Muv-Luv#Muv-Luv Alternative

The visual novel Muv-Luv is divided into two parts. The first part, titled Muv-Luv Extra, features playable character Takeru Shirogane (voiced by Sōichirō Hoshi, credited as Tsuyoshi Aiba in the Windows version) who wakes up one morning to find a beautiful young woman sleeping in his bed, just as an infuriated Sumika Kagami (voiced by Hiroko Taguchi, credited as Rika Fujiwara in the Windows version), Takeru's neighbor and childhood friend, comes to wake him up that morning. The young woman, Meiya Mitsurugi (voiced by Kazumi Okushima, credited as Aki Okuda in the Windows version), is the heiress to a financially powerful family and is determined to be Takeru's bride. As the story progresses, both girls compete for Takeru's affections while Takeru has recurring dreams about a marriage promise he made to a girl long ago. At first, he believes the girl was Sumika, but eventually realizes that it was actually Meiya. At the conclusion, Takeru must choose between which of the girls he truly loves. In addition, the player may also make decisions to choose between one of the three girls in the main supporting cast: Chizuru Sakaki (voiced by Masayo Kurata), Miki Tamase (voiced by Hitomi, and Kei Ayamine (voiced by Yūko Nagashima).

The second part, Muv-Luv Unlimited, starts with Takeru Shirogane waking up in his bed, reminiscent of the start of Muv-Luv Extra; however, Takeru quickly realizes that neither Meiya nor Sumika came to wake him that morning. Upon leaving his house, he finds his neighborhood destroyed and Sumika's house crushed under the wreckage of a large mecha. Takeru later learns that he is in an alternate world to Extra, where aliens called BETA (an acronym for "Beings of Extra Terrestrial origin which are Adversary of the human race") have invaded and mankind fights back against the alien aggressors with mecha called {{nihongo|Tactical Surface Fighters,|戦術歩行戦闘機|Senjutsuhokōsentōki}} usually referred to in Japanese as simply {{nihongo||戦術機|Senjutsuki}}.

Muv-Luv Unlimited explains that the BETA first arrived on Earth in 1973 (in China and Canada) after arriving on the Moon in 1967 and being spotted on Mars in 1958. Subsequent battles with BETA resulted in the global population dropping to 2.4 billion with most of mainland Eurasia having been lost by the time the game starts in 2001. Most of the major characters from the Extra timeline are present in Unlimited, notably excluding the Unlimited world's Takeru, who is said to be dead, and Sumika, who does not seem to exist in the Unlimited timeline. The characters are mostly identical to their Extra counterparts, with the notable exception of Yoroi, Takeru's best friend in Extra who, for reasons unclear, is a girl in this reality.

In the sequel Muv-Luv Alternative, Takeru wakes up three years after the beginning of Unlimited to find himself back in his room. Although he first thinks that the events of Muv-Luv Unlimited were a dream, he soon feels that something is wrong, and leaves the house to find that he has been sent back in time to the beginning of the events in Unlimited. Unwilling to accept the events at the end of Unlimited, he decides to help Professor Kouzuki save the Earth and mankind by bringing the mysterious Alternative IV plan—cancelled at the end of Unlimited—to fruition.

File:Muv-Luv screen capture .png talking to Sumika]]

The gameplay in Muv-Luv requires little player interaction as most time is spent reading the text that appears on the lower portion of the screen, representing either dialogue between characters, narration, or the inner thoughts of the player character. Every so often, the player will arrive at a "decision point", and be required to choose between multiple options. Gameplay pauses and depending upon the player's choice, the plot will develop in a specific direction. There are multiple plot lines that the player can follow, one for each heroine in the story, and there are nineteen possible endings. To view all plot lines, the player must replay the game multiple times. The game can end in failure if the player makes the wrong decisions. When this occurs, the player can return to a previously saved spot to try again.

Muv-Luv is divided into two segments, or story arcs—Extra and Unlimited—which serve as different phases in the overall story. Initially, only the Extra arc is available to play, but once the player has completed the Extra scenarios for the two main heroines, Sumika Kagami and Meiya Mitsurugi, the Unlimited arc becomes accessible. The 2016 Steam release removes this lock and makes Unlimited available immediately, albeit with a warning that the player should experience Extra first.

