MECHA / GIANT ROBOT REVIEW:

Voltron = For the 80s Old School Boys
Power Rangers Zords = For Infant Boys
Transformers = For Little Boys
Gundams = For Teenage Boys
Evangelions = For Angsty and Depressed Boys
Tactical Surface Fighters = For REAL MEN


ACTUAL REVIEW:

“Intense, Emotional and Terrifying. Muv Luv Alternative is one of the greatest visual novels I've ever read." - Majikoi (MH) 2018

DISCLAIMER: I have personally backed this game on Kickstarter. This is my 2nd review on Steam and will be spoiler free and be more like my ramblings and praise for the series. I have read the visual novel before the release on Steam.

Critically acclaimed by fans and rated #1 on the VNDB. Muv Luv Alternative (pronounced "Mabu Ravu") was released in 2006, 3 years after the release of Muv Luv Extra/Unlimited. Alternative is the final game in the original Muv Luv Trilogy. Completing the story of Shirogane Takeru. A story of "Love and Courage".

Despite being linear in format, Alternative has a very strong narrative and impressive world building. The first part of the story begins similarly to the start of Unlimited. As the story progresses things start to change dramatically as Takeru's decisions change the world and the future. Elements such as plot twists, politics, moral/ethical dilenmas litter the 1st half of the story. It is much more grounding and purposeful compared to Unlimited and it finally gives value to a lot of the generic story elements in the first two games.

The 2nd part of the story is where Alternative takes off. And boy, does it take off. Exponentially. The first time I had read it, I went on a 48 hour binge reading spree to complete it. A very emotional, dramatic and powerful experience you only get in a very few selection of visual novels.

Alternative is really a story of sacrifice with love and courage in the mix. Some fans of the series would argue that throughout the later half of the story, Takerus struggles and situations lead him a journery where he grows from a boy to a man. However, I would have to disagree, rather his journey is one where a boy becomes soldier. Dealing with the harsh realities of war in world very different from our own but also very similar. Despite that, it reminds us that there is still hope.

Overall I greatly enjoyed it and is one experience that I probably won't ever forget. I highly reccommend it to anyone that is a fan of science fiction / romance / drama.

"Carry out your mission at all costs!
Fight till your very last breath!
Make your death count!"


BONUS CANADIAN BREAKFAST FOOD REVIEW:

Extra = Uncooked Buttermilk Pancake Batter

Muv Luv Extra is like uncooked pancake batter. Under extreme circumstances, one may consume it raw it if absolutely necessary. Overall, bland and almost unpalatable, but not inedible if you are in a post apocalyptic survival situation.

Unlimited = Hot Non-Stick Skillet

Muv Luv Unlimited is the foundation of Muv Luv and many of its side stories and spinoffs. An absolute and necessary tool for the introduction to the alternative universe of the Muv Luv franchise. Without it, one must consume their foodstuffs raw. When combined with Extra, you get a fluffy, warm, and soft buttermilk pancake. Still bland, but much more palatable.

Alternative = 100% Authentic Real Canadian Grade “A” Maple Syrup

“One cannot have said to have tasted the “TRUE” essence of breakfast pancakes without having it with real Canadian maple syrup...” - Some random Canadian gentleman I happened to interview one day on the street...

Muv Luv Alternative is like maple syrup. It is the final game in the trilogy and completes the main series in its entirety. Golden and delicious, the naturally sweet syrup when combined with your warm buttermilk pancakes (Extra + Unlimited) completes your amazing morning breakfast. Each mouthful tantalizes your tongue and taste buds. You can't stop and find yourself having breakfast pancakes every morning. Soon you get fat. Your friends tease and bully you. Your mother shames you. Your doctor tells you that you have type 2 diabetes! You later discover that maple syrup is a very poor source of nutrients and very high in sugar/calories. Every drop adds to your waistline... But you don't regret it. Yes. You don't regret it at all.

Side Stories and Spin offs (in Photon Flowers/Melodies, etc)
= Pancake toppings such as blueberries, apples, jam, chocolate, butter, nuts, etc.

When different toppings are added to your pancake breakfast, it makes each meal unique and enhances the flavor and experience.

The Day After, Total Eclipse, Schwarzesmarken, Altered Fable, etc (Major Side Stories)
= Bacon, Eggs, Sausage, Ham, and/or Hash Browns.

Major side stories such as The Day After, Total Eclipse, Schwarzesmarken are other delicous breakfast items, that when added to your pancake meal creates a complete and balanced "Breakfast of Champions".

