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. The August 2024 event, featuring Rei, Asuka, Mari, and Misato, encountered several setbacks.
Design Challenges:
Initially, Shift Up's designs for the Evangelion characters were considered too suggestive by the Evangelion creators, leading to revisions. While the adjusted designs satisfied the licensors, they lacked the appeal of the original concepts, disappointing players. The faithfulness to the source material, while appreciated by some, wasn't enough to excite the player base.
Player Reception:
The underwhelming costumes and lack of compelling incentives further dampened enthusiasm. The high-cost Asuka skin, in particular, was criticized for its resemblance to her standard model. The event's overall length also contributed to player fatigue.
The collaboration was perceived as diluting NIKKE's established identity – its distinctive style and engaging narrative. Players felt the event lacked the spark and innovation that made the game popular.
Looking Ahead:
Shift Up acknowledges the criticism and promises to incorporate player feedback into future collaborations. The hope is that future events will recapture the energy and quality that NIKKE is known for.
You can find both Neon Genesis Evangelion and Goddess of Victory: NIKKE on the Google Play Store. The expectation is for Shift Up to deliver more engaging and high-quality content moving forward.
For more gaming news, check out our coverage of the Wuthering Waves Version 1.4 Update on Android.