. It has inspired countless anime, film, and other media creators, who have cited it as a significant influence on their work. The series has also maintained a vibrant fan community, which continues to engage with its themes, characters, and mysteries through fan fiction, art, and academic discourse.