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Muv-Luv was released on February 28, 2003, on Windows CD-ROM, and re-released on DVD-ROM on April 30, 2004.{{cite web | url = http://www.muvluv.com/Muvluv/overview.htm | script-title=ja:マブラヴ 製品概要 |trans-title=Muv-Luv Overview | publisher = âge | language = ja | access-date = July 28, 2011}} A fandisc, called Muv-Luv Supplement containing a number of short stories, computer wallpapers, audio clips, and a trailer for the upcoming Muv-Luv Alternative. The limited edition DVD was released on December 17, 2004, and the regular edition was released on December 24.{{cite web | url = http://www.muvluv.com/supplement/ | script-title=ja:マブラヴ サプリメント トップページ |trans-title=Muv-Luv Supplement Top Page | publisher = âge | language = ja | access-date = July 28, 2011}}

Muv-Luv Alternative is a sequel to Muv-Luv and taking place after the events of the Unlimited arc in the original game. The DVD version of the game was released on February 24, 2006, and the CD version was released on March 3, 2006.{{cite web | url = http://www.muvluv.com/alternative/spec.htm | script-title=ja:マブラヴ オルタネイティヴ - スペック |trans-title=Muv-Luv Alternative Specifications | publisher = âge | language = ja | access-date = July 28, 2011}} A Muv-Luv Alternative fandisc, Muv-Luv Altered Fable, was released on August 31, 2007, containing an alternate version of the Extra arc from Muv-Luv along with a radio drama, a Senjoki vs. BETA strategy RPG, computer wallpapers, and a Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse short story.{{cite web | url = http://www.age-soft.jp/Product/alteredfable/ | title = マブラヴ ALTERED FABLE | publisher = âge | language = ja | access-date = July 28, 2011 | archive-date = March 28, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120328070723/http://www.age-soft.jp/Product/alteredfable/ | url-status = dead }}

"All-age" versions of Muv-Luv and Muv-Luv Alternative with the adult content removed were released simultaneously on September 22, 2006.{{cite web | url = http://muvluv.com/product01_muvluv/spec.html | script-title=ja:全年齢版『マブラヴ』 製品情報 |trans-title=All Age Edition Muv-Luv Product information | publisher = âge | language = ja | access-date = July 28, 2011}}{{cite web | url = http://muvluv.com/product02_alt/spec.htm | script-title=ja:マブラヴ オルタネイティヴ - スペック |trans-title=Muv-Luv Alternative Specifications | publisher = âge | language = ja | access-date = July 28, 2011}} In 2011, both games were ported to the Xbox 360 by 5pb. and simultaneously released on October 27, 2011.{{cite web | url = http://5pb.jp/games/muvluv/muvluv/ | title = マブラヴ for Xbox 360 公式サイト |trans-title=Muv-Luv for Xbox 360 Official Website | publisher = 5pb. | language = ja | access-date = July 29, 2011}}{{cite web | url = http://5pb.jp/games/muvluv/alternative/ | title = マブラヴ オルタネイティヴ for Xbox 360 公式サイト |trans-title=Muv-Luv Alternative for Xbox 360 Official Website | publisher = 5pb. | language = ja | access-date = July 29, 2011}} Both titles were also released for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita in 2012 and 2016, respectively.{{cite web|url=http://gematsu.com/2015/10/muv-luv-trilogy-ps-vita-launches-january-21-japan|title=Muv-Luv trilogy for PS Vita launches January 21 in Japan|website=Gematsu|date=October 13, 2015|access-date=October 13, 2015}}

In an October 2019 livestream producer Koki Yoshimune announced he was working on a new sequel to Alternative, called Muv-Luv INTEGRATE, but was not sure at that time what form the project would ultimately take or when it might be released.{{cite web |title=âge 20th Anniversary Event "Still Breathing" Live Broadcast (English) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIPDPs3eAv4 |website=YouTube | date=October 22, 2019 |access-date=October 23, 2019}}

In the early 2010s, Mangagamer attempted to negotiate an English-language release of Muv-Luv and Muv-Luv Alternative, but talks broke down, and the translator unilaterally released an unofficial fan translation patch, effectively ending Mangagamer's efforts.{{cite web |title=Fan group decides licensing is too slow, releases things... oh boy |url=http://www.neechin.net/article/174/fan-group-decides-licensing-is-too-slow-releases-things-oh-boy |website=Neechin.net |access-date=October 14, 2019}} In 2015, âge partnered with Degica to launch a Kickstarter campaign to officially release the Muv-Luv series in English.{{cite web|title=Degica Kickstarting Muv-Luv and Muv-Luv Alternative localization this summer|url=http://gematsu.com/2015/06/degica-kickstarting-muv-luv-muv-luv-alternative-localization-this-summer|publisher=gematsu|date=June 29, 2015|access-date=June 29, 2015}} The campaign succeeded in late 2015 after raising over US$1.25 million, against an initial goal of $250,000. The campaign also met all of its stretch goals, including ports to PlayStation Vita and Android and English localizations of photonflowers* and photonmelodies♮ side-story collections.{{cite web|title=By The Numbers!|url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/muvluv/muv-luv-a-pretty-sweet-visual-novel-series/posts/1446681|publisher=Kickstarter|date=December 17, 2015|access-date=December 21, 2015}} The English localization of the first Muv-Luv visual novel was released on Steam in July 2016, and Muv-Luv Alternative was released in September 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/muvluv/muv-luv-a-pretty-sweet-visual-novel-series/posts/1630154|title=Muv-Luv is now officially released on Steam!|website=Kickstarter|access-date=August 24, 2016}} PS Vita versions of both games were released in June 2018.{{cite web |title=Muv-Luv and Muv-Luv Alternative for PS Vita Finally Have Release Dates |url=https://www.dualshockers.com/muv-luv-muv-luv-alternative-ps-vita-release-date/ |website=DualShockers |date=May 24, 2018 |access-date=October 14, 2019}}

