On April 19, 1973, the Earth was invaded by aliens that came from the Moon and quickly began to overcome mankind. They wiped out billions, while what remains of civilization holds on by fighting back the BETAs (Beings of extra-terrestrial origin and adversaries of the human race). Gundam-like fighters were developed to battle these monstrous creatures that attack cities or towns inhabited by humans.
Japan has been invaded and the BETAs have already taken Kyoto. The town of Sado is highly fortified with defenses, guns, ships and soldiers who are ready to push back the hordes. Komaki Sayako has been assigned to the 3rd tactical reserve squadron at Sado Base along with several other soldiers, but she is the only one with battle experience. While they wait on the enemy to arrive, the BETAs decide to show up early and start rushing to the island.
As the base defends themselves, slowly they begin getting overwhelmed to the point that whoever is left needs to evacuate before it’s too late. Komaki tries her best to save as many as she could, but I will leave the rest of the outcome of the battle for you to watch.
When I decided to watch this anime, I thought it would be a corny war show with a drama about fictional nations fighting for some obscure goal. In fact, I still don’t know why it’s called Muv-Luv Alternative. The show reminds me of Evangelion quite a bit, in that it’s about an alien invasion, is very graphic in terms of violence, and has a feeling of hopelessness as you watch humanity struggle.
This is not a happy anime about the characters winning against outstanding odds; the first episode feeels more like this is the end of human life and we are just watching how we all lose. I would like to watch more and see if there is anything that can be done to end these BETA creatures and to learn more about Komaki, but let’s see how it goes.
The beginning of the show is deceiving because it seems pretty normal but once the fight begins, those monsters are truly ruthless. So far it has my interest, but if you do not like gore then avoid this one.
You can watch Muv-Luv Alternative on Crunchyroll.
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Are you familiar with the Muv-Luv visual novels?
Nope not at all. This was new territory for me 🙂
I haven’t played the visual novels, but my understanding is that Alternative is the 2nd game in the series.
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After watching three episodes I can say I won’t be watching any more. Some of the premises presented sound ridiculous (“maybe you willed yourself into an parallel universe”), and the more it goes on the the more I find the situation of guy who is able to join a supposedly all girl squad the opposite of compelling. Plus there are times were it feels like you are watching a visual novel and not an anime, which kind of kills it for me.
So good on them for an interesting world and some good mecha, but I just can’t watch anymore.