Muv-Luv Franchise - Game & General Discussion

[kaizerknight01]

Originally Posted by Sheba

Sheba's final stretch in the Muv Luv Alternative Trauma Train

Last night, I left the game when the title drop for episode 10 appeared. I thought it could be a good point to stop before picking it up in the next day.

I woke up, at first I thought I should play Endless Space a bit. Then instead I picked from my last save. And I don't regret it.

Spoiler for You are scared of that story:

Spoiler for It appears hopeless but you want to see it to the bitter end:

Spoiler for It's not the fact that you end that matters, it's how you do it.:

Here I go. Operation Ouka have gone not as planned in a lot of ways. Let's just say that Yuuko's intuition, confirmed by the attack on Yokohama and Mitsuki's final words, have come to fructition as BETAs have not been behaving as humans expected them to do during Hive infiltration operations. This means that BETAs started using the tools used by humans for this kind of operation against them.

That atmosphere re-entry scene was fucking well done. And I felt wet in the corner of my eyes when I heard Takahashi's voice as he was about to shield Takeru's unit with his ship. Fuck you BETA, that was well played. They just have numbers and lasers for them, right? Wrong.

Back to Team Takeru. Let's just say that some of the girls managed to put aside their differences, even if it means kicking the bucket in the next second. To Kei and Class Rep's Last Stand, salute. Then come the following deaths, those were not less tearjerking. I felt anger when Takeru was shown what happened to Tama. Fuck BETA. Here is the interesting part, meeting with Target A. And from that conversation, all the feelings humanity could have toward BETA, especially desire for revenge, all of that rings hollow. Because BETA don't know the value of what they are destroying. All the culture and the history of Humanity, its joys and sorrows, this don't register in BETA's sensors. For them, Earth and humans were Tuesday.

Back to Operation Ouka, let's just say that Meiya's final moments were painful to watch, especially when you remember that she got friendzoned the days before. But Takeru have to carry on and destroy Target A. Which he did.

Now, on the aftermath. Takeru lost everyone close to him, excepted for a few. Is it really worth it? Yes, this victory that looked like it was a pyrrhic one at first is actually the first decisive victory for humanity. How it could it be decisive if there are THAT MANY BETAS outside of Earth (by many, I meant a soul crushing depressing high number)? Because now humanity have gotten the tools to fight back, thanks to the contributions (the equations, XM3 and many things) of Takeru. He bought humans time. And what is now important is to find out how to set aside the petty quarrels for power between nations, so they can make the best use of that time.

Takeru's time in Alternative eventually run out, so...

What's the point of the epilogue then? To show that Takeru earned it and that the war in Alternative is no more his. Takeru have done his part, it's now left to the rest of humanity to continue the fight. Takeru have suffered well enough, so he needs to rest and enjoy his sweet time as shown in the epilogue. I was so glad to see some of the people back.

Overall impressions. Muv Luv started as a cliché harem VN. Of course, you don't have to like it, but if you are playing it, you may as well start getting involved in the story, right? Unlimited laid out the canvas while pulling Takeru out of his comfort zone. He had to adapt or else... Alternative is without a doubt one of the best VN out here. But it is important to acknowledge that many things in Alternative will not have the same impact on you if you did not play Extra and Unlimited. It's important and better to play them than relying on getting spoonfed second hand accounts from veterans. Doing otherwise than experiencing the games first hand is equivalent to reading a plot summary of a movie or reading the TVtropes articles, it gives you a false impression of the franchise.

How I felt about Alternative?



Because humanity is capable of awesome in its darkest hour.

EDIT:

Muv Luv main trilogy is one of the VNs that have taken advantage of the visual novel format and tropes, and build a story with those. It have taken the bold step to take the protagonists out of their environment and put them to test in another one. This is one of the reasons why I think it is memorable.

Spoiler for major game spoilers:

good job dude .... I share the same sentiments with you Tama demise ...... Then Meiya agonizing plea ..... then Sumika ....... remember those leave a bad after thought ....

[Sheba]

Originally Posted by Von Himmel

^
You can't just... you know, reading that entering the atmosphere scenes without saluting to your monitor and shed a few tears! ;_;

Spoiler:

Also the ending kinda feels like the one who's closest to Takeru after Sumika's gone is Yuuko... it's like the whole alternative is also her route in a way.