The English version of photonflowers* was released on Steam on August 3, 2019,{{cite web |title=Muv-Luv photonflowers* |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/889700/MuvLuv_photonflowers/ |website=Steam |access-date=October 14, 2019}} and the English version of photonmelodies♮ was released on July 30, 2020.{{cite web |title=Muv-Luv photonmelodies♮ |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/889710/MuvLuv_photonmelodies/ |website=Steam |access-date=October 14, 2019}} The English versions of Muv-Luv Unlimited: The Day After episodes 00 through 03 were released via Steam on February 5, 2021,{{cite web |title=Muv-Luv Unlimited The Day After Finally Released in English on Steam |url=https://twinfinite.net/2021/02/muv-luv-unlimited-the-day-after-release/ |website=Twinfinite |date=February 5, 2021 |access-date=February 6, 2021}} marking the first English release of a Muv-Luv visual novel not directly funded by the 2015 Kickstarter. In addition to the crowdfunded Android version, the iOS port was also created.{{cite web|url=https://toucharcade.com/2021/11/03/muv-luv-alternative-ios-android-release-date-coming-before-the-end-of-the-year-iphone-age/|title=Visual Novels 'Muv-Luv' and 'Muv-Luv Alternative' Are Coming to iOS and Android before the End of the Year|website=TouchArcade|first=Mikhail|last=Madnani|date=November 3, 2021|access-date=December 11, 2021}} Mobile versions of Extra and Unlimited were planned to be released worldwide in Spring 2022, with Alternative set to release at a later date.{{cite web|url=https://twinfinite.net/2022/01/muv-luv-extra-unlimited-spring-2022-release/|title=Muv-Luv Extra/Unlimited Confirmed for Spring 2022 Release on iOS & Android|website=Twinfinite|first=Giuseppe|last=Nelva|date=January 3, 2022|access-date=January 4, 2022}} They were all released as part of Japan-only mobile game, Muv-Luv Dimensions, on July 11, 2023.

{{Main|List of Muv-Luv books}}

Muv-Luv and its sequel Muv-Luv Alternative have been adapted into three manga series by MediaWorks (later ASCII Media Works) and were serialized in the manga magazine Dengeki Daioh through 2018.{{cite web |title=Muv-Luv Alternative Manga Ends on Thursday After 10 Years|url=https://animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-04-25/muv-luv-alternative-manga-ends-on-thursday-after-10-years/.115284 |publisher=Anime News Network |access-date=July 25, 2020}} In 2020, âge announced it would digitally self-publish an English translation of the Muv-Luv Alternative manga.{{cite web |title=Muv-Luv Expo: Summer of (Muv)Luv #muvluvexpo |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIc6XHZiDEY |website=YouTube | date=July 2020 |access-date=July 25, 2020}}

In addition, Shueisha has published a seven volume novel series based on Muv-Luv and Muv-Luv Alternative.

