Muv-Luv, which was first released in 2003 by Âge, is a visual novel by the author of the successful series Kimi ga Nozumu Eien (Rumbling Heart Kiminozo). Though the original 2003 release was an adult visual novel, subsequent releases of the game to Sony’s PlayStation 3, Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and PC, have had the adult content removed. Aside from being a popular visual novel, Muv-Luv has successfully been adapted into a manga series as well as an anime series.
The impact of Muv-Luv’s popularity can be felt in many aspects of both anime and manga culture in Japan. As a series that managed to incorporate romance, science fiction, parallel worlds, aliens and robots, Muv-Luv definitely has something to offer everyone. The trend of “moe military” can be traced back to Muv-Luv due to the use of cute girls that where also fully-capable military officers while the influences of Muv-Luv’s complex storyline can be felt in even the popular Attack on Titan series.
The Muv-Luv storyline consists of two parts: Muv-Luv Extra and Muv-Luv Unlimited, though Unlimited is only accessible after the Extra scenario is completed. Muv-Luv Alternative, which was released in 2006, is a sequel that takes place three years after the events of Muv-Luv Unlimited. Finally, there were two fandiscs released, Muv-Luv Supplemental and Muv-Luv Altered Fable, that provided fans even more lore for fans to dive into.
In Muv-Luv Extra, the player takes control of Takeru Shirogane, a popular third-year high school student who is rather lazy yet is a huge fan of a VR mecha battle game. Aside from getting into daily fights with his childhood friend Sumika Kagami, Takeru’s life takes a surprising turn when he meets the mysterious Meiya Mitsurugi. Once the player completes Muv-Luv Extra, Muv-Luv Unlimited is available.
Muv-Luv Unlimited finds our hero Takeru stuck in a parallel world where mankind is on the brink of complete destruction at the hands of alien invaders. As Takeru gears up to fight the alien threat with the alternate versions of his friends from Extra, he also is on a search for Sumika Kagami, who seemingly does not exist in this world.
Finally, Muv-Luv Alternative takes places three years after Unlimited with Takeru finding himself stuck in the parallel world once again. This time however, he finds himself armed with the knowledge that can possibly change mankind’s future forever.
Under this collaboration between Degica and ixtl, both companies are very excited to bring this best-selling series officially to Western fans. Aiming for a launch window of late August/September for their Kickstarter campaign, both Degica and ixtl are excited to offer fans a sneak peek of the campaign at Anime Expo 2015; there will also be a pre-Kickstarter giveaway for exclusive merchandise available through their website at an upcoming date. With Kickstarter, Degica and ixtl are looking forward to work with fans in offering exclusive rewards and incentives for helping to fund this endeavor.
For more information on the upcoming Kickstarter campaign, please visit: http://muvluv.degica.com/