Alternative made her one of my favorite characters of the entire franchise. She was crazy, but the good kind of crazy. Someone you are happy to have on the good side.

Originally Posted by kaizerknight01

Spoiler for major game spoilers:

good job dude .... I share the same sentiments with you Tama demise ...... Then Meiya agonizing plea ..... then Sumika ....... remember those leave a bad after thought ....

Spoiler:

It's like Kouki said, "You liked your team's moeblob? Have fun!" My first thought was, "No. Not her!"

[grevierr]

Originally Posted by Sheba

Sheba's final stretch in the Muv Luv Alternative Trauma Train

Last night, I left the game when the title drop for episode 10 appeared. I thought it could be a good point to stop before picking it up in the next day.

I woke up, at first I thought I should play Endless Space a bit. Then instead I picked from my last save. And I don't regret it.

Spoiler for You are scared of that story:

Spoiler for It appears hopeless but you want to see it to the bitter end:

Spoiler for It's not the fact that you end that matters, it's how you do it.:

Here I go. Operation Ouka have gone not as planned in a lot of ways. Let's just say that Yuuko's intuition, confirmed by the attack on Yokohama and Mitsuki's final words, have come to fructition as BETAs have not been behaving as humans expected them to do during Hive infiltration operations. This means that BETAs started using the tools used by humans for this kind of operation against them.

That atmosphere re-entry scene was fucking well done. And I felt wet in the corner of my eyes when I heard Takahashi's voice as he was about to shield Takeru's unit with his ship. Fuck you BETA, that was well played. They just have numbers and lasers for them, right? Wrong.

Back to Team Takeru. Let's just say that some of the girls managed to put aside their differences, even if it means kicking the bucket in the next second. To Kei and Class Rep's Last Stand, salute. Then come the following deaths, those were not less tearjerking. I felt anger when Takeru was shown what happened to Tama. Fuck BETA. Here is the interesting part, meeting with Target A. And from that conversation, all the feelings humanity could have toward BETA, especially desire for revenge, all of that rings hollow. Because BETA don't know the value of what they are destroying. All the culture and the history of Humanity, its joys and sorrows, this don't register in BETA's sensors. For them, Earth and humans were Tuesday.

Back to Operation Ouka, let's just say that Meiya's final moments were painful to watch, especially when you remember that she got friendzoned the days before. But Takeru have to carry on and destroy Target A. Which he did.

Now, on the aftermath. Takeru lost everyone close to him, excepted for a few. Is it really worth it? Yes, this victory that looked like it was a pyrrhic one at first is actually the first decisive victory for humanity. How it could it be decisive if there are THAT MANY BETAS outside of Earth (by many, I meant a soul crushing depressing high number)? Because now humanity have gotten the tools to fight back, thanks to the contributions (the equations, XM3 and many things) of Takeru. He bought humans time. And what is now important is to find out how to set aside the petty quarrels for power between nations, so they can make the best use of that time.

Takeru's time in Alternative eventually run out, so...

What's the point of the epilogue then? To show that Takeru earned it and that the war in Alternative is no more his. Takeru have done his part, it's now left to the rest of humanity to continue the fight. Takeru have suffered well enough, so he needs to rest and enjoy his sweet time as shown in the epilogue. I was so glad to see some of the people back.

Overall impressions. Muv Luv started as a cliché harem VN. Of course, you don't have to like it, but if you are playing it, you may as well start getting involved in the story, right? Unlimited laid out the canvas while pulling Takeru out of his comfort zone. He had to adapt or else... Alternative is without a doubt one of the best VN out here. But it is important to acknowledge that many things in Alternative will not have the same impact on you if you did not play Extra and Unlimited. It's important and better to play them than relying on getting spoonfed second hand accounts from veterans. Doing otherwise than experiencing the games first hand is equivalent to reading a plot summary of a movie or reading the TVtropes articles, it gives you a false impression of the franchise.

How I felt about Alternative?



Because humanity is capable of awesome in its darkest hour.

EDIT:

Muv Luv main trilogy is one of the VNs that have taken advantage of the visual novel format and tropes, and build a story with those. It have taken the bold step to take the protagonists out of their environment and put them to test in another one. This is one of the reasons why I think it is memorable.