{{See also|List of Muv-Luv Alternative episodes}}

At the conclusion of an October 2019 live event, âge presented the on-screen title “Muv-Luv Alternative in Animation”, followed by a clip of new animation, seemingly indicating an anime adaptation of the original Muv-Luv Alternative visual novel.{{cite web |title='Muv-Luv Alternative in Animation' Project Teased |url=https://animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-10-22/muv-luv-alternative-in-animation-project-teased/.152487 |publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=October 23, 2019}} It was later announced that the new anime would be a television series.{{cite web |title=Muv-Luv Alternative Anime's Teaser Reveals 2021 TV Airing |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-10-24/muv-luv-alternative-anime-teaser-reveals-2021-tv-airing/.165554 |publisher=Anime News Network |access-date=October 24, 2020}} The series is animated by Yumeta Company and Graphinica, with production by Flagship Line, and is directed by Yukio Nishimoto, featuring Tatsuhiko Urahata handling the series' scripts, Takuya Tani designing the characters, and Evan Call composing the series' music.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-05-01/muv-luv-alternative-anime-2nd-promo-unveils-cast-staff/.172349|title=Muv-Luv Alternative Anime's 2nd Promo Unveils Cast, Staff|publisher=Anime News Network|date=May 1, 2021|first=Egan|last=Loo|access-date=May 1, 2021}} It aired from October 7 to December 23, 2021, on Fuji TV's +Ultra programming block.{{cite web|last1=Hodgkins|first1=Crystalyn|title=Muv-Luv Alternative Anime Reveals New Promo Video, More Cast, October 6 Debut|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-08-25/muv-luv-alternative-anime-reveals-new-promo-video-more-cast-october-6-debut/.176639|website=Anime News Network|access-date=August 25, 2021|date=August 25, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-11-05/muv-luv-alternative-anime-premieres-in-october-2021-on-fuji-tv-ultra/.166015|title=Muv-Luv Alternative Anime Premieres in October 2021 on Fuji TV's +Ultra|publisher=Anime News Network|date=November 5, 2020|first=Alex|last=Mateo|access-date=November 5, 2020}} V.W.P performed the series' opening theme song {{nihongo|"Rinne"|輪廻}}, while Stereo Dive Foundation performed the series' ending theme song "Tristar". Crunchyroll streamed the series.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-08-06/crunchyroll-streams-muv-luv-alternative-the-faraway-paladin-the-strongest-sage-with-the-weakest-crest-anime/.175903|title=Crunchyroll Streams Muv-Luv Alternative, The Faraway Paladin, The Strongest Sage With the Weakest Crest Anime (Updated)|website=Anime News Network|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|date=August 6, 2021|access-date=August 6, 2021}} Muse Communication licensed the series in South and Southeast Asia.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-10-03/muse-asia-streams-mieruko-chan-mushoku-tensei-4-more-anime-in-october/.178045|title=Muse Asia Streams Mieruko-chan, Mushoku Tensei, 4 More Anime in October|website=Anime News Network|last=Hazra|first=Adriana|date=October 3, 2021|access-date=October 10, 2021}}

At the end of the series' episode finale, a second season was announced. It aired from October 6 to December 22, 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-12-22/muv-luv-alternative-anime-gets-2nd-season/.180907|title=Muv-Luv Alternative Anime Gets 2nd Season|website=Anime News Network|last=Mateo|first=Alex|date=December 22, 2021|access-date=December 22, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-08-23/muv-luv-alternative-anime-season-2-1st-video-reveals-october-5-debut/.188939|title=Muv-Luv Alternative Anime Season 2's 1st Video Reveals October 5 Debut|website=Anime News Network|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|date=August 23, 2022|access-date=August 24, 2022}}{{efn|Fuji TV lists the series premiere at 24:55 on October 5, 2022, which is effectively 12:55 a.m. JST on October 6.{{cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/490809|script-title=ja:「マブラヴ オルタネイティヴ」武と純夏が手を伸ばし合うビジュアル、第2期PVも|website=Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|language=ja|date=August 24, 2022|access-date=August 24, 2022}}}} JAM Project and Minami Kuribayashi performed the opening theme song {{nihongo|"Akatsuki o Ute"|暁を撃て}}, while V.W.P performed the ending theme song {{nihongo|"Saikai"|再会}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-09-29/muv-luv-alternative-anime-season-2-video-previews-theme-songs/.190354|title=Muv-Luv Alternative Anime Season 2's Video Previews Theme Songs|website=Anime News Network|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|date=September 29, 2022|access-date=September 29, 2022}}

Muv-Luv has prompted many spin-offs, and is itself a spin-off of âge's Kimi ga Nozomu Eien and its sequel Akane Maniax, as it features several characters, locations, and story elements from those games. Muv-Luv Alternative also adds a character from âge's first visual novel, Kimi ga Ita Kisetsu.

Muv-Luv Unlimited The Day After continues the story of Muv-Luv Unlimited, showing what happens after the end of that story and prior to Takeru's backward time-skip that begins Muv-Luv Alternative. Currently incomplete, TDA was released episodically (as episodes "00" through "03") as part of the Muv-Luv Alternative Chronicles series of side-story discs. In 2020, âge announced that it will release episodes 00 through 03 in English, and that work has begun on episode 04, which was subsequently retitled Muv-Luv Resonative.{{cite web |title=Muv-Luv Unlimited The Day After Episode 04 Titled Muv-Luv Resonative; 00-03 Coming Soon to Steam |url=https://twinfinite.net/2020/12/muv-luv-unlimited-resonative-the-day-after/ |website=Twinfinite |date=December 31, 2020 |access-date=February 6, 2021}}

{{See also|List of Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse episodes}}

