‘Evangelion’ VR Game Will Primarily Use Hand-tracking, Increasing Ease-of-use at Cost of Interaction Fidelity

During the 30th Anniversary event for Neon Genesis Evangelion in Tokyo, Pixelity unveiled its upcoming XR game EVANGELION: Δ CROSS REFLECTIONS, showcasing a strong emphasis on hand-tracking technology.

Exciting Features

Game director MK Choi highlighted the use of hand-tracking technology in Evangelion: Cross Reflections, allowing players to interact with the game solely through hand and finger movements.

While attendees at the event had the opportunity to experience a demo of the game, showcasing hand-tracking interactions, a full demonstration is yet to be seen. Videos shared by users ‘togepytogepi’ and ‘EVA_Armaros’ give a glimpse of the gameplay and the game’s first official hype video.

The gameplay footage demonstrates combat mechanics and quick-time events, hinting at a focus on action rather than narrative elements. The game is set to be released as a three-part series based on the original anime’s 26 episodes, with the first part expected in 2026. New characters have been introduced, portrayed by voice actors Gakuto Kajiwara, Hana Hishikawa, Tasuku Hatanaka, and Manaka Iwami.

Global hands-on events leading up to the release are also planned, offering fans a chance to experience the game before its official launch.

Personal Reflection

While Evangelion: Cross Reflections may support standard VR controllers, the focus on hand-tracking suggests a more casual gaming experience. The gameplay footage hints at a narrative-driven VR experience, similar to other titles like Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom.

As a fan of immersive VR experiences, I hope that Evangelion: Cross Reflections offers more than just on-rails gameplay. While games like Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom provide some entertainment, they can sometimes feel more like extended demos rather than fully immersive experiences.