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

[tensai_oni]

Update #35: The date

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No image with a date today, but it's October 28th. Trust me on that.



And it's time to go on a date with Meiya.

... Damn, that's a stylish outfit.




Meiya seems to be having fun already, even though she has no idea what to do now.

Takeru on the other hand suspects ulterior motives for why people help her so quickly.





He also doesn't know what to do now either.

So let's just walk around aimlessly for a while.



Sorry, but Meiya doesn't have an antenna. She cannot read your self-admitted idiot thoughts.





Even this kind of time wasting foolishness is fun when you are not accompanied by a legion of followers, it seems.



Meiya has questions about the place.

Questions that mysteriously hint at things we already know because of Sumika route.



Look who's talking. You've never been on a date before either, Takeru.

And no, Sumika shopping trips do not count.





It's decided then, to the amusement park we go! A populated one. Zombies and ghosts are not welcome.





Teasing continues even without words.

Also I think we're being watched. I can't put my finger on it...

What kind of attractions to visit?



Hey, I said no ghosts!

But on the other hand, this is an opportunity for Takeru as a scared Meiya clings to him adorably, right?




Yeah, right. Like anyone who knows Meiya in the slightest would expect that.

Takeru's the scared one. Once again, no surprise if you know him.



Times are tough for haunted houses.




Uh oh.



It's going to happen again, isn't it.




Yup. Meiya gets the wrong idea. Again.



She proceeds to strike out at fake vengeful spirits.





Takeru already starts to imagine the incoming murder by ignorance. Or at least, a lot of property damage.

Suddenly!



A terrified voice calls out in the distance. It's so screechy and annoying, yet also rather familiar... if only I knew who it was...

(It's Sumika. Duh.)



The voice has a scared compatriot, another mysterious stra... okay, it's Tama. That's very easy to discern if you can actually hear them, as opposed to just reading the text.



An obviously fake low-quality recording plays nearby.

For Meiya, it means it's time to strike.






Well, of course everyone except Meiya would realize the ghosts were fake. Wait, what was that again?




So Takeru likes tsundere. Big surprise, since he's one himself.

Also I get the feeling of being watched again.



A young child appears out of nowhere.

This seems familiar, doesn't it? Sumika did pretty well here, but I don't expect someone as socially inept as Meiya to take care...




Huh. She's actually doing pretty well. If utilizing the good old Mitsurugi overkill technique.



Burned by a child. That's a new record for you, Takeru.



How very perceptive of you, boy.



But you know.

Meiya really is surprisingly good with kids.



Surprisingly good.





Probably because little children and the Mitsurugi zaibatsu heiress share a level of worldly comprehension.

Either way, let's grab some food.




Yuuta's scepter of power/frankfurter on a stick is dropped. It must be immediately replaced - Takeru has a mission.




Ha ha.



So, Meiya gave Yuuta her own burger and made sure he remains clean while taking little notice of her own ketchuped bloodied state.

She really is surprisingly good at this.

But it's time to say good-bye. The ninja group located the kid's parents, and good. Who knows what else could happen if the antics continue?



!!



Takeru's shocked to hear this phrase too. Though he doesn't know why it sounds so familiar.

We do of course. Still, this happens like two in-game months before the big (if obvious) revelation. Well played, VN. Well played.

Time to go back home.



What are you implying?




I have no idea what you're talking about.



And we didn't see or hear of Sumika today at all. Oh well.

Good night.

[Tengu_temp]

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Good, Takeru, you look pretty cool! Though Meiya's lazy eye is kinda terrifying too.

I was amused by the cameo of Sumika and Tama here. Also the blood. And I like Meiya's date outfit. Though man, that's some dangerously short skirt.

[kamikasei]

So Takeru literally doesn't realize he can say "hey, don't cleave things with your sword"? For that matter, where was Meiya keeping it? Does it just appear in her hand when she needs it? Does she draw it from Elsewhere? Is she an Exalt? It would explain how she keeps messing things up.