{{Infobox video game

| title = Muv-Luv Alternative Total Eclipse

| image = Muv-Luv_Alternative_Total_Eclipse_Novel_cover.jpg

| caption = Cover art of volume 1

| collapsible = yes

| developer =

| publisher =

| genre = Mecha

{{Infobox animanga/Print

| type = novel series

| title =

| author =

| illustrator =

| publisher = Enterbrain

| demographic = Male

| imprint =

| magazine = Tech Gian

| first = February 2007

| last = March 30, 2013

| volumes = 6

| volume_list = List of Muv-Luv books#Novels

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Print

| type = manga

| title =

| author = Takashi Ishigaki

| publisher = MediaWorks

| demographic = Shōnen

| magazine = Dengeki Daioh

| first = 2009

| last = 2011

| volumes = 3

| volume_list = List of Muv-Luv books#Manga

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Video

| type = tv series

| title =

| director = {{ubl|Takayuki Inagaki (1–2)|Masaomi Andou (3–24)}}

| writer = Takayuki Inagaki

| music = Seikou Nagaoka

| studio = ixtl
Satelight

| licensee = {{English anime licensee

| AUS=Hanabee

| NA=Sentai Filmworks

| UK=MVM Films

}}

| network = TV Tokyo, TVO, TVQ, TVh, AT-X, TSC, TVA, Nico Nico Douga

| network_en = {{English anime network|NA=Anime Network}}

| first = July 2, 2012

| last = December 23, 2012

| episodes = 24

| episode_list = List of Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse episodes

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Game

| title =

| developer = 5pb. Games
âge

| publisher = Mages {{small|(PS3, 360)}}
âge {{small|(PC)}}

| genre = Visual novel

| platforms = PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
Microsoft Windows

| released = PS3, Xbox 360{{vgrelease|JP|May 16, 2013}}Windows{{vgrelease|JP|September 26, 2014|WW|July 20, 2022}}}}

| platforms =

| modes =

}}

Muv-Luv Alternative Total Eclipse is a spin-off story set parallel to Muv-Luv Alternative, following a new cast of characters while retaining the setting of the original visual novel. It focuses on the development of experimental TSF craft and the relationship between Yuuya Bridges, a Japanese-American test pilot and Yui Takamura, a leading figure in the development of a new generation TSF, which may be able to change the course of the war.

Enterbrain published Total Eclipse in its Tech Gian magazine. This was followed by a manga adaptation titled Total Eclipse published by ASCII Media Works. Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse was later adapted into the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 visual novel by âge and 5pb. in 2013. A Microsoft Windows version was released in 2014 in Japan, and was released worldwide on July 20, 2022.

On July 24, 2011, a teaser website announced that an anime television adaptation of the novels is in the works.{{cite web | url = http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-07-24/muv-luv-alternative/total-eclipse-novel-gets-tv-anime | title = Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse Novel Gets TV Anime |publisher=Anime News Network | date = July 24, 2011 | access-date = July 28, 2011}} Produced by ixtl and Satelight, it aired between July 2 and December 23, 2012. Crunchyroll has acquired the streaming rights for the series, with Sentai Filmworks licensing the anime for digital and home video release.{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-06-13/crunchyroll-adds-muv-luv-alternative/total-eclipse-anime|title=Crunchyroll Adds Muv Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse Anime |publisher=Anime News Network |access-date=September 23, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-09-23/sentai-filmworks-adds-muv-luv-alternative-total-eclipse-anime/.79122|title=Sentai Filmworks Adds Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse |publisher=Anime News Network |date=September 23, 2014}} The first 13 episodes were released on January 20, 2015, on Blu-ray and DVD.

{{See also|List of Schwarzesmarken episodes|Schwarzes Marken}}

{{Infobox video game

| title = Schwarzesmarken

| collapsible = yes

| image = Schwarzesmarken_Volume_1_Cover_art.jpg

| caption = Cover art of volume 1

| developer =

| publisher =

| genre = Mecha

{{Infobox animanga/Print

| type = novel series

| title =

| author =

| illustrator =

| publisher = Enterbrain

| demographic = Male

| imprint =

| magazine = Tech Gian

| first = May 30, 2011

| last = March 29, 2014

| volumes = 7

| volume_list = List of Muv-Luv books#Novels

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Print

| type = novel series

| title = Schwarzesmarken Requiem

| author =

| illustrator =

| publisher =

| demographic =

| imprint =

| magazine =

| first = July 30, 2012

| last = July 29, 2013

| volumes = 2

| volume_list = List of Muv-Luv books#Novels

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Print

| type = novel series

| title = Schwarzesmarken Bernhard in the Shadow

| author =

| illustrator =

| publisher =

| demographic =

| imprint =

| magazine =

| first = September 30, 2015

| last = January 1, 2016

| volumes = 2

| volume_list = List of Muv-Luv books#Novels

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Game

| title =

| developer = âge

| publisher = âge

| genre = Visual novel

| platforms = Microsoft Windows

| released = {{vgrelease|JP|November 17, 2015{{efn|Schwarzesmarken - Kouketsu no Monshou}}}}{{vgrelease|JP|October 28, 2016{{efn|Schwarzesmarken - Junkyoushatachi}}}}

