Acting as the trilogy conclusion, Muv-Luv Alternative wraps up Takeru’s story as he once more begins his battle against the strange and deadly alien enemy called BETA. Those who wanted more out of Takeru’s struggle and needed a true ending to the series will want to experience what Muv-Luv Alternative has to offer. Unlike the past two titles, Muv-Luv Alternative is a darker tale focused more on drama then high school comedy and romance. While those elements aren’t completely removed, Muv-Luv Alternative aims to give fans a finale that will stick with you days or even months after completion. Those who played the first two Muv-Luv games will no doubt wish to re-enter the tale and head for the finale offered only by Muv-Luv Alternative.

Unlike Muv-Luv Extra and Unlimited—which both were contained in the first release—Muv-Luv Alternative is focused on telling a drama filled story that focuses less on comedy and more on dramatic romances and sci-fi themed survival. However, what hasn’t changed from the first two stories is the gripping narrative that has you staring at your PS Vita in constant shock and awe. Takeru and his friends are back one last time and this time, he needs to make moves to keep not only himself alive but them as well. It’s a race against time for Takeru as he restarts his two years in this new world. Can he save his friends and change the world? If you want to know then you’re going to have to dive into this hell with Takeru and play Muv-Luv Alternative!

Takeru thought his life was over after he was left behind when the ships carrying the remnants of humanity took to space. However, as Takeru’s final moments played out, he suddenly woke up once more in his familiar bedroom. For reasons unknown, Takeru has been given a second chance and has found himself still in this alternate world that is unlike the peaceful school days he so dearly misses. Yet, with this second chance, Takeru has the ability to save his friends and the world from the alien threat knowing what will come to pass if things don’t get accomplished in time. Rushing off to redo 2 years of work, Takeru heads back towards his fate with hopes he change the future.

Several days ago, we here at Honey’s Anime reviewed the PS Vita release of Muv-Luv which contained two games out of three. Many have wondered how does Muv-Luv end and is the ending worth shelling out $39.99 for a third game? Well folks, we here at Honey’s Anime have played Muv-Luv Alternative and now can tell you if you should or shouldn’t. Ready for more Muv-Luv? Then get ready for our review of Muv-Luv Alternative for the PS Vita.

In case you missed our review of Muv-Luv—which we strongly recommend reading to avoid spoilers—we’ll explain how Muv-Luv works as a trilogy. The first game—called Muv-Luv—contains with it two games. The first game—Muv-Luv Extra—is about Takeru wooing several girls and finding his potential soul mate. However, Muv-Luv Unlimited is a very different romance story as it switches from being all comedy and becomes more drama filled and sci-fi orientated. We won’t spoil the reason for the shift, but we do recommend if you care about spoilers and story, to go and play the first two Muv-Luv games before going any further with this review…Okay, if you’re still here you have been warned.

Muv-Luv Alternative stars Takeru yet again, but like other sci-fi themed movies and books, he has found himself reawakening 2 years prior to the conclusion of Muv-Luv Unlimited. Now, Takeru realizes the planet’s doomed fate and tries to prevent some of the key events that lead to humanity's downfall. Right away, players of the original Muv-Luv stories will see that Muv-Luv Alternative isn’t going for the silly themes found in Extra and goes for a similar narrative to that of Unlimited. However, if you loved Extra and didn’t care for Unlimited’s switch you might have issues with Muv-Luv Alternative. Yet, if you loved the sci-fi twist, then you’re most likely going to love Muv-Luv Alternative.

The main brunt of gameplay for Muv-Luv Alternative remains the same as before. Players read and occasionally choose between various options that lead the story in slightly different ways. Muv-Luv Alternative unfortunately—seeing as its more drama filled and is leading to a true finale—has less choices that matter ultimately. With 5 endings, Muv-Luv Alternative has only some choices that actually affect which ending you get and require multiple reloads—as you should always save when making choices—to get all the endings. This is a bit of a let down as Muv-Luv Extra and Unlimited felt more altered by your choices, but it’s not a deal breaker, folks. Muv-Luv Alternative still gives you some solid choices and the more streamlined story makes it more obvious—at times—of where a choice will lead you.

Finally, let’s wrap up this review for Muv-Luv Alternative by talking about the animation, graphics and sound. Animation wise, Muv-Luv Alternative remains about the same as Extra and Unlimited with slightly dated designs but some great style that make Muv-Luv Alternative feel like an anime similar to the other two games. What also hasn’t changed from Muv-Luv Extra/Unlimited is the phenomenal voice work and music which keeps every piece of narrative engrossing in all the right ways. The same voice actors and actresses return and we couldn’t be happier here at Honey’s Anime. Also, let us mention that the opening for Muv-Luv Alternative is just incredible seriously.

Muv-Luv Alternative isn’t like Extra or Unlimited, and in some ways, that helps make this visual novel a bit more serious in terms of narrative and story. However, with a more focused story on drama, Muv-Luv Alternative loses a bit of the comedy that Muv-Luv Extra or even Unlimited had and that might turn off some. Though for us here at Honey’s Anime, this shift in tone actually helps make for a more immersive story that has you rooting for its characters and hoping for a better conclusion then Takeru’s original fate. For those who need that conclusion to this trilogy, you’re going to want to play Muv-Luv Alternative and when you do, you won’t regret it. While not perfect, Muv-Luv Alternative hits the right notes to create a truly solid visual novel conclusion that we here at Honey’s Anime recommend fully.

While Muv-Luv Alternative isn’t the perfect visual novel in comparison to the first two games—which we enjoyed slightly more—it still is a great finale to a truly wonderful trilogy. If you love visual novels that can change genres and still be amazing, then you’re no doubt going to enjoy Muv-Luv Alternative and what it offers. Are you excited to pick up Muv-Luv Alternative now that you read our review? Let us know in the comments below and feel free to ask questions about Muv-Luv Alternative if you have any! For more game reviews and related articles as well as all things anime, be sure to keep stuck to our hive here at Honey’s Anime.