Congratulations on completing Muv Luv Alternative, and be made welcome to the group as one who has completed this trial.
Not all who started this journey finished it, but those who do are changed in small but certain ways. Such is the sign of a good story, that some small wisdom is imparted to the soul.
Yes, MLA is one of the very very rare stories that combines many of the elements that made those science fiction stories so unique, adds in the Japanese element of romance, and manages to release it in a coherent and engaging storyline.
Of course, now that you have completed the main story, you must explore the expanding universe of ML. There is much more out there, each with its own goodness.

Have fun, and welcome to the brotherhood.

Originally Posted by Sheba

Alternative made her one of my favorite characters of the entire franchise. She was crazy, but the good kind of crazy. Someone you are happy to have on the good side.

Yes, she may well be the keyhole character in the story. She did what she had to do, no matter what cost to others or herself. In the end she is still human, doing the work no one else can, and suffering for it.

[Sheba]

Originally Posted by grevierr

Yes, MLA is one of the very very rare stories that combines many of the elements that made those science fiction stories so unique, adds in the Japanese element of romance, and manages to release it in a coherent and engaging storyline.
Of course, now that you have completed the main story, you must explore the expanding universe of ML. There is much more out there, each with its own goodness.

Have fun, and welcome to the brotherhood.

.

I acknowledge that it is far from perfect if you look at the tiniest details and pick them apart with questions like, "Why TSFs?", "Why did not we do it against BETAs?", "Why did not BETAs do it sooner?", but in the end, the sums of all parts from the characters and their associated tropes, to the lolscience and political comment in the series made it a very engaging series should you invest time and interest in it. I mean, I have been reading the story, enjoying the narration and "Bah!!" paid no more mind to the critics. Because in the end, Muv Luv Alternative truly IS A Tale of Love and Courage. And with that tagline in mind, Kouki accomplisshed his mission, conveying it with all those moments of bravery and heartwarming.

[grevierr]

Originally Posted by Sheba

I acknowledge that it is far from perfect if you look at the tiniest details and pick them apart with questions like, "Why TSFs?", "Why did not we do it against BETAs?", "Why did not BETAs do it sooner?", but in the end, the sums of all parts from the characters and their associated tropes, to the lolscience and political comment in the series made it a very engaging series should you invest time and interest in it. I mean, I have been reading the story, enjoying the narration and "Bah!!" paid no more mind to the critics. Because in the end, Muv Luv Alternative truly IS A Tale of Love and Courage. And with that tagline in mind, Kouki accomplisshed his mission, conveying it with all those moments of bravery and heartwarming.

No fictional story is made without some pre-established assumptions. One also cannot enjoy a story if one keeps looking for holes.
Personally I accepted the explanation that giant enemies require giant weapons, and lasers rule out planes. BETAs are aliens, who knows what they are thinking.
I think enjoying the story for what it is, not just for MLA, but for everything, is the best way to go in life. Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see, to quote a song.
And yes, it is a tale of hope and determination, which shines through the darkness of despair. Well done, Lord of Despair. Like Pandora's box, a glimmer of hope lies beneath the layers of darkness.

[John117xCortana]

The cost of victory was high. Perhaps too high. While it was certainly better than the results of Alternative V it was still a heavy price to pay.

And Takeru's efforts won't even be remembered in Alternative. Except by Kasumi and Yuuko.

[Sheba]

Originally Posted by John117xCortana

The cost of victory was high. Perhaps too high. While it was certainly better than the results of Alternative V it was still a heavy price to pay.

And Takeru's efforts won't even be remembered in Alternative. Except by Kasumi and Yuuko.

Spoiler:

As I have said, it's no more that Takeru's war. It's now all left to humanity now, and Takeru's contributions are still here, like the now OS that act as a strenght multiplier. With the Superior gone, the BETA have been struck hard in the heart. As Takeru said himself, the loss of Yuuko would have been a harder blow for the humanity. As long as she lives and don't give up, humanity have a chance.

In the end, I think Kouki want to tell us that war of that scale is not won by a lone ace, but the entirety of humanity. But even the contributions of those special persons ARE important to help us taking the small steps toward victory.

