Neon Genesis Evangelion: 1st Impression

About

Neon Genesis Evangelion 1st Impression is a 1996 Sega Saturn adventure game that follows Shinji Ikari after a brutal Angel battle leaves him with amnesia. You navigate a story where he relearns piloting Evangelions through training matches against Asuka and battling Angels to recover lost memories. The gameplay mixes point-and-click exploration with turn-based combat sequences rendered in full-motion video. Each battle uses pre-recorded animations to show attacks and defenses, with results determined by RPG-style stats and choices. This early Evangelion title stands out for its use of original animated sequences and voice acting from the series' main cast. Much of the FMV content was produced specifically for the game, including new footage of Unit-01 and Unit-02 clashes. While it leans heavily on assets from the TV show, the core structure of training, battling, and story progression feels distinct. A small but dedicated fanbase has kept it remembered, often cited for its ambitious use of Saturn hardware. Released just months after the anime began airing, it remains a niche entry for series completists.