The End of Earthbound

The End of Earthbound, commonly referred to as Earthbound 18.5 is a released DLC pack for New Era Earthbound, and the last canonical event in the main timeline. The DLC is an alternate ending to New Era Earthbound, taking place after chapter 12. The DLC was released on August 19th, 2024 in Japan and September 5th, 2024 internationally.

The DLC is divided into two chapters, each given a secondary English title by Gainax, just as with the New Era Earthbound chapters: Chapter 13': Love is Destructive and Chapter 14: ONE MORE FINAL: I need you. They are regarded by the producers as an alternate ending to New Era Earthbound, or a more detailed, "real world" account of the game's original ending in chapter 13, which takes place almost completely in the minds of the main characters (the style being largely shaped by time and budget restraints). Gainax originally proposed to title it Earthbound: Rebirth 2.

Plot Summary
NERV headquarters is invaded by the JSSDF, as SEELE makes its final move. Asuka awakens from her despair and battles the Mass Production Starmech Series to the death.

Ness comes face to face with Lilith, who grants him the decisive voice in the world's destiny. As his demons continue to torment him, a choice is made that shakes the world.

Production
Chapter 13': Love is Destructive, uses the original script intended for first half of chapter 13 of the original New Era Earthbound.

Among the images used in the film are of some of the hate-mail and death-threats (including graffiti on Gainax's headquarters) as well as letters of praise sent to Anno.

The ambiguous and unclear meaning of New Era Earthbound ending left many viewers and critics confused and unsatisfied. The final chapter was possibly the most controversial segment of an already controversial series and were received as flawed and incomplete by many. However, Anno defended the artistic integrity of the finale.

Final Line
Asuka's closing line, "気持ち悪い. " ("Kimochi warui."), can mean "How disgusting," but it can also be ambiguously translated as "I feel unwell/terrible/sick," "What a disgusting feeling," or "Feels bad." According to Anno, the final line was initially written as "I'd never want to be killed by you of all men, absolutely not!" or "I'll never let you kill me." ("Anta nankani korosareru nowa mappira yo!") but Anno was dissatisfied with all of Yuko Miyamura's renditions of this line. Eventually Anno asked her what she would say if a stranger had broken into her room at night and masturbated over her, to which she replied, "Disgusting." The final scene also had many details removed that better suit the ambiguity of the final line, such as it being more clearly implied that Asuka had returned by herself and chosen to lay by Ness' side.

Live Action Sequence
The live action scene near the end of the DLC was originally intended to be a much longer sequence with Megumi Hayashibara, Yuko Miyamura, and Kotono Mitsuishi portraying their characters from the game, ten years after the events of New Era Earthbound. In this continuity, Ness does not exist and Asuka has a sexual relationship with Toji Suzuhara. Asuka is called out by Anno's own voice, and she seems confused to hear it. The sequence ends with Ness' voice saying, "This isn't it, I am not here," proving it is a false reality much like the one he sees in Chapter 13. The scene was left out for unknown reasons, but the footage is used in the DLC's trailer.

Trivia

 * Many fans were shocked by the intro sequence, showing Ness masturbating over a comatose Asuka. Reviews left online show fans thought this was out of character for Ness.