Muv Luv

Plot

The visual novel Muv-Luv is divided into two parts. The first part, titled Muv-Luv Extra, features protagonist Takeru Shirogane (voiced by Takeshi Aiba in PC and Soichiro Hoshi in ports) whom wakes up one morning to find a beautiful young woman sleeping in his bed, just as an infuriated Sumika Kagami (voiced by Hiroko Taguchi, credited as Rika Fujiwara in PC), Takeru's neighbor and childhood friend, comes to wake him up that morning. The young woman, Meiya Mitsurugi (voiced by Aki Okuda in PC and Kazumi Okushima in ports), is the heiress to a financially powerful family and is determined to be Takeru's bride. As the story progresses, both girls compete for Takeru's affections while Takeru has recurring dreams about a marriage promise he made to a girl long ago. At first, he believes the girl was Sumika, but eventually realizes that it was actually Meiya. At the conclusion, Takeru must choose between which of the girls he truly loves. In addition, the player may also make decisions to choose between one of the three main supporting cast: Chizuru Sakaki (voiced by Masayo Kurata), Miki Tamase (voiced by Hitomi), and Kei Ayamine (voiced by Nagashima Yuuko).

The second part, Muv-Luv Unlimited, starts with Takeru Shirogane waking up in his bed, reminiscent of the start of Muv-Luv Extra; however, Takeru quickly realizes that neither Meiya nor Sumika come to wake him that morning. Upon leaving his house, he finds his neighborhood destroyed and Sumika's house crushed under the wreckage of a large mecha. Takeru later learns that he is in an alternate world to Extra, where aliens called BETA (an acronym for "Beings of the Extra Terrestrial origin which is Adversary of human race") have invaded and mankind fights back against the alien aggressors with mecha called Tactical Surface Fighters (戦術歩行戦闘機, Senjutsuhokōsentōki), usually referred to as simply Senjutsuki (戦術機^?).

Muv-Luv Unlimited explains that the BETA first arrived on Earth in 1973 (in China and Canada) after arriving on the Moon in 1967 and being spotted on Mars in 1958. Subsequent battles with BETA resulted in the global population dropping to 2.4 billion with most of mainland Eurasia having been lost, by 2001. Displaced nations find refuge in the remaining human-controlled areas. Notably, the Soviet Union (which has persisted in this reality) has been driven into the Kamchatka Peninsula and now leases Alaska from the United States of America. Japan was invaded in 1998 by the BETA, and subsequently lost thirty-six million people (approximately 30% of the Japanese population) within a week before the invasion was halted.

Most of the major characters from the Extra timeline are present in Unlimited, notably excluding the Unlimited world's Takeru, who is said to be dead, and Sumika, who does not seem to exist in the Unlimited timeline. The characters are, for the most part identical to their Extra counterparts, with the notable exception Yoroi; Takeru's best friend in Extra whom, for reasons unclear, is a girl in this reality. By the end of Unlimited, Takeru is unable to change the course of the war as the United Nations vote to implement the fifth Alternative Plan. Alternative V's goal is to send 100,000 select survivors to a habitable planet in the Alpha Centauri system, while the remaining forces on Earth make a possibly suicidal offensive against the BETA in the hopes of driving them out completely.

In the sequel Muv-Luv Alternative, Takeru wakes up three years after the beginning of Unlimited to find himself back in his room. Although he first thinks that the events of Muv-Luv Unlimited were a dream, he soon feels that something is wrong, and leaves the house to find that he has been sent back in time to the beginning of the events in Unlimited. Unwilling to accept the events at the end of Unlimited, he decides to help professor Kouzuki save the earth and mankind by bringing Alternative IV, a secretly planned assault on the first BETA hive, to fruition.

Muv-Luv Alternative Total Eclipse is a spin-off story set parallel to Muv-Luv Alternative, which focuses on the development of experimental TSF craft and the relationship between Yuuya Bridges, a Japanese-American test pilot and Yui Takamura, a leading figure in the development of a new generation TSF, which may able to change the course of the war.

Schwarzesmarken is a series set in the Alternative universe, during the early years of the BETA invasion. It replaced the Muv-Luv Alternative Total Eclipse serialization in the Tech Gian magazine. The series is written by Hiroki Uchida and illustrated by CARNELIAN. The series was followed in Tech Gian by its prequel, Bernhard im Schatten.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Muv-Luv requires little player interaction as most time is spent reading the text that appears on the lower portion of the screen, representing either dialogue between characters, or the inner thoughts of the protagonist. Every so often, the player will arrive at a "decision point", and be required to choose between multiple options. Gameplay pauses and depending upon the player's choice, the plot will develop in a specific direction. There are multiple plot lines that the player can follow, one for each heroine in the story, and there are nineteen possible endings. To view all plot lines, the player must replay the game multiple times. The game can end in failure if the player makes the wrong decisions. When this occurs, the player can return to a previously saved spot to try again.

