Muv-Luv Visual Novel Kickstarter Ends With $1,255,444 of $250,000!!

[NormanicGrav]

It certainly does feel that the visual novel genre has gotten the attention it deserves now that numerous titles like Clannad, Grisaia and Steins;Gate have been localised in recent years but now another popular visual novel series is also receiving the localisation treatment. Publisher Degica and developer Ixtl have announced their plans to release a kickstarter to localise the Muv Luv visual novels into English for Steam and other devices. The kickstarter is expected to launch sometime in late August-early September.

Due to Kickstarter rules the games will most likely be the All Ages version of the franchise.

The games included in the kickstarter are:
Muv-Luv Extra
Shirogane Takeru was living a peaceful life as a 3rd year high school student, with his childhood friend Kagami Sumika. However, one morning Takeru awakens to see a mysterious girl named Mitsurugi Meiya sleeping in his bed. Thus begins the start of a high school love comedy where Takeru will have to choose between his childhood friend and the girl insisting they are bonded by fate.

Muv-Luv Unlimited
Shirogane Takeru finds himself stuck in a parallel world where mankind is on the brink of destruction after battling against alien invaders known as BETA for the last 20 years. Takeru soon finds himself enrolled into the United Nation force to fight these aliens and finds the parallel versions of all of his high school friends, with the exception of Kagami Sumika, who does not seem to exist. Soon he will have to fight to save mankind, and protect the girl he comes to love over the course of the story.

Muv-Luv Alternative
Three years after witnessing the tragic exodus of mankind, Takeru wakes up believing that everything that had happened was just a dream. The brief hope that he has at last come back to his world is dashed away as soon as he discovers that he is once more trapped in the parallel world of Unlimited. Restarting on that fateful day he first came here, will Takeru manage to use his knowledge of previous events to change mankind's tragic future?

More information will be revealed at Anime Expo 2015 this weekend with the team attending in a conference with the Muv Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse creator Kouki Yoshimune and a couple other Japanese members who are involved with the production of the game.

Source - ANN Muv Luv Degica page Muv Luv Facebook page

UPDATE:

The distributor has confirmed via Twitter that they plan to release the All Ages version first and the original Eroge version later on.

Source - Twitter post

 

[black1blade]

Re: Muv-Luv visual novels to be localised with an English Kickstarter!

Awesome!!!!!! I have been hoping to read this VN sometime and I'll happily support it when I get a decent PC. If only the type moon VNs could get localised.

 

[ayase]

Re: Muv-Luv visual novels to be localised with an English Kickstarter!

Due to Kickstarter rules the games will most likely be the All Ages version of the franchise.

*goes to check*
*it's true, you can't Kickstart porn, alcohol, weapons, drugs or genetically modified organisms*

Well there go all my Kickstarter ideas.

 

[Shiroi Hane]

Re: Muv-Luv visual novels to be localised with an English Kickstarter!

Yeah, they couldn't do the adult version of Grisaia through KS and even had to pull the dakimakura they had as rewards.

(what I can't figure out is why the forums told me I had a reply here, when I hadn't posted in this thread before)

 

[Smeelia]

Re: Muv-Luv visual novels to be localised with an English Kickstarter!

I wonder if there could/should be an exception for porn that doesn't feature real "actors". It seems to me they should really be treated as separate things, even if they are ultimately both excluded.

 

[NormanicGrav]

Re: Muv-Luv visual novels to be localised with an English Kickstarter!

More details have been revealed for the Muv-Luv kickstarter.

The Project
We (Degica) will be working directly with the original production company âge-soft and creator, Koki Yoshimune, to finally bring Muv-Luv to the world. This version will be extensively updated and contain a lot of new content and extras for the fans.

Project Timeline
We're planning on releasing Muv-Luv Extra and Unlimited in March of 2016 with Muv-Luv Alternative coming out in Summer 2016.

The Translation:
With more than 2.7 million Japanese characters, the Muv-Luv series is a huge project to translate.