I was amused by the cameo of Sumika and Tama here. Also the blood. And I like Meiya's date outfit. Though man, that's some dangerously short skirt.

We've already had completely unnecessary pantyshots with longer skirts, so maybe it's come kind of bluff-calling exercise. Refuge in audacity. The Inverse Hemline Law?

...Also yes I like it too, in spite of its impossible shirt shenanigans. Damn it.

[Kaen]

Meiya finds a much cuter lost kid than Sumika does. His body has more normal proportions and he cries like a normal person instead of doing that ugly goopy-eyed thing.

Interesting how Meiya just totally accepts being called 'old lady' without comment while Sumika gets increasingly annoyed by it.

[tensai_oni]

The funny thing is that it's the same kid, name and all. Yet not only is he more behaved, he wears different clothing - despite it being the same day.

Obviously the world itself changes slightly depending on whose date it is.

[Kaen]

Nah, it's a totally different kid. Wholly different sprites, different voice actors, and the kid in Sumika's route was never given a name. I actually zoomed through the game to that point to double-check before making that post.

[Tengu_temp]

The kid in Meiya's route is Yuuta. The kid in Sumika's route is Yuuya. And his encounter with Sumika and Takeru is what made him hate Japanese people.

[Avian Overlord]

Huh. Don't really see the point of that. Having two different kids that have the exact same role in the plot that is.

[tensai_oni]

When not used, Meiya's sword is kept offscreen. Obviously. Or in her name, perhaps? You can't spell Mitsurugi without "tsurugi".

Update #37: The challenge

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Post-date!



We actually get a new scene that was not there on Sumika route.

It seems the kid lives a crazy overachieving life as well. No wonder Meiya could communicate with him so well.




Sumika is nosy, which is normal. She is also very jumpy, which is not.






No idea what's up with her. Almost like if she was there herself.

But surely that didn't happen, did it?

Ignore what I said last update.



Remember how Sumika asked to go out with her out of the blue?

Well, this time Takeru's going to say no.




She's laying the emotional blackmail really thick.




Takeru loses.



Well, you say it like this, but we all know that this is just a fake out and Sumika wants someone to run with her. In preparation for lacrosse.

Oh yeah, that's right. Lacrosse. Say hello to this arc again - now on speedup.



Sorry class rep, can't promise anything regarding Ayamine.



Sorry Sumika, a bit of me time is required now.



What an annoying thing to say!



VIOLENCE.




Counter-VIOLENCE.



Enough of this fight club thing. Takeru's thinking his hardest (which is not very hard) when suddenly...




Marimo to the rescue!



She's invested in lacrosse team's victory.



REALLY invested.



Well, that poise didn't last long.




But she has a good idea. Thank you, Marimo-chan!

Events unfold as usual from there. Kei is unsuccessfully talked to. Takeru's yuri vision kicks in. The most awesome race happens.



The maids are forgiven. Foolishly.



And I don't even remember the context here, other than something Lacrosse-related.

Anyway, let's go play Valgernon!



The big change is that this time, Meiya and not Sumika teams up with Takeru. And no you don't get an option here, it depends on... not sure exactly. The contest winner from before? Route points total?




You don't have to talk to it.



Are you sure there are no people inside? Those German commercials wouldn't lie to me, right?




Unlike Takeru, Mikoto made the wise choice of letting Sumika stick to the guns. Well, this time Takeru lets Meiya fire and does the piloting himself, too.




This isn't starting too well.



For both sides.



But Meiya's aim is accurate and precise. Well done!



Hey, just because it's humanoid doesn't mean it's bound by the same rules as people.

And they say mecha games are not realistic.




Sumika's doing pretty well too admittedly.

Unfortunately it means the Takeru and Meiya team is getting its collective ass kicked.






Sounds like it's time for a heroic reversal.



It's all or nothing!

...



Fail.



It seems like Takeru is still 10 years too early to beat Mikoto in this.



He's only slowing Meiya down.