Muv-Luv is divided into two segments, or story arcs—Extra and Unlimited—which serve as different phases in the overall story. Initially, only the Extra arc is available to play, but once the player has completed the Extra scenarios for the two main heroines, Sumika Kagami and Meiya Mitsurugi, the Unlimited arc becomes accessible.

Development and Release

Muv-Luv was released on February 28, 2003 on Windows CD-ROM, and re-released on DVD-ROM on April 30, 2004. A fandisc, called Muv-Luv Supplement containing a number of short stories, computer wallpapers, audio clips, and a trailer for the upcoming Muv-Luv Alternative. The limited edition DVD was released on December 17, 2004 and the regular edition was released on December 24.

Muv-Luv Alternative is a sequel to Muv-Luv and taking place after the events of the Unlimited arc in the original game. The DVD version of the game was released on February 24, 2006 and the CD version was released on March 3, 2006. A Muv-Luv Alternative fandisc, Muv-Luv Altered Fable, was released on August 31, 2007 containing an alternate version of the Extra arc from Muv-Luv along with a radio drama, a Senjoki vs. BETA strategy RPG, computer wallpapers, and a Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse short story.

"All-age" versions of Muv-Luv and Muv-Luv Alternative with the adult content removed were released simultaneously on September 22, 2006. In 2011, both games were ported to the Xbox 360 by 5pb. and simultaneously released on October 27, 2011.

A Kickstarter campaign to release the Muv-Luv series in English was announced in 2015. The campaign succeeded in late 2015 after raising over US$1.25 million, and both Muv-Luv and Muv-Luv Alternative are targeted for release in 2017.

Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse characters

This is a list of characters that appear in Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse, a spinoff of the Muv-Luv Japanese visual novel adapted into an anime. The anime is produced by ixtl and Satelight and directed by Takayuki Inagaki with character design by Yumiko Hara.

Main characters

Yuuya Bridges (ユウヤ・ブリッジス, Yūya Burijjizu)

Voiced by: Daisuke Ono (Japanese); Corey Hartzog (English)Callsign: Ghost 2, Argos 1The main protagonist. Yuuya is a US Navy ensign and is the chief development pilot for the XFJ program, a joint Tactical Surface Fighter (TSF) development program between America and Japan. He is a second generation Japanese-American. He grew up in the Deep South as the son of an American mother and a Japanese father. His father abandoned him during his childhood, opting returning to his homeland instead. Due to his father's decision, he was bullied and tormented heavily during his childhood, and developed a strong disdain for Japanese people despite being partially Japanese himself.Despite his cynical and aggressive attitude, Yuuya is a brave and mature young man who's willing to put his life on the line. Over the course of the series, he develops feelings for Yui though is dense when it comes to the other girls who are in love with him (Cryska, Cui). Very early on, he befriends the youngest of the Scarlet Twins, Inia Sestina, who becomes infatuated with and emotionally attached to him. He later befriends her older "sister" Cryska and as the series progresses, she too falls in love with him. In the past, he was the cause of an accident that killed his commanding officer during a training exercise and was also romantically involved with one of his fellow test pilots, Sharon Heim though why they broke up remains unclear.

Yui Takamura (篁 唯依, Takamura Yui)

Voiced by: Mai Nakahara (Japanese); Krystal LaPorte (English)Callsign: White Fang 1The main female protagonist. Yui is a First Lieutenant of the Imperial Royal Guard. She is the daughter of a legendary soldier who was involved in the creation of the TSF and because of her family, she is often called "Princess" by her comrades. She was one of the first females to be trained as TSF pilots in Kyoto. During a BETA invasion in Kyoto, she was the sole survivor from her unit, and that moment in her life has since made her determined to ensure Japan's survival.Over the course of the series, Yui warms up to and develops feelings for Yuuya and helps create a custom-made TSF with him called the 94 Second.

Argos Test Flight

The Argos Test Flight is an American-based development unit stationed at Yukon Base in Alaska under the United Nations Force Operation Test and Evaluation Command.

Ibrahim Doğulu (イブラヒム・ドーゥル, Iburahimu Dōuru)

Voiced by: Rikiya Koyama (Japanese); Ty Mahany (English)A Turkish First Lieutenant formerly of the 94th Tactical Armor Battalion "Cobra" and now the commander of Argos Test Flight. Having lost many allies on the European front, he prioritizes the safety of the pilots under his command. He is widely hailed as a hero by the Middle Eastern refugees for his actions during the Battle of Rhodes, but he does not see himself as a hero.

