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Popular Square Enix Game's Story Is "Pretty Much Just a Retelling of Evangelion"

21-Apr-2024, 13:39
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"Stellar Blade" is an upcoming video game that draws inspiration from various sources, blending elements from Square Enix's modern classic action JRPG, NieR: Automata, with iconic themes from the subversive mecha series Neon Genesis Evangelion. Set to debut on the Sony PlayStation 5, the game features a protagonist wielding a sword, reminiscent of the character design seen in NieR: Automata.

According to insights from a staff interview via IGN, "Stellar Blade" also incorporates story elements heavily influenced by retro anime, particularly Neon Genesis Evangelion. This suggests that players can expect a narrative that explores complex themes and psychological depth, mirroring the thought-provoking storytelling found in the acclaimed anime series.

By blending influences from both NieR: Automata and Neon Genesis Evangelion, "Stellar Blade" aims to deliver a unique gaming experience that appeals to fans of both modern JRPGs and classic mecha anime. With its ambitious vision and diverse inspirations, the game promises to offer players an immersive journey into a richly crafted world filled with intrigue and adventure.

Developed by South Korean studio Shift Up, Stellar Blade is the creative brainchild of Hyung-Tae Kim. In an interview with IGN, Kim discussed what inspired the game along with Yoko Taro, who's known for directing NieR: Automata. A spinoff of the Drakengard series, the second game in the NieR franchise, along with Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, were big influences on the action in Stellar Blade. Taro praised the upcoming game, which he considers to be even better than NieR. Ironically, they both drew from the same mecha anime as well. In the interview, Yoko Taro noted, "The work I was most inspired by is Neon Genesis Evangelion. I thank you for praising NieR: Automata’s story, but actually it’s pretty much just a retelling of Evangelion, so there’s not much originality to it. I don’t really watch recent movies, so I’m mostly inspired by memories of works I saw in the past."

Kim then mentioned that he was likewise heavily influenced by the esoteric plot of Evangelion and that its inspirations were hard to escape. Similarities between the works can be noted in the plots, characters and themes. For instance, NieR: Automata involves robots and androids in the same way that Evangelion utilizes humans and angels, with both featuring post-apocalyptic settings. Those two works, along with Stellar Blade, also feature loosely religious elements, including characters named Adam and Eve. Mechs and technology also play a large part in all three, showcasing how influential Evangelion has been within popular culture. Other inspirations mentioned were the cyberpunk classics Blade Runner and Battle Angel Alita, with the latter being a legendary cyberpunk anime featuring a female cyborg.

"Neon Genesis Evangelion" made a significant impact on the anime landscape when it was released in the late 1990s. Renowned for its subversive and introspective storytelling, the series challenged traditional mecha anime tropes and explored complex psychological themes. Its influence extended beyond the anime medium, contributing to a shift in attitudes toward animation in the West. Since its debut, "Evangelion" has inspired various adaptations and retellings, including the Rebuild of Evangelion film series and the "Neon Genesis Evangelion Anima" novels. The franchise has also spawned a wide range of collectibles, including model kits and action figures.

"NieR: Automata," released in 2017, received acclaim for its compelling storytelling and unique tone. The game, along with titles like Atlus's "Persona 5," played a role in revitalizing interest in Japanese RPGs. Some have drawn comparisons between "NieR: Automata" and Western games like "Horizon: Zero Dawn." In 2023, A-1 Pictures produced an anime adaptation of "NieR: Automata" titled "NieR: Automata Ver1.1a." The series was praised for its accessibility and faithfulness to the source material, making it one of the more successful anime adaptations of a video game to date.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

TV-MA

Action

Adventure

A teenage boy finds himself recruited as a member of an elite team of pilots by his father.

Release DateOctober 4, 1995

CastMegumi Ogata , Kotono Mitsuishi , Megumi Hayashibara

Main GenreAnimation

Seasons1 Season

StudioGainax, Tatsunoko

CreatorHideaki Anno, Masayuki, Kazuya Tsurumaki

ProducerYutaka Sugiyama, Joseph Chou

Production CompanyGainax, Nihon Ad Systems (NAS), TV Tokyo, Tatsunoko Production

Number of Episodes26 Episodes

Source: IGN

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Popular Square Enix Game's Story Is "Pretty Much Just a Retelling of Evangelion"

Neon Genesis Evangelion

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