We're assembling a joint task force to tackle this. A mix of dedicated fan translators and professional translators from Japan will work directly with the creators of Muv-Luv series to ensure the highest quality translation for this release.

Why Kickstarter?
Kickstarter allows us to connect directly with the fans (that's you!). With this approach, you get a lot more insight (and input) into what goes into this project. The english Muv-Luv fanbase is the reason this whole project came about so it only made sense to involve you as much as possible in this project.

Starting Goal - 250,000$
Our main focus is to provide a polished, high quality, English release of Muv-Luv (Extra and Unlimited) and Muv-Luv Alternative for the PC. This will include:

- The latest and most up-to-date HD graphics available. We'll be using assets not only from the PS3 version of Muv-Luv(Extra + Unlimited) and Muv-Luv Alternative (including Takeru's voice) but updated stuff directly from âge-soft.
- An updated game engine to ensure full compatibility with Windows 7, 8, and 10. The current version only supports Win XP and 7.
- Updated User Interface, Options, and Menus.
- Additional enhanced functions never before seen in any version of Muv-Luv(Extra + Unlimited) and Muv-Luv Alternative.

Stretch Goals
Our main focus is on providing a polished, high quality, english release of the Muv-Luv series. That being said, based on fan feedback we've put together a few stretch goals. Check them out below

Muv-Luv Improvements - $400,000
- Additional Brand New CGs
- Additional OSTs and BGMs: Special Unlockable Content, All Original/New content to be specified

Official Muv-Luv CODEX - $500,000
- A digital lore browser with content from Lunatic Dawn and Integral Works in English.
- An official guide to the Muv-luv world put together by the Muv-Luv team with never before seen content including images, lore, backstory, and more!

VITA Release - $600,000
- Official English VITA release of the Muv-Luv series. Experience the trilogy at the best console for Visual Novels!
- This will also help support an official Japanese release!

Photon Melodies + Photon Flowers - $720,000
- English Localization and Windows port of the PS3 Exclusive Muv-Luv side stories collection.
- View the FAQ for more details about Collection contents!

Backer Rewards
Before we launch the Kickstarter, we reached out to the existing Muv-Luv fanbase to see what they wanted. The items offered below are a representation of almost all the feedback we've received:

Bravo Leader Status Report - 1$
- Access to Backer Kit!
- Receive Muv-Luv Updates and Special Emails!

Discounted Price for Muv-Luv Steam Key - 20$
Discounted Price for Muv-Luv Alternative Steam Key - 30$
Muv-Luv Digital Bundle - 50$
- Discounted Price for Muv-Luv Steam Key
- Discounted Price for Muv-Luv Alternative Steam Key

Muv-Luv Digital Bundle + OST - 60$
- Muv-Luv Digital Bundle
- *Digital OST Master Collection

Muv-Luv Physical Copy - 70$
- Physical Boxed Copy of Muv-Luv/Muv-Luv Alternative
- Muv-Luv full Digital Bundle

Physical Muv-Luv Collector's Box - 150$
- Physical+Digital Muv-Luv + Muv-Luv Alternative
- Physical+Digital Kickstarter Exclusive Artbook
- *Physical+Digital OST Master Collection DVD
- Digital Photon Flowers + Photon Melodies (if the Goal is unlocked)
- Muv-Luv Codex (if the Goal is unlocked)

BETA Watch Out - 200$
- Physical Collector's Box
- Exclusive - Physical Destroyer Class BETA Plushie

*This list is a work in progress. The rest of the backer reward tiers will be revealed shortly.

Pending Backer Rewards to be included in tiers:

PS VITA (Digital)
Exclusive Goodie Bag containing:
- Clearfiles
- Pin Badges
- 8x11 Printed Illustrations
- *ENAMEL Valkyries Medallion
- 666 + Valkyries + United Nations Patches

Pillow Covers
- Exclusive Ayamine, Sumika and Meiya design.
- Some of Total Eclipse and Schwarzesmarken heroines will be included, like Cryska, Yui, Inia and Irisdina.

