The Oni tackles MuvLuv - a let's play of sorts (Update #45 on 25/08)

[Avian Overlord]

Welll, ****.

[tensai_oni]

And with this comment we start the 10th page and also reach the 10 000 views milestone.

And yeah what Terra said. The thread is old so I can't edit its title anymore. I could probably bother mods to change it, but they'll hate me if I do it for every update so it'll just be a generic thread title without the update date.

[tensai_oni]

Update #52: November 24th - pilot suits

Spoiler

Show

Marimo's shamelessly-reading lecture on TSF piloting continues.




With a dose of government sanctioned propaganda. But then, considering how many people they've killed, I don't think there are any human BETA sympathizers to disagree... are there?



Oho. You're one step closer to piloting a giant robot, Takeru.



And he's already determined to play it by ear. No time for academics.




That's pretty vague.



That's a worrying expression.




Okay, THAT is a worrying expression.



Looks like their plan was to stuff Takeru full of food. And then probably make him exercise so much he barfs it all out, right? You're so nice, everyone.




Yeah, I wonder how the suits look like... okay, not fooling anyone. We saw them in the opening. MuvLuv is infamous for them.



The problem is, Takeru is too full to move. How to deal with this obstacle?






Like that.

Some time later, Takeru is already stuffed into his own pilot suit. Somehow.



Marimo likes it.



Takeru is ambivalent.



Time for self-directed VIOLENCE.




Come on, beat the crap out of yourself Takeru before Marimo does it for you.



Except it doesn't hurt. It doesn't hurt at all - and Marimo knew all along.

Pretty good protection for something that looks like... well, you'll see.



You'll see.




Yup.



The transparent pilot suits make their first in-character appearance, and suddenly the amount of effort I have to put into the LP has doubled. Go, Censor Sumika, go.





As the chibis walk away, I just want to add - there's a reason for this. A reason other than "this is a 18+ Japanese visual novel, what did you expect?"

And yes, Takeru's suit has a see through chest section too. Marimo approves.



Meiya acts as anyone would if put in her situation.




Well, at least Marimo-chan tries to be accomodating.



The room is really big and full of simulator units. Takeru moved his head around a bit to show the whole background image.

Also apparently the simulator units are two-seaters.



Nobody wants Takeru sitting behind them. I wonder why.



It's time for another demonstration, isn't it?



SMACK



Don't make hitting Takeru a hobby, Marimo.




You know, for Unlimited-verse's tech level, those suits are pretty damn amazing. All the research must've went into this while ignoring personal computers and video games.



Something appears in the middle of Takeru's view.



Well duh, you're not in a TSF yet.



Marimo's always willing to help pink cats that require assistance. Also what's this, Chizuru is talking about her glasses and not a single quip from our protagonist? You really are becoming more mature.

Or maybe Takeru just knows that there won't be any consequences from beating the crap out of him while he wears the suit.



Dammit Kei, stop being yourself.



Actually, that's a decent point - one hidden under a layer of trolling. Typical Kei in other words.



Not that it makes it any easier to accept. Don't worry Mikoto, we like you for what you are.



Marimo's in mood for more exposition. Watch out everyone!






She also hands out a little something.

Simulator + plastic bags = you can see where this is all going.

Takeru's a little thick as we all know, so he doesn't get it yet.



Or maybe he just hopes it's not what he thinks it is.



Well, there we go.





That's just bullying, you all!



You mean, you didn't have to use those pilot suits back then.



Yup. Bullying.



The first pair (Meiya and Chizuru, as it was obvious from their absence) ends their turn. Let's see how they did, shall we?



Well, they're alive at least.



You really are strong, Class Rep.



Good luck, you two.






Tama is pretty strong too.

And then she immediately collapses. Ouch.



Takeru's starting to get second thoughts.



Second thoughts dispelled!



He's having too much fun and the simulated TSF didn't even move yet.



Hey, it's holo-Marimo-chan.






The simulation starts. Ready to throw up, Takeru?



Actually he seems to be doing pretty well.



Hey, don't fall asleep now.



No longer feeling like sleeping, are you?



A turn, and then!



This.




A BETA.





Takeru starts to freak out.






Too busy having a traumatic flashback to pay attention to reality.




And just like that, it's over.

Time for the post-exam report.



A question deflects attention from one small detail.




The detail that Takeru wasn't mentioned among those who passed without problems.



Uh oh, there we go.



Takeru already beats himself up in preparation for bad news.



Bad news that never come.




To the contrary.

Looks like he's finally good at SOMETHING. Also, that's it for images I had to censor for this update!



This is too much of a shock to suddenly accept, and everyone wonders what the deal is.



