These are what we call the 'YMMV items.' Things that some people find in this work. We call them 'your mileage might vary' because not everyone sees these things in the same way. This starts discussions in the trope lists, a thing we don't want. Please use the discussion page if you'd like to discuss any of these items.
YMMV: Muv Luv
Sumika's cuteness is a miracle of the universe.
This page contains the various subjective tropes and audience reactions pertaining to Muv-Luv, a series of popular Visual Novels from age.
Alternate Character Interpretation: Is the existence and identity of the Takeru we see in Final Extra really the same one as that of the one we stuck with in Unlimited and Alternative, or did the latter cease to exist after 00-Sumika dies? The members of the English-speaking fandom holds either the former or the latter position. In favor of the former: he slips into deja-vu in both FE and Altered Fable. In favor of the latter: one of the game's emphases is that a person's memories and experiences make up his identity; he describes his eventual fate in the Extra branch (that of gradually-merging with that branch's Takeru) as effectively ceasing to exist.
Alternative was one for Japanese fans at the time of its release, partly due to the three-year Schedule Slip and the fans building up expectations. People who were expecting a light, multi-heroine ending dating sim in the vein of Sakura Wars ended up getting a dark, powerfully-written linear Utsuge with a death count on par with Victory Gundam. The unexpected Gorn and Naughty Tentacles caused an outcry, and there were reports of fans dropping the game after Marimo's grisly death. Eventually however Alternative became the most well-regarded installment of the trilogy, ranking consistently either at the top (or just below it) of both Japanese and Western Visual Novel ratings. See It Gets Better below.
Counterpart Comparison: Takeru, to Rika of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, except that the only time he manages to retain memories and experience clearly was on the last jump into Alternative. Sumika in Unlimited/Alternative, to Hanyuu, as well.
Crowning Moment of Heartwarming: Each of the heroines' routes in Extra and Unlimited has at least one. In Alternative, Yuuhi (the Grand Shogun) consoling Chizuru, who had just lost her father the Prime Minister in the coup d'etat.
Ensemble Darkhorse: Haruko Kashiwagi, the sixth player in Chizuru's lacrosse team in Extra, appears to be one, considering that âge released the fandisk Haruko Maniax with her taking center-stage.*
She also has the most H-scenes out of any Muv-Luv heroine, whether main or supporting.
Genius Bonus: Too many to count. One particular example: history-savvy readers will recall that Operation Cherry Blossom (Operation Ouka) shares its name with the Japanese purpose-built kamikaze aircraft Ouka - apt name for a suicide mission in the Original Hive.
It Gets Better: Alternative is widely considered by many to be one of the most awesome Visual Novels in all existence. However, one of the major complaints of people who play it are that a) It is necessary to play through the far less awesome first two installments of the series and that b) Alternative, even after it starts, does not have the decency to become anything more than a rehash of Unlimited until 20 hours in.
