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 this August 2024 crossover event.
Shift Up acknowledges several flaws. While the designs of Rei, Asuka, Mari, and Misato remained faithful to their original appearances, they failed to captivate players. The initial Shift Up designs, incorporating the Nikke style, were deemed too suggestive by the Evangelion creators, necessitating adjustments. The resulting toned-down versions satisfied the licensors but disappointed the player base.
The issue extended beyond the character designs. Players lacked sufficient motivation to invest in limited-time characters or costumes, particularly given the lackluster appeal of the skins. Asuka's gacha skin, the most expensive option, bore too strong a resemblance to her default appearance, failing to entice players.
Goddess of Victory: NIKKE's success stems from its bold anime aesthetic and engaging narrative. However, recent collaborations, including the Evangelion event, are perceived as diluting this core identity, diminishing player interest.
Despite NIKKE's strong foundation, the uninspired designs and drawn-out Evangelion event proved underwhelming. Shift Up intends to incorporate player feedback into future collaborations, a change that players eagerly anticipate.
You can find both Neon Genesis Evangelion and Goddess of Victory: NIKKE on the Google Play Store. Hopefully, Shift Up will deliver more compelling content in the months to come, avoiding similar disappointments.
For more gaming news, check out our coverage of Wuthering Waves' Version 1.4 update on Android.