It's really obvious how bad you feel if even Mikoto can notice it.



Suddenly!



Iiiidiot.



Time for a private telling off by Sgt Marimo.





Marimo...





Takeru opens himself to her. All his fears and insecurities just flood out.

His life is not in danger but still, that's Takeru at his most vulnerable yet.



And Marimo is there to comfort him.





Marimo, you may be different than your Extra self but really, the both of you are the same.








Saying the truth even when it's painful, supportive and kind.

That's Marimo for you. There is a reason you're one of my MuvLuv favorite characters.




Takeru can see it too.



Well then, let's see what the others had to say, after having eavesdropped on the whole conversation.



Nothing, apparently.



That's so mean.

Suddenly, a weird noise comes from behind Takeru's back!



It's Meiya, trying and failing to be scary.



Here's another one!




The gig is up! Leave your hidey places, everyone.



Looks like Meiya needs more ranks in Intimidate.

Now then, about the talk with Marimo...



It was no big deal, right?



Right.



That's not what a cheered up person thinks like. Well, don't worry Takeru, you'll get better eventually... right?



Out goes the last thought, in floats another.




Will Mikoto have something like that?



You don't know who Kasumi is? Is she a ghost and only Takeru can see her?





Typical Mikoto moment.



What does Kasumi do on the base anyway? Other than spend time in the creepy brain room and be possibly maybe Yuuko's daughter.



Looks like Takeru has a headstart over everyone else. Is it because of his natural talents, or due to the fact his world had roller-coasters, Valgernon and other civilian use anti-barf training?



Piloting first generation TSFs must've been tough work. Not to mention, you know. BETA.





Thanks Mikoto. Quest item, get!



Takeru vs door - doors win. Twice.



Yuuko eventually appears.



But it seems we won't be having a scene with Kasumi today.



Yuuko does actual work? That's the most surprising thing so far.



Yes, what about those?



Geh.



Indeed, that's what I've been saying all along.

Try not to get dissected, Takeru!

[kamikasei]

I'm not sure why it didn't occur to me before, but aren't Chizuru's comically huge glasses an impediment to her being a pilot? Even if the retinal projection gets around her impairment, she shouldn't be wearing those in a cockpit, surely? Although then the spectre of "regulation hairstyles" begins to loom ominously...

Also, the bit where the interface alternated between calling her "Chizuru" and "Sakaki" was interesting.

[tensai_oni]

Chizuru doesn't pilot with her glasses on, does she?

/checks

Huh.

[Terraoblivion]

And her comically huge glasses should prevent her from doing any of the special forces stuff she has already done anyway, so it's best not to think too much about them.

Also, I see that Yuuko remains Yuuko.

[Pronounceable]

I'm still following this. Just don't have anything nice to say.
[insert long expression of hatred towards parallel universes, alien invasions and mechas in general, and those suits in particular here]

[Tengu_temp]

It doesn't look like you're enjoying this LP even on a "this is fascinatingly bad" level. I can't help but wonder why do you keep reading.

[Pronounceable]

I like to hate with knowledge rather than ignorance.

Also dat noneuclidian hair...

[tensai_oni]

Update #53: November 25th to 27th - identities

Spoiler

Show

Today we're talking about powered exoskeletons/tiny mecha used as cockpits for the other mecha.




That sounds vaguely historically accurate. Didn't real life US military develop a Handyman powered suit for heavy lifting? It was never used in combat obviously.

Also apparently in MuvLuv there exist entire brigades of soldiers wearing that in combat. The term "mechanized infantry" has a new meaning.



Well, looks like combat life expectancy went up a bit since first gen's 8 minutes.




Wait wait, we're doing math now? In class? That's ridiculous.



Good thing Meiya had to answer this question. Somehow I don't think Takeru has enough common sense to make a good call. Common sense - or math skills.



Oops.





Gotta evade the BETA!



I don't think you can defeat them just somehow.



I have no idea what you're trying to say here Takeru, but somehow it satisfied Marimo.

Looks like he is able to be taught after all.



Oh, so that's what she meant.

Well, a more reckless Takeru would be DEAD after the evaluation, of course he's going to be careful now.




Nice.



Nice... and also surprising. They're not the only squad around. Why the priority?

Takeru already suspects what's up.



Sounds likely.



Really likely.




Marimo wants something from Chizuru and Meiya. What it is, will remain a mystery for now.



Let's say hi to the rabbit-girl person.



And the troll, too.




Good call there. Takeru finally gets his brain to work decently.




I have a feeling Yuuko is mocking Takeru there.




Yeah, definitely mocking.




Just stop with the mocking already.