Sheesh, don't rub it in.



We'll see who laughs in the end, Sumika! We'll see!

Good night.

[Terraoblivion]

That last author comment is mean...

[tensai_oni]

If we look at the story as a whole and not just the Valgernon fights?

Yeah... it really is...

Now I feel bad.

[tensai_oni]

Update #38: The games

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AKA Lacrosse Arc is mercifully short when viewed on fast forward.



Same choices.



As before.



Okay, that's new.

When Takeru finds the stray kitten, it's Meiya who reacts.




And some reaction it is.



Uh oh. Despite her Meiya-ness, she makes a good point.



Mitsurugi group to the rescue!





On second thought, no. We'll have to do without Mitsurugi group for now. Or ever.




Meiya's view of life is so idealistic. For the sake of the kitten, let's not contrast it with cruel reality.



So the offscreen cat is taken home.



And the one to take care of it is... Meiya?

Are you sure this is a good idea?



Hey, maybe it works out in the end after all.




Or maybe not.

Then Yuuko barges into the room and story continues as normal, Takeru dying from tl;dr and all.

Whose efforts to look at during training:



Meiya probably needs least supervision, but on the other hand - that's least work for Takeru, too!



How do you do that with a crosse? It's a wooden stick!





Ah, okay. That makes it all better.

... Wait a second!



Same as before.



Same as before.



Same as before.

And the lacrosse match? Same as before. We win!

That was fast.

Remember the scene where Takeru's homework wasn't done, and Sumika wanted him to copy it from her?



Yeah, we know better than that now.



Because Marimo is right there. Seriously, what were you thinking, Sumika?



After throwing her shoe at Takeru, Sumika wants it back.

This happened before, and events unfold as in her route. But I needed to screencap it anyway.



Because the mysterious shoe moved on its own into Takeru's hands. Something I missed the last time - and apparently it's important or something. I dunno.



Let's be naive fools and enter the obvious longcar trap.




Don't make an innocent face, Tsukuyomi. No matter how you look at it, it's a kidnapping!

Time for more timeskips. Not pictured: ALOHA OEEE. Also, Meiya's cooking failures.




Except for literally 2 lines of dialogue, the night time boat ride goes the same as before.

Driven by past experience, what gift would be good for Meiya's birthday?




Good idea, but a tiny obstacle rears its ugly head...




Being a commoner is tough.



Time for the emergency scenario.




Goes about as well as you'd expect.



Wait, wait, wait.

Could it be?




Yes!

Meiya birthday present, get!

Now to survive the hardships of tomorrow.

Good night.

[tensai_oni]

Update #39: The release

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When we last left Takeru, he was busy packing up the gift he got for Meiya on the cheap.



He's not doing a very good job.



Then the maids appear and drag him away to the birthday party.

Which proceeds as normal, but let's see what Meiya has to say about the present.




It's the thought that matters!

The day proceeds as in Sumika's route. It's still fun and heartwarming.



Ah, the grade schooler's decision. Sitting next to a girl obviously means you like her!



Surprisingly Takeru is not asleep. For now, at least.




This combination sounds like a recipe for shenanigans.



Or not. We just have Tsukuyomi droning away to no one in particular.

Oh well.

Since Meiya's present is different this time, the conversation at the inn (being related to her present) is also different.



Another crane game located, with a similar prize.





Takeru: natural 1 on a notice roll. Meiya: natural 1 on a "speak like a normal person" roll.



Someone's being tsundere again.




More than one person, in fact.



Go Meiya, you can do it! Gotta catch 'em all!



Ha ha, stop joking around.

... She'd totally do it, wouldn't she?

But stuffed pets remain uncut today, because Meiya won the prize.



So happy.



And developing a sense of humor, too. Humor at the expense of Takeru - the best kind.

And then they played air hockey and got drunk because Yuuko is both awesome and the worst host ever. Not necessarily in that order.

Great fun was had.

But there is no more time for fun. In the underground cave, Takeru faces the last choice of the route.

