Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse
Synopsis
In 1973, following the ruthless six-year-long Lunar War, the hostile alien species known as the BETA—Beings of Extra Terrestrial origin which are Adversary of the human race—invaded Earth, killing billions and decimating Eurasia. While BETA can be destroyed with conventional weapons, their laser-class is able to wipe out entire aircraft fleets, forcing mankind to develop giant combat suits called Tactical Surface Fighters (TSF) to combat them. When the BETA reach Japan in 1998, military school student and TSF pilot—or eishi—Yui Takamura is ordered to defend Kyoto's last line of defense with her fellow classmates. At the cost of countless human lives and the sacrifice of Yui's friends, the Japanese Imperial Army manages to repel the invaders, leaving destruction in its wake. However, this encounter leaves Yui determined to never again allow something like this to occur. Three years later, now a lieutenant, Yui joins the XFJ project, an Alaska-based Japan-American TSF development program. In an international team composed of the uncooperative Japanese-American test pilot Yuuya Bridges and various eishi from countries lost to the BETA, Yui's task is to help develop the new Japanese TSF Shiranui. Amidst political tensions inherited from the Cold War, Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse follows Yui's delicate mission and Yuuya's journey to overcome the demons of the past that still haunt him. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience sentiment is mixed, acknowledging strong initial impressions and well-animated action, but criticizing the inconsistent tone, forced fan service, and generic characters. Many feel it deviates from its initial dark premise, becoming a less compelling harem anime with political elements. While some enjoy the character development and mecha battles, others find the plot disjointed and the ending unsatisfying.
Strengths
- Character development is well-handled, with viewers invested in the characters' lives.
- The initial dark and emotional tone is compelling.
- Action scenes are beautifully animated, especially the mecha battles.
- Good opening theme that captures the intense action and sudden changes.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent tone and plot, fluctuating between dark war drama, fan service, and romance.
- Fan service and harem elements feel forced and detract from the main story.
- Characters can be generic and stereotypical.
- The BETA aliens don't receive enough focus, making them feel like an afterthought.
- The story feels rushed in the beginning
- Minimal differences from robots country to country.