Today, during a livestream from Japan, Muv-Luv publisher Anchor had big news to share about the popular visual novel series.
The main trilogy, which includes Muv-Luv and Muv-Luv Alternative is finally coming to Nintendo Switch, bringing a port that has been highly requested by the fans in spring 2024.
The reason why I mentioned only two titles as a "trilogy" is that the first Muv-Luv release includes both the first visual novel Muv-Luv Extra and the second, Muv-Luv Unlimited.
If you're not familiar with the Muv-Luv series, it's a visual novel franchise by historical developer âge that debuted in Japan in February 2003.
The first visual novel is your typical romantic one in which protagonist Takeru Shirogane suddenly finds himself torn between his childhood friend Sumika Kagami and the ultra-rich heiress of the powerful Mitsurugi zaibatsu, Meiya, and they aren't the only ones after his heart.
Yet, this traditional, merry love story just lulls you into a sense of false security, as Unlimited turns everything into its head with one of the first isekai plot twists that made waves within Japanese pop culture before the genre wasn't oversaturated as it is now.
The rest is history, and I really shouldn't mention it here because it would be a spoiler. I'll just say that it turns very, very dark, and very, very tragic, but also beautifully uplifting. There are many reasons why so many love this series.
To provide you with an example of the series' relevance, Attack on Titan mangaka Hajime Isayama cited it multiple times as one of his main sources of inspiration.
It was localized in English and it's currently available both on Steam and PS Vita (on top of PS3 and Xbox 360 versions available only in Japan), but the Nintendo Switch version will certainly be a welcome addition.
In other related news, Teito Moyu, also known as "The Imperial Capital Burns" will be released on Steam, including a much awaited English localization.
It's the prequel chapter to the visual novel Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse, which is already available on Steam and is set in the same world as Muv-Luv Alternative. It'll come in November.
In even more related news, the start of the crowdfunding campaign for the Steam release of the all-ages version of Kimi Ga Nozomu Eien (also known as Rumbling Hearts and set in the same world as Muv.-Luv Extra) has been postponed to October 27.
The project's page, tier prices, and rewards have been overhauled. Notably, the basic tier that will grant you a digital version of the game saw its price lowered from 10,000 yen to 4,400 yen (about $30 at the current exchange rate).
The livestream also provided news for fans of the mobile game Muv-Luv Dimensions.
The new main story chapter "Through the Looking Glass" will be released with the maintenance on November 9. Interestingly, it will feature the appearance as an SSR pilot of a new grown-up version of Mikoto Yoroi, still voiced by Lynn.
On top of her, another member of the 207th Training Unit has grown up and her identity will be revealed in the story. For now, we see only her silhouette.
Another completely original SSR character will also join. Her name is Karin Edwards and she's voiced by Misora Matsuhashi.
Hives, a new tower-style gameplay mode will be added with the maintenance on November 2. Basically, you aim to get as deep as possible to earn rewards.
There are three Hives associated with different elements and one that's non-elemental. The former are rotated daily, while the latter is available at all times. You can unlock up to 3 new levels per day and fuel is used up as normal.
The developer is also considering ways to help SSR and SR pilots who haven't received all the available limit breaks to play an active role in the game.
Lastly, we hear that an important announcement will be made during an official live broadcast on Wednesday, November 8, at 8:00 p.m. Japan time.
Muv-Luv Dimensions is currently available for iOS and Android only in Japanese. An English release has not been announced just yet.