MECHA / GIANT ROBOT REVIEW: Voltron = For the 80s Old School Boys Power Rangers Zords = For Infant Boys Transformers = For Little Boys Gundams = For Teenage Boys Evangelions = For Angsty and Depressed Boys Tactical Surface Fighters = For REAL MEN ACTUAL REVIEW: “Intense, Emotional and Terrifying. Muv Luv Alternative is one of the greatest visual novels I've ever read." - Majikoi (MH) 2018 DISCLAIMER: I have personally backed this game on Kickstarter. This is my 2nd review on Steam and will be spoiler free and be more like my ramblings and praise for the series. I have read the visual novel before the release on Steam. Critically acclaimed by fans and rated #1 on the VNDB. Muv Luv Alternative (pronounced "Mabu Ravu") was released in 2006, 3 years after the release of Muv Luv Extra/Unlimited. Alternative is the final game in the original Muv Luv Trilogy. Completing the story of Shirogane Takeru. A story of "Love and Courage". Despite being linear in format, Alternative has a very strong narrative and impressive world building. The first part of the story begins similarly to the start of Unlimited. As the story progresses things start to change dramatically as Takeru's decisions change the world and the future. Elements such as plot twists, politics, moral/ethical dilenmas litter the 1st half of the story. It is much more grounding and purposeful compared to Unlimited and it finally gives value to a lot of the generic story elements in the first two games. The 2nd part of the story is where Alternative takes off. And boy, does it take off. Exponentially. The first time I had read it, I went on a 48 hour binge reading spree to complete it. A very emotional, dramatic and powerful experience you only get in a very few selection of visual novels. Alternative is really a story of sacrifice with love and courage in the mix. Some fans of the series would argue that throughout the later half of the story, Takerus struggles and situations lead him a journery where he grows from a boy to a man. However, I would have to disagree, rather his journey is one where a boy becomes soldier. Dealing with the harsh realities of war in world very different from our own but also very similar. Despite that, it reminds us that there is still hope. Overall I greatly enjoyed it and is one experience that I probably won't ever forget. I highly reccommend it to anyone that is a fan of science fiction / romance / drama. "Carry out your mission at all costs! Fight till your very last breath! Make your death count!" BONUS CANADIAN BREAKFAST FOOD REVIEW: Extra = Uncooked Buttermilk Pancake Batter Muv Luv Extra is like uncooked pancake batter. Under extreme circumstances, one may consume it raw it if absolutely necessary. Overall, bland and almost unpalatable, but not inedible if you are in a post apocalyptic survival situation. Unlimited = Hot Non-Stick Skillet Muv Luv Unlimited is the foundation of Muv Luv and many of its side stories and spinoffs. An absolute and necessary tool for the introduction to the alternative universe of the Muv Luv franchise. Without it, one must consume their foodstuffs raw. When combined with Extra, you get a fluffy, warm, and soft buttermilk pancake. Still bland, but much more palatable. Alternative = 100% Authentic Real Canadian Grade “A” Maple Syrup “One cannot have said to have tasted the “TRUE” essence of breakfast pancakes without having it with real Canadian maple syrup...” - Some random Canadian gentleman I happened to interview one day on the street... Muv Luv Alternative is like maple syrup. It is the final game in the trilogy and completes the main series in its entirety. Golden and delicious, the naturally sweet syrup when combined with your warm buttermilk pancakes (Extra + Unlimited) completes your amazing morning breakfast. Each mouthful tantalizes your tongue and taste buds. You can't stop and find yourself having breakfast pancakes every morning. Soon you get fat. Your friends tease and bully you. Your mother shames you. Your doctor tells you that you have type 2 diabetes! You later discover that maple syrup is a very poor source of nutrients and very high in sugar/calories. Every drop adds to your waistline... But you don't regret it. Yes. You don't regret it at all. Side Stories and Spin offs (in Photon Flowers/Melodies, etc) = Pancake toppings such as blueberries, apples, jam, chocolate, butter, nuts, etc. When different toppings are added to your pancake breakfast, it makes each meal unique and enhances the flavor and experience. The Day After, Total Eclipse, Schwarzesmarken, Altered Fable, etc (Major Side Stories) = Bacon, Eggs, Sausage, Ham, and/or Hash Browns. Major side stories such as The Day After, Total Eclipse, Schwarzesmarken are other delicous breakfast items, that when added to your pancake meal creates a complete and balanced "Breakfast of Champions".