Tarisa Manandal (タリサ・マナンダル, Tarisa Manandaru)

Voiced by: Sakura Nogawa (Japanese); Terri Doty (English)Callsign: Argos 2Nepalese Army Second Lieutenant and a TSF pilot in the XFJ program. She is a Ghurka, known for their bravery and fighting spirit. She is a hyperactive girl with a hot temper and an arrogant attitude, but she is reliable in dangerous situations.

Valerio Giacosa (ヴァレリオ·ジャコーザ, Varerio Jakōza)

Voiced by: Kenji Hamada (Japanese); Jay Hickman (English)Callsign: Argos 3Second Lieutenant from Italy and a TSF pliot. Called VG by his friends. He is perverted and usually easygoing. He holds a high level of hatred towards the BETA for killing his family and friends.

Stella Bremer (ステラ・ブレーメル, Sutera Burēmeru)

Voiced by: Sayaka Ohara (Japanese); Allison Sumrall (English)Callsign: Argos 4Second Lieutenant from Sweden and TSF pilot who specializes in sniping. She likes to tease her comrades.

Vincent Lowell (ヴィンセント·ローウェル, Vinsento Rōueru)

Voiced by: Tomokazu Sugita (Japanese); Blake Shepard (English)A Sergeant of the United States Army and a mechanic at Yukon Base for the XFJ program. He is a close friend of Yuuya.

Idar Test Flight

The Idar Test Flight is another TSF developmental unit stationed at Yukon Base. The TSFs in this unit are manufactured in the Soviet Union.

Jerzy Sandek (イェジー・サンダーク, Yejī Sandāku)

Voiced by: Atsushi Ono (Japanese); David Matranga (English)A First Lieutenant in the UN Army and Commanding Officer of Idar Test Flight. He is a Polish-born TSF pilot who oversees the Soviet Union's contribution to Project Prominence.

Cryska Barchenowa (クリスカ・ビャーチェノワ, Kurisuka Byāchenowa)

Voiced by: Hitomi Nabatame (Japanese); Christine Auten (English)Callsign: Idar 1 (shared with Inia)The older of the Soviet Union's Scarlet Twins. She typically has a cold attitude and is highly protective of Inia. Though initially distrustful of Yuuya and Inia's involvement with him, Cryska slowly warms up to and develops feelings for him, ultimately informing Yui Takamura at the end of the series that she has fallen in love with him too.

Inia Sestina (イーニァ・シェスチナ, Īnia Sesutina)

Voiced by: Mamiko Noto (Japanese); Brittney Karbowski (English)Callsign: Idar 2 (shared with Cryska)The younger of the Soviet Union's Scarlet Twins. She sees Cryska as an older sister and becomes emotionally attached to Yuuya.

Bao-Feng Test Flight

The Bao-Feng Test Flight is the TSF develop unit managed by the Unified Front of China.

Cui Yifei (崔 亦菲（ツィ・イーフェイ）, Tsi Īfei, pinyin: Cuī Yìfēi)

Voiced by: Kaori Ishihara (Japanese); Emily Neves, Sara Ornelas (English)Callsign: Bao-Feng 1United Front of China First Lieutenant. She is the lead pilot in the Bao-Feng test flight group. She is Yuuya's self-proclaimed fiance and is very aggressive in her attempts to seduce him, much to the chagrin of the other girls. She is very skilled in close combat.

65th Combat Training Battalion

Leon Kuze (レオン・クゼ, Reon Kuze)

Voiced by: Wataru Hatano (Japanese); Gabriel Regojo (English)Callsign: Infinity 2A member of the Infinities from the United States Army 65th Combat Training Group. He is Sharon's boyfriend after previously having a romantic relationship with Yuuya. He and Yuuya were classmates at the same institution and is Japanese-American like Yuuya. But unlike Yuuya, he embraces his Japanese heritage while Yuuya despises it. Leon has become hateful towards Yuuya ever since the accident that killed Rick Sven.

Sharon Heim (シャロン・エイム, Sharon Eimu)

Voiced by: Rie Tanaka (Japanese); Shelby Blocker (English)Callsign: Infinity 4Another member of the Infinities and one of Leon's comrades. She is Leon's girlfriend and was previously romantically involved with Yuuya.

Rick Sven (リック・スベン, Rikku Seben)

Voiced by: Madoka Shiga (Japanese); Kyle Jones (English)Formerly the squad leader of the Raptor EMD Phase2. He was killed during a training accident when he was caught in a rockslide that Yuuya inadvertently caused. Even though the incident was declared an accident, Leon continues to blame Yuya for killing Sven due to his insane style of piloting.

211 Battalion Zhar

Fikatsia Latrova (フィカーツィア・ラトロワ, Fikātsia Ratorowa)

Voiced by: Takako Honda (Japanese); Angela Foster (English)Callsign: Zhar 1Soviet Lieutenant Colonel and commander of the 211 Battalion Zhar.