*BETA Hoodie, Eishi Jackets, T-Shirts and Female UN uniforms!
- Exclusive signed bag/wrapping material.

*Rare/Limited TSF Kits and Figurines
They’ll be in a signed box.

Signed Compilation of Lunatic Dawn 1-10 (JP)
- See "Muv-Luv CODEX" stretch goal for more info.

Signed On-Request Special Colored Illustration (Shikishi) by age-soft artists.
- Choose your favorite Muv Luv character to be drawn.

Sponsor’s Package:
- Be credited in the game as a Major Sponsor!
- Receive all the event exclusive items for next year's Comiket!
- If you can visit Japan for next year's Comiket, be our special guest!

*The lists will be finalized as we approach the launch - we may add more and settle the marked items to better suit our backers' needs. However we need to be realistic with the campaign scope and production costs.

Frequent Q&A:
Q: When is the Kickstarter launch date?
A: The Kickstarter will be launched this month (September). The exact date will be announced soon.

Q: Will we get digital codes for purchasing the physical copy?
A: Yes, of course!

Q: Will you introduce the 18+ content later on?
A: Yes, we will provide a patch for this. Specifics will be given at a later date.

Q: When will the game be released?
A: We’re targeting March 2016 for Muv-Luv and Muv-Luv Unlimited, and Summer 2016 for Alternative.

Q: What is Muv-Luv Alternative 「Integral Works」 and 「Lunatic Dawn」, the books which will be part of the Muv-Luv CODEX?
A1: 「Integral Works」 is a 300+ page book containing detailed information about the world of Muv-Luv and Muv-Luv Alternative. It is a complete package of its own - Integral Works includes various short stories, illustrations and information regarding the creation of Mechas/Tactical Surface Fighters (TSFs), presentation of Anti-BETA tactical formations and military lore, history of most of the nations involved in the series.
A2: 「Lunatic Dawn」 is a series of fanbooks released by âge-soft during Comiket and other events exclusively, which supplements the lore with data on TSFs, design sketches, illustrations, comments, and also Muv-Luv related updates.

Q: Will you still do the sketch requests from AX?
A: Yes, definitely. We deeply apologize for the delays. We'll be sure to email the people concerned and keep everyone posted.

Q: What is Photon Flowers and Photon Melodies?
A: Photons are collections of stories which came from various âge-soft titles, and were originally released for the PS3. If you have played Muv-Luv Supplement, Altered Fable, and Chronicles, you may be familiar with some of the short story titles.
photonflowers*

Muv-Luv Supplement
Sakura no Hana ga Saku Mae ni - 桜の花が咲く前に 〜Muv-Luv After Episode〜
Muv-Luv ～Another Episode Collection～
Ayu-Mayu Alternative
Atonement (Shokuzai - 贖罪)
Inheritance (Shoukei - 承継)
Muv-Luv Chronicles 01
Chicken Divers (チキン・ダイバーズ)
Rain Dancers (レイン・ダンサーズ)
Kimi ga Ita Kisetsu (君がいた季節)
Confessions (Kokusaku - 告白)
photonmelodies♮

Muv-Luv Chronicles 02
Aspiration - (Shoukei - 憧憬)
Muv-Luv Chronicles 03
Resurrection - (Saitan - 再誕)
Muv-Luv Altered Fable
Kagayaku Toki ga Kienu Mae ni - かがやく時空（とき）が消えぬ間に

Basically if you pickup the All Ages version there will be a patch available to get the Eroge stuff, that's not a bad idea at all. It's better than saying 'not gonna happen'.

 

[NormanicGrav]

Re: Muv-Luv visual novels to be localised with an English Kickstarter!

Kickstarter is now live!

With 39 days to ago and at the time of this post it's already reached $135,611 of $250,000 with 645 backers.

Physical copy option is $80.