The most important choice yet.



Well, here we go.





And, here we have it. The confession.

But Takeru decides to go deeper.



And finds the story of Meiya's background. Same story as in Sumika route, so not pictured anymore.

We get the awkward Sumika seduction method, the Marimo-chan words of experience during the return trip... and finally.



The dream. Takeru recalls the words from the date - it was only three updates ago, but a lot of time has passed in-game. Remember how much time it took us on the other route?



As Meiya leaves, little Takeru is crying.

And slightly bigger Takeru wakes up to find her gone as well. The argument with Sumika, the dramatic search, finding Tsukuyomi - all of it appears as before, mercifully fast-forwarded this time.

Sumika...



I'm sorry.



She sounds almost relieved to hear that.




.. Eh?



Come on Takeru. Don't hold it in any longer.



There you go.






Sumika is surprisingly mature. And a graceful loser. And... dammit MuvLuv.

You are giving me feels.



What does Takeru have to say for this?



Dammit Sumika, I just said all these things and now you call all of this lame nodding "cool"!



Even Takeru disagrees.




I won't say good-night. The day doesn't actually end yet.

But it's a good stopping point, so instead I say:

Bye-bye, Sumika.

[kamikasei]

;_; bye-bye

[Terraoblivion]

I'm pretty sure they can still stay in contact if they both want to. Not sure there was a rule that said Takeru had to cut off all contact with people he knew before.

[Tengu_temp]

I like this route. Sumika is a surprisingly graceful loser.

Don't cut your contacts with your old friends, Takeru!

[tensai_oni]

Update #40: The over the top, action-packed finale

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You think I'm exaggerating. Well, I'm not.

Okay, not much.

Takeru goes to Tsukuyomi to tell her about his decision.



What's this about?




She's being married right now? Then there's no time to waste!



Suddenly!




The rest of the servants are here.




They do not agree with Tsukuyomi's course of action.

Was it all for nothing? Is the finale going to end before it even begins?




No.




Of course not.



Meiya must have left this ring in clear sight for a reason!



Egh. Takahashi points out the important detail.

Time for plan B.




Plan B (running on foot) failed.




Oops, now that you mention it...

But wait. Does it mean that...?




Yes!

I knew you were a good guy, Takahashi!



Let's go!

And it's time for some confusing dialogue, as there's no visual indication what is said by whom. Use common sense.



Tsukuyomi, your taste in men (and men you find good for Meiya) remains rather questionable.



But what's this, there is even more to the story than what we learnt so far?




I see.

What does Takeru have to say about this snobby statement?





Remember Marimo's speech? Sometimes you don't have the chance to prepare for anything. How is this any different?

Besides, as a self-admitted idiot, Takeru is just going to wing everything. Don't look down on commoners!

Feel free to look down on stupidity thought. You know, just a little.



We're getting close. Also, running out of time.



This is ridiculous! But it's not that they're going to open fire or anything, right?



This is ridiculous.




Time for the longcar and its badass driver to show what they're made of.







We... made it.





Everyone stays behind.

It's all up to Takeru now.




The threshold is crossed, no going back now.




Hello, Meiya.



That... didn't go too well.



Is this the end for Takeru, once again?





But suddenly!



It turns out the timing could not be more convenient.

A bit too convenient. I am starting to suspect the old priest is more than what he lets on.

Anyway, time to literally chase after the bride.





The chase brought the two of them to the roof. Somehow.




Yes. Takeru may not fully understand the consequences of his actions - but he is going to accept them nevertheless.



Meiya is not convinced.




To a point.








Enough lies and excuses. Let's just hear the truth now.




And yeah, good point. Maybe not do it on a roof which is right about going to collapse any second now.






There you have it.

No more sacrificing each other for what you think is best for the other person. Just mutual acceptance. And, you know. Tsundere.



See? What did I say about the roof?



Okay.



Okay.



Oookay.

Suspension of disbelief - broken.



So, this is going to happen now, isn't it?






