The biggest plot hole in this entire series reveals itself in the first episode. There are plenty of weapons that can break AT fields.
All the criticism nerv gets throughout the series is completely valid. Literally ever angel can be—in the literal sense—bombed into oblivion. One N2 mine is strong enough to force an Eva to stop in place for hours to days to heal. Several N2 mines will kill these creatures. You know what’s crazier? These bombs aren’t even the strongest weapons available to the planet. Reminder, there’s a positron gun that can puncture an AT field from hundreds of kilometres away.
Imagine how much differently this show would’ve looked if more emphasis was just placed on these guns instead of the Evas. We could’ve gotten such a cooler show.
NERV developed the Evangelions (Evas) for several reasons, despite the existence of powerful weapons like the N2 mine that can destroy an Angel:
1. N2 Mines Are Limited and Specific: While an N2 mine can indeed destroy an Angel, it's not a versatile solution for all situations. The N2 mine is an area-of-effect weapon, meaning it requires precise deployment and can't always be used in the right conditions. Additionally, NERV couldn't rely on it as a consistent or sustainable method of dealing with Angels, especially since it's not a mobile or adaptable tool.
2. Angels' Variety and Resilience: Angels are extremely diverse in terms of abilities, size, and resilience. Many Angels are not easily destroyed by conventional weapons. Some have regenerative abilities, like the Fourth Angel (Shamshel) and the Ninth Angel (Matarael), making them difficult to defeat with standard methods. Evas, with their combination of advanced technology and human piloting, were designed to deal with the specific threats posed by each Angel.
3. Need for Tactical Flexibility: The Evas were designed for combat against an unpredictable and highly dangerous enemy. Their combination of strength, agility, and the ability to use weapons in various situations allowed them to respond dynamically to threats, something that N2 mines or other static weapons couldn't do. The Evas could fight and adapt to the Angels in real-time, whereas an N2 mine can only be deployed in a limited set of conditions.
4. The Importance of Human Pilots: The Evas are not just tools of war; they are also meant to be controlled by human pilots, giving NERV a strategic advantage in terms of decision-making, adaptability, and combat innovation. The human mind behind the controls of an Eva is far more flexible and capable of assessing and responding to the unique threats posed by each Angel, something static weapons like the N2 mine cannot do.
5. Lack of Reliable Angel Detection: Often, the Angels arrive unexpectedly or in places where traditional military assets are not readily available. The Evas, on the other hand, could be mobilized quickly to respond to Angel threats wherever they appeared, which made them more reliable in defense than relying solely on conventional weapons.
In summary, while N2 mines could destroy certain Angels, they were not a foolproof or flexible solution, and NERV needed a more adaptable, powerful, and mobile tool to face the wide range of threats posed by the Angels. The Evas, with their combination of advanced technology and human oversight, were seen as the best solution for dealing with these existential threats.