To summarise the stretch goals:
- $250k - Main goal: Muv-Luv (Extra & Unlimited) & Muv-Luv Alternative will be localised for PC
- $400k - Stretch goal: Additional content & Unlockables added to the games (i.e. more OSTs & BGM, additional CGs)
- $500k - Stretch goal: Android and PlayStation Vita versions to be made (this will also support the Japanese release as well)
- $600k - Stretch goal: Codex, a guide on the world of Muv Luv
- $720k - Stretch goal: Muv-Luv Side Stories: Photon Melodies & Flowers (PS3 exclusive VN) will be localised for PC

 

[Buzz201]

Re: Muv-Luv (Extra, Unlimited & Alternative) now on Kickstarter! 39 days to go for $250k!

This is perhaps a stupid question, but what is Muv-Luv like, and is it any good?

 

[NormanicGrav]

Re: Muv-Luv (Extra, Unlimited & Alternative) now on Kickstarter! 39 days to go for $250k!

This is perhaps a stupid question, but what is Muv-Luv like, and is it any good?

Haven't played it but Alternative is one of the most popular visual novels out there. It's definitely a series that should at least earn an English release after all this time. Here's a review from TAY.

Visual Novel Database Ranking

#1 - Muv-Luv Alternative
#2 - Steins;Gate
#3 - Baldr Sky Dive2 “Recordare”
#4 - Clannad
#5 - White Album 2 ~Closing Chapter~

 

[Buzz201]

Re: Muv-Luv (Extra, Unlimited & Alternative) now on Kickstarter! 39 days to go for $250k!

I was more wondering if anybody has an idea of the tone of the VN, because the description kinda sounds like a bad harem comedy with robots.

 

[NormanicGrav]

Re: Muv-Luv (Extra, Unlimited & Alternative) now on Kickstarter! 39 days to go for $250k!

Rather off topic but I found this:

3.-What was the inspiration behind Attack On Titan?

Isayama="I used to play a video game rated R called MUV LUV ALTERNATIVE. It was about aliens taking over the earth and the human race reaching the extinction. That game was my inspiration for Attack On Titan. At the beginning I had the threes as a barrier against the titans. That was back then when I was 19 yrs. old and later on I thought about the walls and how that will be much better idea. It had to be something big that will stop the titans and at the end I went for the walls plus it was more realistic. When it comes to drawing the titans what I find more interesting about these monsters is that they have to be in a more realistic world but since my drawing skills are not that good yet I lowered the realism and I opted for a vision more like Dragon Quest."

 

[black1blade]

Re: Muv-Luv (Extra, Unlimited & Alternative) now on Kickstarter! 39 days to go for $250k!

Isn't the first game a general dating sim harem so you can get to know the characters, then the next is a bit more serious but still with routes but then the final bit is a singular story line?

 

[NormanicGrav]

Re: Muv-Luv (Extra, Unlimited & Alternative) now on Kickstarter! 39 days to go for $250k!

Isn't the first game a general dating sim harem so you can get to know the characters, then the next is a bit more serious but still with routes but then the final bit is a singular story line?

Pretty much yes. :lol:

 

[NormanicGrav]

Re: Muv-Luv (Extra, Unlimited & Alternative) now on Kickstarter! 39 days to go for $250k!

Kickstarter is now live!

With 39 days to ago and at the time of this post the Kickstarter has successfully beaten it's goal. $311,368 has been donated with 1833 backers.

Physical copy option is $80.

To summarise the stretch goals:
- $400k - Next Stretch goal: Additional content & Unlockables added to the games (i.e. more OSTs & BGM, additional CGs)
- $500k - Stretch goal: Android and PlayStation Vita versions to be made (this will also support the Japanese release as well)
- $600k - Stretch goal: Codex, a guide on the world of Muv Luv
- $720k - Stretch goal: Muv-Luv Side Stories: Photon Melodies & Flowers (PS3 exclusive VN) will be localised for PC

 

[NormanicGrav]

Re: Muv-Luv (Extra, Unlimited & Alternative) now on Kickstarter! 39 days to go for $250k!

With 37 days to ago and at the time of this post the Kickstarter has successfully beaten it's first stretch goal. $415,148 has been donated with 2,490 backers.

Physical copy option is $80.

