Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse

Characters & Voice Actors

Meiya Mitsurugi MAIN	Karin Nanami
Sumika Kagami MAIN	Tomori Kusunoki
Takeru Shirogane MAIN	Kouichi Kamiki
Chizuru Sakaki MAIN	Miku Ito

“Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse” is a visual novel that stands out for its complex story and interesting characters. The series is set in an alternate version of 2001, where Earth has been terrorized by alien hordes for decades. At a secret UN base in Alaska, weapons developers and military personnel from around the world come together to pool their knowledge to fight these powerful aliens.

The story follows Yuuya Bridges, a disgraced American soldier, who has been sent to the UN’s Yukon Base to collaborate with Japan on a Tactical Surface Fighter (TSF) program. Yuuya is an ace test pilot who ends up butting heads with the female lead, Yui Takamura. The Yukon Base is on American soil, but it’s right by Soviet Union territory, so a duo of Russian twin pilots also figure heavily in the plot.

One of the standout features of “Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse” is its visual presentation. Combat sequences feature a mix of CG and static 2D art that rapidly changes and moves depending on what’s happening in the plot. Dialogue is fully voiced, save for Yuuya.

However, “Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse” has its share of flaws. The game throws you completely into the deep end, drowning you in unfamiliar technical jargon and historical lore that you feel you’re supposed to know already. There are also several disjointed scenes throughout the game with fleeting characters and hanging plot threads that clearly connect to previous Muv-Luv games.

Despite these shortcomings, “Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse” remains an enjoyable watch thanks to its focus on character drama and its willingness to take risks. Whether you’re a fan of mecha and terminology heavy visual novels or looking for a series with substance and depth, “Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse” is definitely worth checking out.