But Takeru became so self-aware, apparently he can take it easily.



"I'm not doing this for you or anything", tsun tsun tsun.



Don't try to spoil Kasumi's opinion of Chop-kun, either.





Busy? Busy with what?



We won't discover that today either.



But what's this, "today" ends and another today begins to take its place? Two days in one update, what is this madness?

... Oh, I did that several times already? Okay.



Takeru can't wait to see his new big toy.




Was Kasumi unhappy to see him awake already? Still, she's stopped from leaving... and tries to stir Takeru from his sleep by shoving. As usual. Except you know...



This.



Are they here?



Yes they are!




The new TSFs have arrived. Say hello to the Type 97 Fubuki.



Everyone's here and the usual banter begins. But one of the gang is strangely quiet...



Meiya's watching a newly arrived TSF intently.



Suddenly Marimo-chan arrives to explain that the mecha are not ready yet.



Tough luck Takeru. How will you even survive those 3-4 days?



Suddenly he's disappointed. Don't want a second hand robot, Takeru?




Our protagonist has some rather specific ideas about how mecha should work.




Takeru, please. Please. Mass produced mooks are at least as cool, if not cooler than one of a kind prototypes and super robots. You're just being a noob now.



Uh oh.



Is it time for another Marimo-chan infodump?



Yes it is. Tl;dr skipped, short version - Fubuki better, but Gekishin still used a lot. Because efficiency, customizability, and there's simply a crapload of them out there.



Takeru decides to focus on important things.





A purple, elite-looking TSF is uncovered.



Takemikazuchi... Meiya says this word as if it was supposed to explain everything.



And for others it does. Not for Takeru though.



Tama cares not for his confusion, and immediately goes all touchy-feely on the robot. Also, come on, I know she's small but TSFs are only what, 20 meters tall? How big can this foot be?

Suddenly!




The pink cat is smacked away from the unit!




Hey, you people seem familiar somehow.






So, Tsukuyomi and the three idiots exist in Unlimited too, huh!

They don't seem to be maids anymore, though. Obviously.





Yes, very observant Takeru. Focus on that and not on the actual conversation - you just missed some important plot points dropping, you know.






Taking the feelings of her mysterious benefactor into consideration, Meiya allows the super elite TSF to stay. So Tsukuyomi and the trio leave.



While giving Takeru a death glare.

I guess some things don't change.




Meiya runs away, not happy about what happened. Not happy at all.



Takeru's still being ignorant.



Others are fed up with it.





Come on Takeru, if you paid attention to the dialogue you could make an educated guess already.



Yeah, no s**t, Sherlock.




Takeru's ponderings are rudely interrupted.



Do you have any filter between your brain and your mouth, Chop-kun?



To the surprise of no one, they don't like this at all.



Hey... good point, actually.



But what's with this accusation?







Takeru's dead? You mean he was supposed to be dead but isn't, or did his Unlimited self die while the Extra lives on? Just how many more people know more about Takeru than Takeru himself, and will they all threaten to make him really dead, too?




Meiya, Takeru's knight in shining (and angular) armor, to the rescue.



She shoos the group away.





But not before adding a little of herself.

The relationship between Meiya and her servants seem to be the same as in Extra. Even if they're a lot more hardass here. Though let's face it, Takeru's behavior didn't make him any favors either.






Let's state what should be more or less obvious by now.




Meiya tries dropping hints first, heavily. Too subtle for Takeru, sorry.





C'mon Takeru, connect the dots already.



There we go.



Ah. And here I thought that in Unlimited, the Mitsurugi Group head is actually the emperor, and Meiya is his granddaughter.

But that'd be silly.



Looks like there's more mysteries hovering in the air. Actual mysteries this time. The kind that isn't common knowledge for everyone except fresh arrivals from alternate universes.





The person who cares for Meiya, for example. Who might that be?

Well, Takeru gets distracted by the purple robot. And the upcoming training session.



But does not forget the shocking revelation. Something tells me it might be a big problem in the future.



Right, time for training though, training.




Takeru's making big progress here. Think of it as a video game, and he's suddenly all over it.



Well then.





Let's go!














Two things: one - TSFs are really friggin' cool. Two - Takeru took melee damage like a derp, but somehow, he made it.

Shame he has something else to take care of now.




More PTSD?




Nope. The scenario ends here and now.



Takeru must have the most blissful expression right now.




Banters gonna banter.



Ohh?



Silly Takeru, recovery moves don't work in real life.





Looks like Takeru's game-related background gives him an advantage in simulated combat.




Aren't you treating this a bit TOO much like a video game though?