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Video

| type = Tv series

| title =

| director = Tetsuya Watanabe

| writer = Tatsuto Higuchi

| music = Evan Call (Elements Garden)

| studio = ixtl
Liden Films

| licensee =

| network = TV Tokyo, TVO, TVA, AT-X

| network_en =

| first = January 10, 2016

| last = March 27, 2016

| episodes = 12

| episode_list = List of Schwarzesmarken episodes

}}

| platforms =

| modes =

}}

{{nihongo foot|Schwarzesmarken|シュヴァルツェスマーケン|Shuvarutsesumāken| nonstandard German for "Black Marches", the correct version of which would be "Schwarze Marken".|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a series set in the Germany of the Alternative universe, during the early years of the BETA invasion in 1983. The protagonists are the 666th TSF squadron of East Germany, who fight both the BETA and opponents from the corrupt Stasi (Ministry of State Security).

Schwarzesmarken replaced the Total Eclipse serialization in Tech Gian magazine. The series is written by Hiroki Uchida and features character designs and illustrations by CARNELIAN. The novel was compiled into seven volumes following a 41 chapter run from 2011 to 2014. The series was followed in Tech Gian by its prequel, Bernhard im Schatten.

A visual novel adaptation by âge was released in late 2015 for Microsoft Windows in two parts: Kouketsu no Monshou and Junkyoushatachi.{{cite web|url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2015/08/14-1/video-muv-luv-schwarzesmarken-visual-novel-previewed|title=VIDEO: "Muv-Luv Schwarzesmarken" Visual Novel Previewed|date=August 14, 2015 |publisher=Crunchyroll|access-date=September 23, 2015}} Between the release of the two parts a Steam release and English localization of the visual novel was considered. However, despite this version of the game being approved via Steam Greenlight, it was ultimately not released.{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/english-version-muv-luv-visual-novel-schwarzesmarken-greenlight/|title=English Version Of Muv-Luv Visual Novel Schwarzesmarken On Greenlight|last=Wong|first=Alistair|date=March 28, 2016}}

On September 18, 2015, a teaser website announced that an anime television adaptation of the Schwarzesmarken novels by ixtl and Liden Films was scheduled to air in January 2016.{{cite web | url = http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2015/09/18/muv-luv-anime-schwarzesmarken-scheduled-for-january-2016 | title = "Muv-Luv" Anime "Schwarzesmarken" Scheduled for January 2016 | publisher = Crunchyroll | date = September 18, 2015 | access-date = January 6, 2016}} The series began airing on January 10, 2016. Crunchyroll has acquired the rights to stream the anime outside of Japan.{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-01-05/crunchyroll-to-stream-schwarzes-marken-anime/.97238|title=crunchyroll to stream schwarzesmarken anime|publisher=animenewsnetwork|date=January 5, 2016|access-date=January 5, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-05-20/muv-luv-spinoff-novel-schwarzesmarken-gets-anime/.88378|title= Muv-Luv Spinoff Novel Schwarzesmarken Gets Anime (Update) |publisher=Anime News Network |access-date=September 23, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2016/01/05/crunchyroll-to-simulcast-schwarzes-marken-anime|title=Crunchyroll to Simulcast 'Schwarzes Marken' Anime|date=January 5, 2016 |publisher=Crunchyroll|access-date=January 5, 2016}}

Several other prose spin-offs were published as short stories in Tech Gian magazine. In addition, two fandiscs were also released, {{nihongo foot|Muv-Luv Supplement|マブラヴ サプリメント|Mabu Ravu Sapurimento|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} and {{nihongo foot|Muv-Luv Altered Fable,|オルタード ALTERED FABLE|Mabu Ravu Orutādo Feiburu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} containing alternate scenarios, short stories, computer wallpapers, and audio dramas. Other spin-off material appeared as short visual novels in re-releases of earlier games, and in the Muv-Luv Alternative Chronicles series. Some of these visual novel segments for PC were assembled into the collections photonflowers* and photonmelodies♮ for the PlayStation 3 in 2014, later ported to PC via Steam.