To summarise the stretch goals:
- $400k - Achieved: Additional content & Unlockables added to the games (i.e. more OSTs & BGM, additional CGs)
- $500k - Next Stretch goal: Android and PlayStation Vita versions to be made (this will also support the Japanese release as well)
- $600k - Stretch goal: Codex, a guide on the world of Muv Luv
- $720k - Stretch goal: Muv-Luv Side Stories: Photon Melodies & Flowers (PS3 exclusive VN) will be localised for PC

I guess the Kickstarter will just manage to reach $720k by the end of its run. Once they hit that I think that will be it. For comparison Clannad reached $541,161 with 5819 backers and Grisaia Trilogy reached $475,255 with 4,348 backers.

 

[Lutga]

Re: Muv-Luv (Extra, Unlimited & Alternative) now on Kickstarter! 1st Goal achieved, next aim $500k!

If they reach the Vita stretch goal, will they release that independent of the Kickstarter?

 

[NormanicGrav]

Re: Muv-Luv (Extra, Unlimited & Alternative) now on Kickstarter! 1st Goal achieved, next aim $500k!

If they reach the Vita stretch goal, will they release that independent of the Kickstarter?

Presumably yes because the stretch goal is also helping them release a Japanese version so it's likely that non-backers will be able to get their hands on the Vita version when it's done.

Meanwhile with Grisaia... :lol:

 

[NormanicGrav]

Re: Muv-Luv (Extra, Unlimited & Alternative) now on Kickstarter! 39 days to go for $250k!

With 33 days to ago and at the time of this post the Kickstarter has successfully beaten it's second stretch goal. $501,165 has been donated with 3,062 backers. The second goal was to release the visual novels on Android and PlayStation Vita,

Physical copy option is $80. If you chose the $150 tier, you'll be given the chance to pick either the Android or the Vita version for free. And if the kickstarter manages to reach the $720k goal, the side stories will also be made free for everyone who donated to the $150 tier and others above.

The creators have also announced that the PC version will also be DRM Free.

This means that we’ll now be able to do an Android and Sony Vita port of Muv-Luv!!

Everyone who’s pledged $150 or higher will be able to choose one of these to receive (at no extra cost). We’ll have more info on this shortly.

We’ve also had a number of users express concern with DRM on the physical boxes. We took a look at our current DRM setup and while not intrusive, it doesn't really add anything to the experience so we’ve decided to go DRM free for the physical releases. You’re putting your faith in us with this Kickstarter and we want to pay that back.

In other news, both Muv Luv Extra/Unlimited and Muv Luv Alternative have been Greenlit on Steam! Huge thanks to everyone who voted for us.

The next stretch goal is the official Muv-Luv Codex! We're really looking forward to this goal and being able to put this together for you. Below are a few images from the Japanese versions of Lunatic Dawn and Integral Works (which are inspiring this Codex).

Anyways, that’s all for now.

The Muv Luv Team

To summarise the stretch goals:
- $400k - Achieved: Additional content & Unlockables added to the games (i.e. more OSTs & BGM, additional CGs)
- $500k - Achieved: Android and PlayStation Vita versions to be made (this will also support the Japanese release as well)
- $600k - Next Stretch goal: Codex, a guide on the world of Muv Luv
- $720k - Stretch goal: Muv-Luv Side Stories: Photon Melodies & Flowers (PS3 exclusive VN) will be localised for PC

It took a week to reach the second goal and it's $219,835 more to reach the final goal.

For comparison Clannad reached $541,161 with 5819 backers and Grisaia Trilogy reached $475,255 with 4,348 backers.

 

[NormanicGrav]

Muv-Luv (Extra, Unlimited & Alternative) now on Kickstarter! 3rd Goal achieved, next aim $720k!

With 22 days to ago and at the time of this post the Kickstarter has successfully beaten it's third stretch goal. $600,616 has been donated with 3,736 backers. The third goal was to provide a codex for the franchise.

A digital lore browser with content from Lunatic Dawn and Integral Works in English.