Getting really close to blowing your cover there, too. Though I suppose others are used to Takeru talking nonsense by now.



Okay, that was a reasonable explanation and overall Marimo seems to be happy with Takeru's geeky weirdness... I suppose?



But yeah, simulated battle is one thing, but how will you fare with the real deal Takeru? Don't forget the more standard maneuvers in case your life ever needs saving, or something.



Don't encourage the rest to turn into hardcore gamers, one Kei was bad enough.



They seem to be more busy giving Takeru the Look (TM) anyway.



Hey, could it be? For a change, are you jealous of Takeru?




Oh you.

[kamikasei]

C'mon Takeru, connect the dots already.

So.
Zetta.
...
Slow.

So - it sounds like Unlimited's Takeru is dead, but someone (Yuuko?) altered some records to let our Takeru assume his identity. Was this already established in exposition with Yuuko, or is it a surprise to us?

[tensai_oni]

It was supposed to be a surprise. I mean the Takeru thing, not the Meiya thing. I doubt the latter surprised anyone except Takeru himself.

[Tengu_temp]

The reappearance of certain characters and the revelation about Takeru were surprising to me. The revelation about Meiya, obviously, wasn't.

Good to see Takeru continues being a Ryusei and showing that his reflexes have been honed by years of video games (and rollercoasters). His explanation of his maneuvers is rather amusing if you know enough about fighting games.

[Terraoblivion]

I'll admit that I didn't expect mecha piloting to be quite that similar to playing video games. You'd think they'd be set up differently and such.

Also, I agree that Takeru taking the identity of a dead guy was surprising, as well as everyone in the squad apparently being special in some way, not just Takeru, Meiya and spoilers who I got spoiled looking for some other spoilers.

[Avian Overlord]

Honestly, this universe's instance of Takeru being dead isn't that much of a surprise. Also, the sheer bloody awfulness of the uniforms continues. I did not realize how bad they were from that opening video. Wow.

[tensai_oni]

The uniforms are actually pretty good and I like them.

The pilot suits though, yeah.

Well, at least that way I can say Sumika is in Unlimited!

[Ishikar]

Lifespan as referred to in the "8 Minutes of Death" is in full active combat against the BETA and it is a bit of misnomer because it includes first gen pilots/units (which went over amazingly as was noted earlier). The 14 day survival time in the exoskeleton is in a SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) scenario after they've successfully ejected. The trick there is that most of the BETA completely ignore humans in favor of other targets leaving only 3 of the 8 known strains of BETA to worry about and the exoskeleton deters one of those and they are vulnerable to man portable weapons (heavy weapons for one of them but man portable weapons all the same).

As for the "SURPRISE, YOU'RE DEAD" moment, it isn't that much of a stretch given the general state of his home and what's happened in this world. Takeru will surely mope about it for quite a while but hey, what can you do? I'm more entranced by the pretty purple robot of doom (TM) and would probably get smacked just like Tamase did. It just makes me sad how long we'll really have to wait to see it do anything though...

[Avian Overlord]

The uniforms are actually pretty good and I like them.

The pilot suits though, yeah.

Sorry, meant the pilot suits. The good uniforms just make the pilot suits come off worse by comparison. Really, I'm getting the feeling Muv-Luv would be if it wasn't 18+.

Well, at least that way I can say Sumika is in Unlimited!

Well, I suspect that there is some connection between Sumika and Kasumi. You know. Just a thought.

[tensai_oni]

Update #54: November 28th - a fight

Spoiler

Show

Takeru's training again.



This time he's not alone!

How will the teamup with Tama go?





Pretty poorly. And not because of Tama's fault.





Some quick sniping destroys the virtual drone/Angel lookalike, and promptly ends the simulated experience.



That's the first time I see Miki so... grumpy.




Looks like she's fed up with Takeru's sh*t. Take this more seriously!



Still, Marimo seems really happy. It's like that time when her class defeated Yuuko's in lacrosse.

... That was such a long time ago.




I guess Takeru's individual skill is still good even if his teamwork sucks.



Nobody knows where he got the skillz from. I wonder how they'd react if they learnt it's from playing Valgernon?



Anyway time for totally surprising descriptions of peoples' strengths and talents.



Kei is going all CQC. In a robot. Apparently.



Meiya is powerful at swordfighting.



Tama is a sniper.



Chizuru and Mikoto are good overall.

Surely we wouldn't figure all of this out if not told.



A prize is waiting for everyone. What kind of reward is it?




The unit preparation has been moved up so Takeru can play Valgernon IN REAL LIFE sooner. Aren't you happy?

Also now we know what is it that Marimo wanted of the two in the last update.