Aside from the visual novels, several other styles of games based on Muv-Luv have been released over the years. The browser game Muv-Luv Alternative: Next Answer launched in February 2015, and remained in operation for about a year.{{cite web |title=WORKS aRCHIVES - aNCHOR, Inc. |url=https://ancr.jp/en/works-archives/ |website=aNCHOR |access-date=October 23, 2019}}{{cite web |title=Muv-Luv Alternative: Strike Frontier Shuts Down, but Muv-Luv Isn't Over |url=https://www.dualshockers.com/muv-luv-alternative-strike-frontier-shuts-down/ |website=DualShockers |date=July 5, 2018 |access-date=October 23, 2019}} Muv-Luv Alternative: Strike Frontier, available initially as a browser game and later for iOS and Android, launched in September 2016, and shut down in July 2018.{{cite web |title=Muv-Luv Alternative: Strike Frontier Game Shuts Down in July |url=https://animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-06-07/muv-luv-alternative-strike-frontier-browser-game-shuts-down-in-july/.132468 |publisher=Anime News Network |access-date=October 23, 2019}} In October 2019, âge showed a demo of Project Mikhail: A Muv-luv War Story, a TSF-focused action game, released for Steam, iOS, and Android in October 2021, and available in Japanese, English, and Chinese.

Immortals: Muv-Luv Alternative, a free-to-play mobile action RPG developed by aNCHOR, was released in Japan on March 17, 2022, for both Android and iOS. Set in an alternative universe of Muv-Luv Alternative, the player plays as the director of the Immortals Private Military Company and leads a team of TSF mercenary pilots to battle the Beta. While the game has original characters, many of the characters from the Muv Luv franchise are also available to recruit which includes those from Muv Luv Alternative, Total Eclipse, Euro Front and Schwarzesmarken.{{cite web |title=Immortals: Muv-Luv Alternative Japanese Release Date Confirmed|url=https://www.siliconera.com/immortals-muv-luv-alternative-japanese-release-date-confirmed/ |website=Siliconera |date=March 4, 2022 |access-date=March 4, 2022}} Immortals was shut down approximately four hours after it was released due to an exploit, and was re-released on July 11, 2023 under the name Muv-Luv Dimensions.{{Cite web |last=Derrick |first=Connor |date=2023-07-01 |title=Muv-Luv Dimensions, the re-launched version of Immortals: Muv-Luv Alternative, is due out within the next few weeks for Japanese gamers |url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/immortals-muv-luv-alternative/new-release-date/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701232937/https://www.pocketgamer.com/immortals-muv-luv-alternative/new-release-date/ |archive-date=2023-07-01 |access-date=2023-07-19 |website=Pocket Gamer |language=en}}

The opening theme of Muv-Luv is {{nihongo foot|"Muv-Luv"|マブラヴ|Mabu Ravu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} by Minami Kuribayashi. The closing theme for the Extra segment of Muv-Luv is "I Will" and the Unlimited segment's ending theme is {{nihongo foot|"Harukanaru Furusato no Uta",|遥かなる地球の歌||"Song of the Distant Homeland"|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} both by Minami Kuribayashi. For the all ages version, the opening theme the Extra segment is "divergence" by Minami Kuribayashi. For the Unlimited segment, the opening theme is {{nihongo foot|"Sion"|紫音-sion-|Shion|"Violet Tone"|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} by Masami Okui. The all ages version featured several ending themes depending on the ending, including "I will" by Minami Kuribayashi, {{nihongo foot|"Kizu wa Kaseki ni Narenai Keredo"|傷は化石にならないけれど||"This Wound Will Not Fossilize"|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} by Aki Misato, "Astraea" by Miyuki Hashimoto, and {{nihongo foot|"Little More"|リトル・モア|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} by CooRie.

The opening themes for the sequel Muv-Luv Alternative are {{nihongo foot|"Asu e no Hōkō"|未来への咆哮||"Roar Towards Tomorrow"|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} by JAM Project for the original release and {{nihongo foot|"NAME ~Kimi no Na wa~"|NAME ～君の名は～|Nēmu ~Kimi no Na wa~|"Name (Your Name Is)"|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} by JAM Project for the all age release. The ending theme for both releases is "Muv-Luv (2005 ver.)" by Minami Kuribayashi. "Carry On" by Masaaki Endoh of JAM Project is used as an insert song in Alternative.

The Muv-Luv franchise has prompted the creation of a wide variety of tie-in merchandise, including clothing, model kits, action figures, dakimakura (hug pillows), and more. Several tie-in books provide coverage of the franchise's lore, such as Muv-Luv Alternative Integral Works.{{cite book |title=Muv-Luv Alternative Integral Works |id = {{ASIN|4047262234|country=jp}}}}

The Kickstarter campaign that funded the official English translation of the core trilogy commissioned new merchandise as rewards for backers.{{cite web |title=Muv-Luv: A Pretty Sweet Visual Novel Series |url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/muvluv/muv-luv-a-pretty-sweet-visual-novel-series/description |website=Kickstarter |access-date=October 12, 2019}} Unique items included a plush BETA toy, and Muv-Luv Alternative Codex, an English translation of most of Integral Works along with other material.

