Antarctica is hit by a meteorite on September 13, 2000. Floods, misery, instability, and civil wars result from the melting of the polar ice caps, which kills half of the world's population.
Shinji Ikari, at 14 years old, is called by his father Gendou after an extended absence of more than three years. He arrives to discover Neo Tokyo-3 in danger, which makes him feel both relieved to be recognized and insecure about his ability to meet up to the expectations placed on him. When he finds out that he, of all people, must get into his father's Evangelion mecha and battle the hostile "angels" attacking the city, he becomes discouraged. Shinji ultimately makes the decision to pilot the Evangelion and join the battle against the "angels".