Look forward to the mock battle, everyone.



Takeru is happy. Others are happy to make fun of him. Business as usual.



Suddenly.




Hey, it's Gundam's Kai Shiden and friend.





They're kinda jerks.




Chizuru tries to intervene but she's not being very successful.





Sounds like a case of being way too nosy and looking for a fight.



Takeru is happy to deliver, right?



Nah. Even he knows that'd be a bad idea.




But on the other hand, Takeru has patience only for so much.




Time for a calling out.



Now then, what will the reaction be?



Typical.





At this rate, Takeru's getting the crap beaten out of him quite thoroughly.




But if you think that's going to shut him up, you're in for a mistake. He's no stranger to VIOLENCE, especially on the receiving end!





Reinforcements have arrived.





The Eishi flee, never to be seen again. Yup, I'm sure of it.





Tsukuyomi departs as well.




Everyone gathers around the bloodied half-corpse (slight exaggeration).





Kyozuka pushes Meiya forward. This is shipping I tell you, shipping!



Looks like everyone in the squad has something that makes them easy to bully by the rest of the soldiers. Mysteries intensify...





Yup.



Yup.



Idiot Takeru tries to brush it all off like it was no big deal.

In fact he has something else to say altogether.





Looks like Meiya had the same idea. Tsukuyomi is Tsukuyomi. She might act like a jerk at times, but she means well.

Well, except the part where she threatened to kill Takeru for being an imposter/undead zombie.




Meiya's worries do not seem completely dispelled.

... Even if she does smile a bit at the end.



Leaving Takeru to ponder his battle damage, and encounter someone else.




Of course.





Takeru is having a moment. It's kinda cute. Not even this hardass variation of Tsukuyomi seems to mind that much.



That's nice of you.



That's less so.



And back to nice.




Tsukuyomi's out, wondering if she did not perhaps ask for too much.



Anyway it's time to deal with the consequences.




That doesn't sound much like a punishment at all...




Whatever you say, Marimo-chan.




Ha ha.



Don't worry about a thing Takeru. Looks like everyone's got your back.

[Ishikar]

I keep getting thrown off by how easy it is to forget this scene but how important it winds up being from a solidarity/mindset angle. Prior to the fight we see Takeru and the girls all establishing a pecking order of specialties within the squad (which I'm sure in no way hints towards positions ) and that they are trying just as desperately to reach his level as he was trying to reach their level in basic training.

We also get hints towards actual TSF training (anyone care to guess teams?) and then the arguement/fight proper happen. Takeru continues to act clueless about the exact nature of Meiya's importance and the hints are dropped that the others have similar concerns which I'm sure we'll learn about eventually (and it's not like Takeru should know them if he really came from that world...). Mana sends Takeru into another flashback after pulling his bacon from the fire before it was completely tenderized and shows that even here she is most concerned about Meiya despite her other duties casting suspicion over Takeru.

Enjoying re-reading the LP and once again I'm terribly impressed by the degree of foresight involved in the planning and story of this series. I look forward to continuing to read along and see the discussions as they develop.

Also as a note on the piloting, the mental component (i.e. reading the pilot's mind/nerve impulses) helps a lot and explains in part how Takeru is so good because he has had years of image training through Valgernon and only really had to develop more technical skills and stamina (augmented by Sumika dragging him across every roller coaster she could). It's still an AMAZINGLY convenient excuse and straight anime logic but in a game with giant robots, alternate timelines, and alien invaders I'll give that a bye so we don't have Schmuckbait McISuck as a main character, at least not completely (the man is still the densest thing known to all mankind).

[tensai_oni]

Update #55: November 30th - an inspection part 1

Spoiler

Show

The day starts with an immediate cut to a band Miki's wearing on her arm. For some reason.





Everyone's as surprised as you are.



Of course it was Takeru's doing. A question that springs up to mind is - for what reason?

And how did he manage to rope Meiya into this shenanigan?



At least she looks satisfied with her work.



You think?




Then it's set! Tama is the squad leader... somehow.



Let's go back in time for explanations.




That's bad news. What a disappointment.



Heh. You guys are really thinking like one team now.




Kei notices a fresh Takeru-ism.



It's not an animal noise! That's hanyu, we both know that.



Anyway, let's ignore Takeru's weirdness and focus on the incoming VIP's identity.



Oh?




What a twist!




Some time later, Tama is still freaking out.



Grab! Kei seems to have an idea on how to calm her down.





What kind of solution is that? Don't bully the cat, you.




Looks like Chizuru's been taking lessons at Yuuko. Please don't do that.



But yeah, why is Tama's dad visiting a bad thing anyway?





