Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 77 | 5 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 93% | 88 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 87% | 80 | 12 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 34 reviews sampled · 32 total reviews in window · weighted 27.5 up / 4.3 down · computed 6h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (13)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 70
“Honestly, as a book, Muv-Luv is fairly solid with a decent idea and capable writers backing it up. It doesn't reach its full conclusion but that's because there is a third game waiting in the wings, and the provided endings are just fine. About the only 'real' complaint that can be had is that its duel-story style can end up feeling needlessly taxing at times, resulting in irritation instead of enjoyment.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“The Muv-Luv series of visual novels have been around since 2003 and have a fairly massive following. In fact, the sequel to the first Muv-Luv (consisting of Muv-Luv Extra and Muv-Luv Unlimited), called Muv-Luv Alternative, received an interesting anime adaptation, called Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse. Now, I was first introduced to Muv-Luv via the Total Eclipse anime, and I loved it; while many anime aficionados may scoff at Total Eclipse, I found it to be quite interesting, compelling, engaging, and just genuinely great.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“Though I did have a number of cosmetic complaints, the first two instalments of Muv-Luv overall were very enjoyable and I will definitely come back to replay the series to relive that enjoyment. It is ironic, however, that even though the two series are very good, they are just a set-up for the final part of the trilogy. I look forward to the day when Muv-Luv Alternative gets released.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Compilation of two visual novels that came out 10 year ago in Japan, Muv-Luv offers some pleasant adventures in which you will enjoy trying to seduce girls close to your avatar, even if their designs feel a bit old and games a bit repetitive.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“The second game does much more to impress, and its setting more suited to those who want something a little different from the usual high-school student, slice-of-life experience”
read full review ↗ - 77
“With Muv-Luv, you either go big or you go home. If you can truck through the first half of the game you're in for a treat, otherwise be prepared for the worst.”
read full review ↗ - 82
“With clever storytelling, surprisingly engaging characters, and a solid sense of style, Muv-Luv is a fun twist on old tropes that will leave you wanting more. Considering Muv-Luv Alternative is on its way, it might not be too long of a wait.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Muv-Luv packs in two visual novels for your pleasure on the go. The first, a basic high school romance, offers you the chance to date your high school sweetheart. The second, Muv-Luv Unlimited, has you fight alongside them to defend Earth against an alien menace.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“This is not a game for the faint of heart. It's offensive, perverted, and subtly violent at times during its opening moments. It's also adorable, funny, and heartwarming in equal measure. It's a complicated beast that rewards those who persevere. While far from perfect, it lays the foundation for one of the most epic sci-fi stories ever told. There is nothing else like it.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Muv-Luv isn't a story that's so black and white, and that can make it hard for some people to get into at first. When Extra first starts up it really does seem like a generic anime dating sim. Bright and colorful characters, most of the cast is female, and Takeru gets into a lot of stupid situations. It doesn't seem like anything special, and it's pretty easy for someone to be turned off by it. Despite all of this however, the game does a great job of introducing these characters, and it does a really good job of making you feel like you're Takeru. You easily become invested in this guy's life, and you can't help but want to see what happens next to him and his friends. Yeah it can drag on at times, but it's pretty enjoyable as well. The Japanese voice acting is pretty high quality, and the more animated scenes help liven up the story. It's these extra miles that help keep you drawn in, and make it easier to continue pushing forward with it's story. But even so, it's not actually until Unlimited starts up that the main plot presents itself, and it's possible many will drop the game before reaching this point. For those who do stick it out though, they are greeted with the start of one of the craziest sci-fi stories to have ever been written.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Muv-Luv is a great visual novel for the PS Vita. A true classic of the genre, the game deserves its fame, with a great story, specially on the second game, and manages to overcome many cliches that could hold its success.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“I have a confession to make. Prior to starting Muv-Luv Alternative, I had never played a visual novel before, but I am glad that it was my first. The experience was long, thought-provoking, shocking, and completely engaging, and although I will play many more visual novels after this, I will never forget the journey of Takeru Shirogane and his friends. The PlayStation Vita itself may be on its way out, but it will never die in the hearts of many thanks to high quality titles like this one. Got it? Perfect-a-mundo.”
read full review ↗
Cubed3
Chalgyr's Game Room
Japan Curiosity
Gameblog
GameSpew
RPG Fan
Bit Cultures
Wccftech
Destructoid
Netto’s Game Room
PSX Brasil
Cat with Monocle…and 1 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- [Resolved] Fix for Error When Loading GameJul 11, 2023
- Project MIKHAIL Major Update SaleMay 19, 2022
- Producer Letter #3.5Dec 7, 2021