When I know the effect of Operation Babylon, I am more than happy about humans having two more decades.

[grevierr]

Originally Posted by Sheba

Spoiler:

As I have said, it's no more that Takeru's war. It's now all left to humanity now, and Takeru's contributions are still here, as the now OS that act as a strenght multiplier. With the Superior gone, the BETA have been struck hard in the heart. As Takeru said himself, the loss of Yuuko would have been a harder blow for the humanity. As long as she lives and don't give up, humanity have a chance.

In the end, I think Kouki want to tell us that war of that scale is not won by a lone ace, but the entirety of humanity. But even the contributions of those special persons ARE important to help us taking the small steps toward victory.

When I know the effect of Operation Babylon, I am more than happy about humans having two more decades.

Spoiler for TDA:

Even after Operation Babylon, there is still hope. Humanity never gives up.

[Sheba]

Originally Posted by grevierr

Spoiler for TDA:

Even after Operation Babylon, there is still hope. Humanity never gives up.

Spoiler:

Unlimited TDA pretty serves as a consolation prize for fans of Marimo and the Valkyries. Not like I mind that kind of prize.

[grevierr]

Originally Posted by Sheba

Spoiler:

Unlimited TDA pretty serves as a consolation prize for fans of Marimo and the Valkyries. Not like I mind that kind of prize.

I thought something along the same as well. Then I played it through. Its more then just a side story. It has the potential to be as good as MLA... Do try it if you have the chance.

[Sheba]

Originally Posted by grevierr

I thought something along the same as well. Then I played it through. Its more then just a side story. It has the potential to be as good as MLA... Do try it if you have the chance.

You ought to tell me where I can find those. I tried Amiami or other shops like hlj, but no luck.

[grevierr]

Originally Posted by Sheba

You ought to tell me where I can find those. I tried Amiami or other shops like hlj, but no luck.

Amazon does sell the newer version of Chronicles 03, not sure about 02 and 01 though. There is always Yahoo Japan Auctions though.
As there is no translated versions you will need an understanding of Japanese or use a machine translator.

[Ray]

So after a year of people convincing me to play Alternative, I finally finished it today.

Spoilers

Spoiler for Muv Luv Alternative impressions (massive spoilers, ahoy!)

Sorry; dynamic content not loaded. Reload?

Oh, I should be making animated and static avatars of CGs and movies that I like, so if anyone has a request, let me know.

[gbatemper]

Originally Posted by Aphrah

So after a year of people convincing me to play Alternative, I finally finished it today.

Spoilers

Spoiler for Muv Luv Alternative impressions (massive spoilers, ahoy!)

Sorry; dynamic content not loaded. Reload?

Oh, I should be making animated and static avatars of CGs and movies that I like, so if anyone has a request, let me know.

If you don't feel satisfied, see it as Altered Fable as a continuation of Alternative (Despite age clearly stating in the intro Altered Fable is not related to any other work).

Anyways, typical of Age. Bittersweet ending.

[grevierr]

Originally Posted by Aphrah

So after a year of people convincing me to play Alternative, I finally finished it today.

Spoilers

Spoiler for Muv Luv Alternative impressions (massive spoilers, ahoy!)

Sorry; dynamic content not loaded. Reload?

Oh, I should be making animated and static avatars of CGs and movies that I like, so if anyone has a request, let me know.

Congrats on making it through MLA! Welcome to the brotherhood, we are slowly growing!

While some feel as you do on Final Extra, I feel that as an ending that goes back to the beginning, it is as the end of the circle.

Spoiler for Post MLA:

If he retains the events that molded him into the personality he was in MLA, that would not grant him peace in Final Extra. We already see what happens when he went back to get the formulas, how he reacted with them due to his experiences. Do we really want to see him breaking down over and over again, after finally getting back to the 'real world'? Its a real life issue, same as PTSD that people who have experienced war get. Can he really have peace that way?
About Sumika, from FE alone, I think its hard to tell, but in AF which is somewhat a continuation, you get the chance to choose her for interactions, just like ML:E. However, no matter which route you choose, he is always more concerned with Sumika's feelings.