Well, what happened earlier in the update (but later chronologically, confused yet?) should make it obvious. But less sorry's, more details, please.





So that's what it happened. It's kinda cute, in a really troublesome way.




Ohh? Are you really okay with this, Chizuru?



Don't get peoples' hopes up like that.



Hmm, that kinda makes sense though.




But Takeru does not lose his momentum.



Ah, typical Takeru way of rushing into things. Did it ever fail us?

Plenty of times actually but, details.



Time for conspirational whispering with Meiya to convert her to our side.



We never had such informative timeskip screens before, I just noticed.






Looks like Tama's squad leader act will have some holes in it.



Suddenly, a long inner monologue out of nowhere. At least Takeru shows more social awareness this time.



Oh, what's this about?



On second thought, any day is "call Takeru out on being clueless" day. At least it seems that due to all the weird deals going on in the upper echelons recently, no one will question weirdness related to Chizuru being the leader and such.



Okay. Maybe not so clueless.




Everyone doubts Tama's ability to keep a stone cold badass face.

I see their point.



Ah, "celebrity has a public position for a day", another one of those weird Japanese things. But is it even practiced in Unlimited-verse?



Apparently it is.



And that's how it all happened.

Flashback over, back to present time, present day!



Meiya acting like Takeru? She should take offense at this! Wait, she does? Good.



Anyway, Marimo's here.



Marimo knows what's up.




Re-entry destroyers are some kind of space shuttles. Unlimited's space program was much more developed than in real life, remember that.



Come on Tama, try to act like a squad leader.




What Takeru said.



At least someone is having fun.

In fact I don't recall seeing Meiya laughing like that ever before.



Takeru's playing beanbags. Kei's trolling Takeru.




Beanbags dropped by sudden distraction.



No pity from Marimo-chan today.



That's suspiciously plot convenient. I'll take it!



Yeah, they kinda knew already.



Takeru tries to help. Plan foiled instantly.



Marimo REALLY knows what's up.



So, the gig is up. What will happen now?




Really?

You're a good person and teacher, Marimo. Okay, combat instructor. Whatever.




Aha, so that's what it is. She wants to use this as an incentive for people not to screw up. And by people I mean Takeru.



Takeru immediately proceeds to sneak around.



Meiya has to play babysitter. Again.




This might be the hardest trial yet.



Come on, that's just silly.



It actually worked?



Well, not in the way Takeru intended anyway.



Oops. The gig is up... for the second time today.




Takeru Shirogane, mature as usual.



Everyone is fed up with his antics, but...




Takeru is roped into playing welcoming committee.



This is Miki's father, a very serious individual.




Forget I said anything.




This is shaping up for something ridiculous and full of SHENANIGANS.

I like it.



The armband is working perfectly. Huge success!



Kei said what Takeru was thinking before.




Tama the smaller doesn't like it. Look at her, so fierce.




That's adorable. Who's a squad leader? Yes you are!



And so it begins. Kasumi makes herself scarce. One has to wonder if she's out to really clean the bathrooms, or just get out of Tama the smaller's way while she's on a power trip.



Well, this is not so bad...





Oh boy.




Mature to the end, that's Chizuru for you. Now to do something about this "Miki's life is shortening by the minute" thing.




That's not helping.



Not helping at all.



A moment of solace - Tama the greater won't mess with Meiya. For some reason.




Come on, I'm sure he meant it in a...



Dammit, Tama the greater.



Uh oh, looks like everyone is fed up with the plan in general and Miki's dad in particular.



And they blame Takeru for it.



There is no escape.





Good-bye Takeru.

You will always live on in our hearts.

[Tengu_temp]

I didn't expect Unlimited to deliver such shenanigans, but there we go. This was one of the funniest updates so far. Such an embarassing dad.

[kamikasei]

That was extremely ridiculous. I approve.

And I kept hearing this at all the timeskip scenes.

[Terraoblivion]

Tama had nothing embarrassing to say about Kei? How disappointing.

[Tengu_temp]

Tama had nothing embarrassing to say about Kei? How disappointing.

Maybe there would be one if the show wasn't suddenly stopped by a well-timed intervention?

Yes, I am disappointed too.

[tensai_oni]

Update #56: still November 30th - an inspection part 2

Spoiler

Show

The day didn't end yet. Time for more shenanigans.

Or not. Suddenly all lights in the base flash red and a shrieking noise fills the air.




It's a state of emergency! Are the BETA attacking again?



No. But this looks really serious regardless...



And Yuuko wants to talk to everyone?

This is getting suspicious.




What a jerk. Clearly Yuuko is the dominant one in the relationship.