An official guide to the Muv-luv world put together by the Muv-Luv team with never before seen content including images, lore, backstories, and more!

With everyone's efforts in unlocking the goal, it will be available for free for people pledging for the campaign 150$ and above!

Physical copy option is $80. If you chose the $150 tier, you'll be given the chance to pick either the Android or the Vita version for free. And if the kickstarter manages to reach the $720k goal, the side stories will also be made free for everyone who donated to the $150 tier and others above.

The creators also announced that the PlayStation Vita version will now also available in physical form. The option to own one is the same as PC ($80).

Good Day Everyone!

Just a short update - due to the enormous amounts of requests we've been receiving from people in and outside of Kickstarter, we have looked into releasing physical versions of Muv-Luv for the PS Vita... and we're quite happy to say your efforts aren't in vain, for new physical Vita tiers are now available!

$80 -【Muv-Luv Trilogy PS Vita Physical Bundle】

Experience the full glory of the Muv-Luv series! ・Receive a complete physical copy of the trilogy for the PS Vita!

$150 - 【Muv-Luv Trilogy Collector's Box - PS Vita Edition】

・Receive a physical copy of the Muv-Luv trilogy for the PS Vita in a signed collector’s display box! ・Comes with a Kickstarter Special Artbook full of prototypes and exclusive content! ・You’ll also get the Master OST Collection of the trilogy in a physical DVD format! Note: Pledging $150 or above gets you ALL of the digital stretch goal items for free when they’re unlocked.

We're near the $600,000 CODEX stretch goal, and a new tier will be available when we reach it!

For $200 tier and above, there will be a survey for everyone at the end of the Kickstarter to choose between the PS Vita and PC Collector's box.

Please spread the word, and thanks for supporting Muv-Luv!

Cheers,
The Muv-Luv Team

To summarise the stretch goals:
- $400k - Achieved: Additional content & Unlockables added to the games (i.e. more OSTs & BGM, additional CGs)
- $500k - Achieved: Android and PlayStation Vita versions to be made (this will also support the Japanese release as well)
- $600k - Next Stretch goal: Codex, a guide on the world of Muv Luv
- $720k - Stretch goal: Muv-Luv Side Stories: Photon Melodies & Flowers (PS3 exclusive VN) will be localised for PC

It took about 11 days to reach the third goal and it's $119,384 more to reach the final goal.

For comparison Clannad reached $541,161 with 5819 backers and Grisaia Trilogy reached $475,255 with 4,348 backers.

 

[NormanicGrav]

Re: Muv-Luv Kickstarter reaches $720k! $900k Goal introduced!

It's official. Muv-Luv has managed to reach $720,000 with 10 days left on the kickstarter! To be exact $720,441 with 4451 backers.

$720k goal now allows fans to play the Photon sidestories.

To celebrate, the developers have added new additions to the tiers.

For each Yuuko Gift Bag, they'll be adding 11” x 17” durable long-lasting polyester fabric tapestries with this neat design:

"Bou-sensei will be designing the pillowcase covers for us! He was the main character artist for Muv-Luv and has been working on a number of other projects since then. Here are some samples of Bou-sensei’s art:"

And finally a $900k stretch goal is introduced.

The $900,000 final stretch goal is the「Operation Cherry Blossom」!

The objective of this mission is to eliminate the enemy BETA hive and all obstacles which has been preventing us from making the physical Muv-Luv Alternative CODEX a reality!
Here are the physical Muv-Luv Alternative CODEX features:

Width: 21 cm
Height: 29.7 cm
Hard cover artbook with 400-500 glossy full color pages!
Contains contents from Integral Works and Lunatic Dawn Anthology 1-3.
What will happen when we do achieve victory?

All $300 tiers and above will now have a physical CODEX for free!
There will be a new $220 tier - a physical box of your choice plus the CODEX.
There will be a new $80 tier for the physical CODEX alone.
And last but not least, as a reward for everyone's efforts, we will be adding a bonus, limited edition Sumika Figma to every Collector's Box!