I wonder if that could be because of the dubbing? Did you watch it in english? Evangelion is the anime that changed the genre. It is the inspiration for RahXephon. At least it looks like that.
I really loved Eva. Though I didn't care much for the ending movies. Mostly cause they KILLED EVERYONE and Shinji disgusted me. He had collapsed into being a complete whining crybaby at that point. And what he did at Atsuka's bedside was the last straw with me.
But the series itself was very good. It was pretty innovative. Wildy irreverent of convention. I liked the character's alot. Including Shinji through the bulk of the show. Though I woulda prefered a few less trips on the psycho exploration train! HA!