Anyway! The characters' livestyle choices are not to be questioned here, we have an emergency to take care of!




An out of control spaceship, crew is dead, unable to regain controls...




Quickly accelerating...



And packed full of explosives?!

There is no way this is just an accident. Sounds more like a terrorist attack/assassination attempt, especially with all the VIPs around today.



Oh yeah, speaking of VIPs.



Tama the greater continues the inspection by watching the group as it handles the crisis... hopefully.




Easy to say. Especially for Tama the smaller.



Yuuko prepared slides just in case? She's really enjoying this, isn't she.






Expospeak, go. And look at the slide show, too.



Less about the weapon, more about the situation.





Tl;dr: they have enough time for 3 shots. Technically a 4th can be shot in the window of opportunity, but the spaceship will be so close, falling debris and explosives will make the base go bye-bye either way.



I agree. This is a plan straight out of Evange-- don't say its name!



So the weapon is set up. But every weapon needs an operator.




And Yuuko found just the one.



Marimo tries to protest.



But Yuuko gets all in her face. Literally and figuratively.





Yuuko wins.



Jeez, no pressure or anything.



Miki flees, which shouldn't surprise anyone. Neither should the fact that Takeru has a real problem with Yuuko's attitude. Even for her, she's being a jerk.




Really pragmatic, aren't we?



Five minutes?



Better run!




Takeru finds Miki - and her flowers, apparently, in her room.



Sorry Tama, this is not what we're here for.





This is a step beyond stage fright. Or ten steps. Well, Takeru is here, and he'll help you overcome it somehow.



Dammit Takeru, what's that got to do with anything?



No sh*t, Takeru.



Oh.




Tama still doesn't look like she could do it.



Maybe someone else can, then.






I'm drawing similarities between the situation Takeru's describing and his experience in Unlimited so far.



What sayeth thou, Tama?




There we go.





Of course it was hard work. Talent all by itself, without hard work, often isn't worth jack.



So let's save the base and then go look at those secret Tama flowers together, or something!



Oh?




It wouldn't be much of an update if we did NOT watch it, right?




Ha ha.

But you'd better hurry, Towel-Takeru. Time's running out.



Meiya's already waiting.




So is everybody else. Don't worry Miki, everyone's got your back.





This is a stressful situation - also for me, the grand MuvLuv censor.

But Takeru has a few words to say as well.




Okay, that was to the point.

Operation, start!

And it's no-pause cutscene time. One that sometimes goes really fast. My images may be a bit inadequate.





First shot, fired!



It missed.




Second shot...



Missed.

Tama has only one chance left! Everyone is frowning with extreme concentration!

This is where she has something to say.



It'd be a surprise if any of the first two shots hit. It was after all a new weapon which she was not used to firing yet. But now she knows its trajectory.



Third and final shot - aiming and...



Fire.







...




You did it Tama! Takeru and friends won't become pancakes today!

That was a fully animated cutscene just now by the way. Not a typical VN slideshow.




Parts of the shuttle are falling down on BETA, as the anonymous operator informs. Good.



Time for a mysterious exchange of words.




Just what do you know that you're not telling, Yuuko?



Well, the long day draws to a close and it's time for Tama the greater to say good bye.



Doesn't mean he won't cause trouble and embarassment just as he leaves.




Oops.




That's a surprise? I'd be more shocked if he was fooled.



And so Tama's dad is gone, and she can bid him farewell not with words, but only with a salute. There's a lot of meaning behind a salute like that, as the others point out. Well, sometimes.




Is it time for the "I was able to do it because everyone supported me" cliche?



Yes it is.



And Takeru is trying to make fun of it and make himself the butt of a joke.




But others took it at face value. Oh well indeed.



Only one thing remains to take care of.



No, they did not.



Shall we what?



Hey.




I have a feeling it's not Tama who's getting punished somehow.




Or they were just screwing around. After all the trouble Takeru brought to everyone, he could use a good jump scare or two.




For example.



And so it ends with everyone laughing, barely having escaped demise.

By the way, speaking of demise - Yuuko actually explains how evacuating the base wouldn't work (not enough time), and hiding underground likewise would save only few people. They'd have to go to the 4th underground floor at least, and the base's stairs and elevators can fit only so many at a given time.

Why do I mention all of this?






No reason.

[Tengu_temp]

You really expect us not to reference Evangelion here? Come on! Just look what's going on! Also, Tama mustn't run away.

That ending made me think of only one thing: t-t-t-that's all folks!

[Terraoblivion]

They even spent time making up points with fancy names, then briefing everyone on them without it actually mattering, just like in Evangelion.

Also, this is the only appropriate soundtrack for this update.