{{Video game reviews

| MC = PC: 76/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/muv-luv/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Muv-Luv for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=October 14, 2019}}
Vita: 77/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/muv-luv/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-vita |title=Muv-Luv for PlayStation Vita Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=September 24, 2021}}
PC (Alternative): 83/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/muv-luv-alternative/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Muv-Luv Alternative for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=October 14, 2019}}

}}

In 2003, Muv-Luv was number one in national PC sales following its release.{{cite web|url=http://www.getchu.com/pc/salesranking2003.html|title=Getchu.com 2003 PC sales|publisher=Getchu.com|access-date=September 15, 2015|language=ja|archive-date=July 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709202526/http://www.getchu.com/pc/salesranking2003.html|url-status=dead}} The sequel, Muv-Luv Alternative, released in 2006, was number three in sales during the first half of 2006.{{cite web|url=http://www.getchu.com/pc/2006-1salesranking.html|title=Getchu.com First half of 2006 PC sales|publisher=Getchu.com|access-date=September 15, 2015|language=ja}}

Muv-Luv has received a median rating of 79 out of 100 on Erogamescape (EGS),{{cite web|url=http://erogamescape.ddo.jp/~ap2/ero/toukei_kaiseki/game.php?game=2590|title=erogamescape 2003 PC sales|publisher=erogamescape|access-date=September 15, 2015|language=ja|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305025143/http://erogamescape.ddo.jp/~ap2/ero/toukei_kaiseki/game.php?game=2590|url-status=dead}} while Muv-Luv Alternative has received a median rating of 93 out of 100,{{cite web|url=http://erogamescape.ddo.jp/~ap2/ero/toukei_kaiseki/game.php?game=4286|title=erogamescape 2003 PC sales|publisher=erogamescape|access-date=September 15, 2015|language=ja|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305022031/http://erogamescape.ddo.jp/~ap2/ero/toukei_kaiseki/game.php?game=4286|url-status=dead}} making it the third-highest rated visual novel on the website. On the Visual Novel Database (VNDB), Muv-Luv Alternative received an average rating of 9.13 (out of 10), making it the site's #1 visual novel by Bayesian ranking.{{cite web |title=Muv-Luv Alternative |url=https://vndb.org/v92 |website=The Visual Novel Database |access-date=October 12, 2019}}

The English-language release of Muv-Luv has a Metacritic score of 76/100 based on reviews from four critics. RPGFan writer Don Kim gave the game a mixed review, writing "although Extra is nothing more than a glorified character introduction (and a terrible one at that), the game went far beyond my expectations in Unlimited, making the mediocrity of Extra almost forgivable."{{cite web |title=Muv-Luv |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/Muv_Luv/index.html |website=RPGFan |access-date=October 14, 2019 |archive-date=March 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320092830/http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/Muv_Luv/index.html |url-status=dead }}

Muv-Luv Alternative{{'}}s English release has a Metacritic score of 83/100, based on reviews from six critics. Summarizing the series for DualShockers, Giuseppe Nelva wrote: "If you love strong storytelling, solid and realistic sci-fi, diverse and engaging characters, quite a bit of charming fanservice, and to be deeply engaged on the emotional level, you owe it to yourself to try the Muv-Luv trilogy out."{{cite web |title=Muv-Luv + Muv-Luv Alternative Review — Emotional Roller Coaster Between Hope and Despair |url=https://www.dualshockers.com/muv-luvv-alternative-review/ |website=DualShockers |date=March 5, 2018 |access-date=October 14, 2019}}

According to the manga author Hajime Isayama, his hit manga series Attack on Titan was inspired by Muv-Luv Alternative.{{cite journal |last=Saitō |first=Tamaki |date=November 15, 2014 |title=諫山創 落書きと過去作品。 |volume=790 |url=http://magazineworld.jp/brutus/brutus-790/ |language=ja |journal=Brutus |publisher=Magazine World |access-date=October 10, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324175122/http://magazineworld.jp/brutus/brutus-790/ |archive-date=March 24, 2016 }}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{cite video game|title=Muv-Luv|developer=âge|date=February 28, 2003|platform=Windows|language=ja}}
• {{cite video game|title=Muv-Luv Alternative|developer=âge|date=April 24, 2006|platform=Windows|language=ja}}

{{Notelist}}

• {{Official website|http://www.muvluv.moe/}}
• {{Vndb|93|title=Muv Luv}}
• {{Vndb|92|title=Muv Luv Alternative}}
• {{anime News Network|anime|24354|Muv-Luv Alternative}}
• {{Official website|https://muv-luv-alternative-anime.com/|Muv-Luv Alternative official anime website}} {{in lang|ja}}
• {{vndb|7052||Muv-Luv Alternative - Total Eclipse}}
• {{anime News Network|anime|13251|Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse}}
• {{vndb|14910||Schwarzesmarken}}
• {{anime News Network|anime|17670|Schwarzesmarken}}

{{Âge}}

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