Pixelity launches on-site playtests for Evangelion: Cross Reflections, its ambitious XR game trilogy immersing players in the Neon Genesis Evangelion universe, scheduled for December 19-21 in Japan and December 19 in California with equal participant slots at each venue. Fans can apply immediately via Pixelity’s X account to experience early builds set within the original anime timeline, specifically episodes 1-11 for the debut title targeting 2026 release. This hands-on opportunity arrives amid surging interest in Evangelion XR following the project’s spring announcement, blending VR/AR mechanics with iconic mecha battles and psychological narratives.
Cross Reflections Trilogy Breakdown
The three-part saga recreates Evangelion’s core storyline across distinct XR chapters: the first game spans episodes 1-11, introducing Shinji Ikari’s reluctant piloting of EVA-01 against Angels amid NERV’s Tokyo-3 fortress; subsequent entries will cover mid-series escalation through Human Instrumentality Project climax. Pixelity emphasizes authentic recreation of Gainax/Studio Khara visuals, voice acting, and orchestral score, enhanced by immersive 6DoF motion controls for EVA cockpit simulations and third-person combat. Narrative fidelity preserves series’ existential themes, with branching decisions potentially altering iconic outcomes like Rei or Asuka interactions.
Playtest Logistics and Eligibility
Japan sessions run December 19-21 at undisclosed Tokyo-area facilities, while California testing occurs solely December 19 likely in Los Angeles VR studios, accommodating identical participant numbers for balanced global feedback. Applicants submit via X direct messages detailing Evangelion fandom level, XR headset ownership, and location proximity; selection prioritizes dedicated fans aged 18+ with NDA agreements for spoiler protection. Playtests span 1-2 hours each, featuring guided scenarios from Angel assaults to sync test sequences, with post-session surveys shaping polish toward 2026 launch.
Meta Quest as Prime Platform Target
Though platforms remain unconfirmed, industry speculation centers Meta Quest 3/3S headsets given Pixelity’s prior VR titles and Evangelion’s Quest 2/3 collaborations like Bandai Namco’s arcade adaptations. Standalone wireless freedom suits dynamic EVA maneuvers without PC tethering, while mixed reality passthrough enables Angel threats invading real-world spaces. Cross-platform potential includes PSVR2 and Apple Vision Pro, but Quest’s 300 million+ install base and hand-tracking advancements position it as launch anchor for mass accessibility.
Evangelion XR in Broader Franchise Revival
Cross Reflections capitalizes on Evangelion’s 2025 resurgence post-Netflix global remaster, Hideaki Anno’s retirement tour, and Khara’s 4K Blu-ray restorations driving merchandise booms. Pixelity joins Singapore-based studio’s portfolio after horror XR hits, leveraging Evangelion license for tentpole entry blending anime fidelity with interactive spectacle. Success could spawn multiplayer co-op raids or full Instrumentality sims, expanding XR’s anime adaptation niche alongside Gundam and Dragon Ball VR experiences.
Fan Opportunities and Industry Impact
Selected playtesters gain exclusive swag like EVA unit patches and contribute directly to mechanics refinement, from AT Field breaches to progressive knife duels against Sachiel or Shamshel. Pixelity’s recruitment signals advanced pre-alpha readiness, with iterative feedback accelerating polish amid Quest 4 rumors. This grassroots testing embodies XR’s community-driven evolution, potentially setting benchmarks for anime IP translations rivaling Hogwarts Legacy’s Harry Potter immersion.
Evangelion: Cross Reflections playtests mark a pivotal milestone, inviting core fans to pilot history’s most psychologically fraught mechs in XR glory. From Shinji’s entry plug dread to Third Impact brinkmanship, Pixelity promises transformative fidelity launching 2026. Global applicants race to shape this saga, bridging 1995’s celluloid angels with tomorrow’s neural syncs.