[shaga]

Spoiler for :

sometimes i think, why dont takeru using his experience when he travelled to his real world? i mean when he find out that he meet himself?i belive if he can save marimo,sumika in his real world when he already know what'll happen to them

[grevierr]

Originally Posted by shaga

Spoiler for MLA:

sometimes i think, why dont takeru using his experience when he travelled to his real world? i mean when he find out that he meet himself?i belive if he can save marimo,sumika in his real world when he already know what'll happen to them

Firstly you need to spoiler your text.

Spoiler for MLA:

He did not know they would die when he went back the first time. He never went back after their deaths.

[Von Himmel]

Oh, I should be making animated and static avatars of CGs and movies that I like, so if anyone has a request, let me know.

I'm in dire need of some Yuuko's avatar

@shega : there's a fanfic in the fanfiction thread that follows up with your post.. Though whether you'll like it or not it's up to you

[Silvance]

I replied in this thread just stay on the safe side.

Originally Posted by grevierr

Its taken from the Age 10th Anniversary video.

I have put together an almost full translation of the video, combining all the sources I had and self translating the rest. I need some help with the translation of the background text if anyone can help, thanks.

Spoiler for Almost full translation of the PV:

0:00 - 0:50

[Yuuko]Like I said, how many times do I have to repeat... this world was saved by a true hero.

Crying and stumbling along the way, fighting for so long... an bratty hero.

And, it's funny... not knowing anything everyone still went along with him... even after finding out they still believed...

Well... I'm the same as well.

Really... you could say we really were trusting.

Talking to you people is useless. ... Looks like you don't believe a word.

1:00 - 1:13

[Kasumi]"I will never forget... definitely... never forget... about you... and the things all of you left behind."

1.16 - 1.32
[Ritsuko?] Actually, isn't that all right... It's not only you.

I too, have a place I want to return to. Even me... has one too.

1:57 - 2:17

[Haruka]Please... just... stay safe...

[Takayuki]"U.N. Space Corps to all Units deployed in the local Hive vicinity, evacuate immediately.(AHHRRGG!) I repeat, evacuate immediately. We have decided to use (No more deaths) our new Anti-Hive weapon. (In our town) Evacuate immediately(I will not allow anymore deathhhhhs!) beyond effective range of expected fallout and debris..."


2.25 - 2.45

[Luna]Please return Ilfriede, we are out of time!

[Ilfriede]This thing... if we don't try it out how would we know!

[Helgal]Fool! At this rate... You will die too!

[Ilfriede]Please! Let me go Helga! There are still people fighting on... to give up and retreat, I will absolutely never do so!

2.48 - 2.55

103 TSF flight leader to the Imperial royal Guards, this is all we have left. Good luck!


2:55 - 3:14

[Maya]Sir. It is time. Please...

[Ikagura]Comrades! This will be our last fight. The names and image of our Imperial royal guards, Let us carve it into the very soul of this thousand year old capital.

3.15 -3.18

Altitude 40,000! Prepare for Armored Capsule release!

3.20 (Need translation of the Japanese text.)

3:30 - 3.50

[Akane]Captain Isumi... Instructor Jinguji... Lieutenant Hayase... Sis... humanity has finally arrived at this point. Chizuru... Haruko... Tae... and everyone... Finally, we have reached this point.


3.54 - 4.03

[Cryska]I see... just like I thought...

With this that this makes us enemies, I guess?

4:04 - 4:33

[Yui]Enemies... huh.
If it was just like that, it would have been fine.

[Cryska]...What do you mean?

[Yui]We're not enemies. Our relationship is worse than that.

[Cryska]A relationship worse than being enemies? If you know, then tell me. What would that be?

[Yui]... Love rivals.

4:53 - 5:16

[Ilfriede]"We are now approaching the Lyons Hive.

However, that is not our main objective.

The real target of this operation is... the Original Hive.

Humanity shall stake everything on this battle!"

Boy, I'm so rusty. Prepare yourselves for some rough translation. I tried to make it make sense as I can.

Spoiler for Background translations. Major spoilers for the series.:

[grevierr]

Originally Posted by Silvance

I replied in this thread just stay on the safe side.



Boy, I'm so rusty. Prepare yourselves for some rough translation. I tried to make it make sense as I can.

Spoiler for Background translations. Major spoilers for the series.:

Thank you very much! The translations looks great! I'll just adjust the spacing a little when I get the subbing done.