[Ishikar]

Ah the HSST sniping incident, one of the neat things and Tama's character development moment in Unlimited (like the survival exam was for Mikoto). We get to see some neat things and the crazy sniper skills that Tama has developed over archery in this world.

Craziest thing about that cannon is that it was designed off of a real world weapon. The germans built a surprisingly similar cannon in Europe during world war II with the intention to bombard London with it. It was bombed by the allies before it was even used once. Hooray for other interesting overlaps with history but I have to wonder if that cannon was ever built in the MuvLuv timeline because it happened before the first major historical fork (i.e. Japan surrendering before they were nuked).

Also I'm ashamed that I didn't attach the Eva references to this endeavor when I read it originally, it's just too close not to. I had to chuckle with the "musn't run away" comment, only could have been more obvious if tama were growing melons, but I think that'd be more tied in with another cast member.

[tensai_oni]

Update #57: December 2nd - cooperation

Spoiler

Show

Takeru is woken...



By the usual suspects. Kasumi is saying typical Kasumi things, which is nothing.




Success!



A happy Takeru... goes back to bed. Hey, stop being a lazy bastard, you.



Kasumi proceeds to try to steal his blanket. But seeing Takeru's pathetic expression, she has second thoughts and decides to return it.




Not this again.



At least she says weird things, like when our main character instructed her to. She's trying really hard at it, too.

You sure are an awesome teacher, Takeru.



Next episode begins. By the way, there's 10 of them - so it means Unlimited is almost done with.

Takeru's in his cockpit - it's not a simulator, but the real thing! Unfortunately, the exercise is run with the minimap turned off.



He doesn't like it.




Under fire by Tama... or maybe Meiya? Wait, does it mean Takeru's team...




Yup. These two.



This doesn't look too good.



And, down. Maybe if Kei and Chizuru worked together rather than arguing constantly...



But no, they just continue arguing.




This is the return of lacrosse arc, isn't it? Let's take a look on how it all began...




Poor Takeru, he was so happy about the exercise.




Indeed. As the flashback kindly shows, this is the exact same team setup as in Extra, where everyone played Valgernon in the hot springs.



Fortunately weapons used are just practice paint rounds and styrofoam blades. No one has to die today.



Aren't you glad, Takeru?



Another fair point.



Rebutted by a playfully bloodthirsty voice. Who might that be, requesting total destruction so casually?



No points if you guessed correctly.



BETA sure are jerks. /understatement



Takeru's doubts remain unanswered. End of flashback!



Don't be so smug, team winners. Takeru's group didn't score a single hit, but that means nothing yet! Nothing.



Ack. Time for more scolding.




Well Takeru, "it's the other two's fault" might be immature, but it's also a perfectly true statement.

One that will probably make Marimo angry, but a true one nevertheless.



Ow.




Ah, of course Marimo knows about the team's problems.

In fact this is exactly why she set it up that way.



The team gets a second chance to straighten its act out.



And with these words, Kei's off.




And so is Chizuru. Aren't you happy Takeru? Once again you are forced to fix the two's relationship. It's Extra all over again!



Oh, hello Kasumi.



Also Yuuko. Walking your possible daughter/pet rabbit creature, I take it?



Well, she's also here to be smug and superior, but then it's Yuuko - when isn't she?

But before she leaves...



A certain snippet of information delivered right into Takeru's ear.



Which he decides to use literally.




Dammit Takeru.



Chizuru doesn't like this plan. Not that I can blame her. Here Takeru was getting a bit smarter and all character develope-y, and now we're back to hare brained ideas.



Don't start arguing with Kei again, you.



But Kei decides to react in her own unique Kei way.




At least it's not a shield this time.



This just happened, stop repeating yourself Chizuru.



There. Negotiations successful. Somehow.



Successful on both fronts?



Time for a celebratory team shout of victory!





Harsh audience.

But before resting for tonight, there's one little business remaining to take care of.



Oh boy.



Takeru is totally getting shot, isn't he.



Watch where you're going at night, Takeru.



That was fast.

But it wouldn't be MuvLuv if a situation like this wasn't undermined by SHENANIGANS.




Sure, I'll take some fanservice with my violent "gonna shoot you dead" tsundere, thank you very much.



Hmm, a tempting option...

And then, the fabric reaches the limit of its stretchiness and gives. In other words, Chizuru accidentally tears her top into uselessness.

Scenes I can't won't show you (because I'm too lazy to censor): 3



You know repeated pistol whippings can kill people, right? But with all the hard knocks Takeru took to the noggin, he's probably immune.



At least the hijinks are all over now.



Please try to survive the night, Takeru.