Nastassja Ivanova (ナスターシャ・イヴァノワ, Nasutāsha Ivanowa)

Voiced by: Mikoi Sasaki (Japanese); Kara Greenberg (English)Callsign: Zhar 2Fikatsia Latrova's well trained adjutant. Despite being in her mid-teens, she obtained the rank of captain.

Refugee Liberation Front

The Refugee Liberation Front (RLF) is a terrorist organization whose main goal is to improve the living conditions of the refugees who escaped the BETAs. The members are concentrated in the Middle East and the non-Russian republics of the Soviet Union. They blame the United Nations for laundering money and prioritizing their military units over the well-being of the refugees.

Mariem Zerner (マリエム・ザーナー, Mariemu Zānā)

Voiced by: Harumi Sakurai (Japanese); Amelia Fischer (English)Callsign: ValentineA member of the RLF. She is one of the refugees saved by Ibrahim during the Battle of Rhodes.

Natalie Duclert (ナタリー・デュクレール, Natarī Dukurēru)

Voiced by: Ryoka Yuzuki (Japanese); Emily Neves (English)Bartender at one of the local restaurants. She is a close friend of the Argos pilots and likes to dress up Tarisa in different costumes. She is secretly a spy working for the RLF and is killed when she was about to leak out the organization's plans to her friends.

Manga

Three manga adaptations based on Muv-Luv and its sequel Muv-Luv Alternative have been serialized in MediaWorks's, and later ASCII Media Works's Dengeki Daioh manga magazine. The first adaptation, called Muv-Luv, is written and illustrated by Ukyō Takao and covers the Extra part of the first game. It was collected and republished in three volumes by MediaWorks. The second series is Muv-Luv Unlimited and covers the Unlimited portion of the first game. It ran for four volumes and was written and illustrated by Tomo Hiryokawa. The third series, Muv-Luv Alternative, is written and illustrated by Azusa Maxima and based on the second game of the same name. It began its serial run in the February 2007 issue of Dengeki Daioh. Thirteen compilation volumes have been published by ASCII Media Works. The novel series Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse has also been adapted into a manga by Takashi Ishigaki and three compilation volumes have been published. Another novel series, "Schwarzesmarken", detailing the events in East Germany during the BETA invasion in 1983, serialized in the magazine Tech Gian and replacing "Total Eclipse". Seven volumes of "Schwarzesmarken" have been released, in addition to the light novel series "Schwarzesmarken Requiem", of which two volumes have been release so far, and both series feature art by CARNELIAN.

Anime

On July 24, 2011, a teaser website announced that an anime television adaptation of the Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse novels which aired between July 2 and December 23, 2012. Sentai Filmworks has licensed the anime for digital and home video release. The first 13 episodes were released on January 20, 2015, on Blu-ray and DVD.

On September 18, 2015, a teaser website announced that an anime television adaptation of the Schwarzesmarken novels which began airing on January 10, 2016. Crunchyroll is streaming the anime.

Music

The opening theme of Muv-Luv is "Muv-Luv" (マブラヴ, Mabu Rabu) by Minami Kuribayashi. The closing theme for the Extra segment of Muv-Luv is "I Will" and the Unlimited segment's ending theme is "Harukanaru Furusato no Uta" (遥かなる地球の歌, "Song of the Distant Homeland"), both by Minami Kuribayashi. For the all ages version, the opening theme the Extra segment is "divergence" by Minami Kuribayashi. For the Unlimited segment, the opening theme is "Sion" (紫音-sion-, Shion, "Violet Tone") by Masami Okui. The all ages version featured several ending themes depending on the ending, including "I will" by Minami Kuribayashi, "Kizu wa Kaseki ni Narenai Keredo" (傷は化石にならないけれど, "This Wound Will Not Fossilize") by Aki Misato, "Astraea" by Miyuki Hashimoto, and "Little More" (リトル・モア) by CooRie.

The opening themes for the sequel Muv-Luv Alternative are "Asu e no Hōkō" (未来への咆哮, "Roar Towards Tomorrow") by JAM Project for the original release and "NAME ~Kimi no Na wa~" (NAME ～君の名は～, Nēmu ~Kimi no Na wa~, "Name (Your Name Is)") by JAM Project for the all age release. The ending theme for both releases is "Muv-Luv (2005 ver.)" by Minami Kuribayashi.

Reception

In 2003, Muv-Luv was number one in national PC sales following its release. The sequel, Muv-Luv Alternative, released in 2006, was number three in sales during the first half of 2006.

Muv-Luv has received a median rating of 79 out of 100 on EGS, while Muv-Luv Alternative has received a median rating of 93 out of 100, making it the third-highest rated visual novel on the website.