So you want to play Muv-luv Alternative?

Muv-luv Alternative is a critically acclaimed visual novel by age. It is known for its engaging storyline and expansive universe. Since the Muv-luv universe is so large, it can be easy to get lost so this post will guide you through the various stories of the universe.

First I will say that you should not skip everything and go to Alternative. The one of the reasons Muv-luv Alternative is so highly praised is that it builds and expands upon two prequels. While it may seem daunting to have to play through two VNs to get to "the best part," Extra and Unlimited are by no means bad. They have their own themes and charm that one would expect of a full length VN.

Muv-luv Extra:

AKA the first part of the Muv-luv games. This VN acts as an introduction for the main cast. While it may seem generic, it is actually a subtle parody of a typical high school romance VN. This serves as the horderves of the Muv-luv universe, it gives you a taste of the personality of the characters and their respective backstories. But just a taste. There is more, better dishes to come. I cannot stress how important playing through Extra is.
Note: Muv-luv Extra and Unlimited are on the same disk, Unlimited being unlocked after the Sumika and Meiya route of Extra are completed.

Muv-luv Unlimited:

The second part of Muv-luv games. If Extra is an horderves, then Unlimited is the first course. This is were things start to pick up and set the stage for Alternative and the introduce you to the surface of the Muv-luv universe. Technically only one route needs to be completed before you are able to move onto Alternative. Meiya's route is the recommended route to play, she is one of the main heroines for a reason! However Yuuko has a route that is unlocked after the first playthrough and it is HIGHLY recommended to play it. Yuuko's route is a second course of sorts.

Muv-luv Alternative:

Congratulations, you have made it this far, now it is time for the main dish. This is were you will discover were all the hype for this series comes from. Alternative only has one "route," in the sense that choices will only affect a few scenes depending on which heroine has the most points, but for the most part, the main story will remain the same. Again, while any heroine can be picked, but Meiya is once again the recommended "route."

Extra, Unlimited, and Alternative manga:

The Extra manga follows Sumika's route with a few changes, Unlimited is a straight adaptation with no changes, and Alternative features several new scenes and greatly expands on the backstory of several characters.

My next post will cover the various spinoffs and sidestories of the Muv-luv universe.