The recent crossover between Shift Up's *Goddess of Victory: NIKKE* and *Neon Genesis Evangelion* in August 2024 fell short of player expectations. In a candid interview, Nikke’s producer shed light on what went awry with the Nikke x Evangelion collaboration.
What Went Wrong?
Shift Up acknowledged several issues with the Evangelion collab event. The event introduced characters like Rei, Asuka, Mari, and Misato, dressed in outfits that remained true to their iconic looks. However, these designs didn't capture the enthusiasm of the player base as expected.
Initially, the character designs crafted by Shift Up and the Nikke team were considered too provocative by Evangelion’s licensors. Consequently, the designs were toned down to align with the licensors' standards. While this move satisfied the licensors, it left the player community unimpressed with the altered aesthetics.
What Did the Players Think?
The disappointment wasn't limited to the character outfits alone. Players felt there was little motivation to invest in the limited-time characters and costumes, especially since the new skins didn’t offer enough novelty. For instance, Asuka’s gacha skin, the priciest option, bore too much resemblance to her standard model, failing to entice players.
*Goddess of Victory: NIKKE* is celebrated for its bold, over-the-top anime aesthetics and engaging narrative. However, recent collaborations have been perceived as diluting the game’s unique identity, leading players to question the value of participating in such events.
Despite Nikke’s solid foundational appeal, the uninspired designs and the overall feel of the Evangelion event seemed stretched and unfulfilling. Shift Up has committed to taking player feedback seriously for future events, with hopes of making significant improvements.
You can explore both *Neon Genesis Evangelion* and *Goddess of Victory: NIKKE* on the Google Play Store. Moving forward, fans are eager to see Shift Up revitalize the game with exceptional content in the upcoming months.
Before you go, don't miss out on our coverage of *Wuthering Waves’* Version 1.4 Update, now available on Android.