Ha ha. Never change, Meiya.



Come on, it's not that Takeru has a lot of experience here or anything.



Tsundere intensifies.





And... there we go.

Scenes I can't show you counter: 2. Ding!

Another awkward and not exactly well-written sex scene, down for the count.

A while later. No - a long time later:



Tsukuyomi turned into an alarm clock, it seems.



A really persistent one.




See Takeru? These are the real consequences of your actions.

Seriously though, waking up at 4 AM? That's borderline criminal.




Living the life of a zaibatsu head's husband sure is rough.



Oh, so that's why the room looks just like the old one. And here I thought Takeru still lived in his old house.



I pity the chef too. Come on, you liked the snobby dishes Meiya fed you with, Takeru!




Yet in the end, Takeru makes a stand against this inflexible life of all work and no play.



And immediately makes good use of what little free time he just liberated for himself.



Of course he wants to spend it playing video games.

Well.

Among other things.

Let the ending montage roll!

The text is the same as before, only with different images. This time more Meiya-centric, no surprise there. Therefore, not pictured - except for the end:





Play the credits!

Well. That happened!

I must say, I liked this route more than Sumika's, though it still had parts it could have handled better. More on that in the end-of-route thoughts post, coming soon.

In the meantime...

...

...

...



The main menu has changed.



Clearing Sumika and Meiya routes unlocks the whole second part of MuvLuv.

MuvLuv Unlimited - Extra was just the beginning, so we get familiar with the characters.

Only now does the visual novel start for real.

Stay tuned.

[tensai_oni]

Time for something extra, before we move to Unlimited? Extra, get it?

I'm sorry. That was bad. I promise to stop now.

End-of-route thoughts #2

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I'll say this - I definitely liked this route more than the Sumika one. It was 90% the same, but what was different was usually more enjoyable. The finale also felt more like a proper finale - for the most part.

After the scene on the roof ends though, it's rushed all over again. We don't get to meet the other suitor (and can't see if he's a nice guy like Tsukuyomi said, or a jerk like genre conventions require), more importantly - we don't even get to meet Meiya's grandfather. Unless he was actually the priest. Which would explain a lot. Okay, headcanon time: unless I'm proved wrong, for me that priest was actually Oyakata, who decided to give Meiya and Takeru his blessings after seeing how determined the latter was.

But to get on topic, we don't get to see any of that, we don't get to see if Takeru still has contact with his old friends and Sumika or did he decide to break it (and really, he has no reasons to do that, except MAYBE for being extremely busy in his new life). It's just obligatory bumping uglies, a short epilogue - and bam, ending credits. Endings of MuvLuv Extra fall rather flat for me.

But as we all know by now, it's not the end of the plot yet. No, it's only the beginning.

On characters:
Takeru feels more proactive, you could even say more aggressive in this route. Once he's determined enough, he's in full "must make Meiya mine grrr" mode. I'll leave to individual interpretation if that's good or not, but remember that she is very receptive to him. Also whenever he's not being bratty by rejecting Sumika's foods, he is actually more thoughtful and responsible. That's cool.

Sumika is actually much more mature. Just as Sumika route made me like Meiya, Meiya route made me like Sumika.

Meiya became even more likeable for me though. The route showed how much of depth she has, and she's an enjoyable and interesting character.

Marimo had more presence this time and it only further proved how great she is.

Tsukuyomi and Takahashi showed how dedicated and badass they can be. I never doubted you, minor characters! If anything, I trust you even more.

The three idiots bravely sacrificed themselves to hold back the Imperial Guard. They will not be forgotten.*

Everyone else was pretty much the same as in Sumika route.

* - no, they are not dead.

Not enough extras yet? Then how about...

The normal ending

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Let's load a save state from Meiya's route, at a very specific point.



What happens if Takeru decides to do nothing?



He's forced to deploy the crossdressing Mikoto shenanigan anyway.



I don't recall Marimo-chan's dignified presence during the match. That's new, isn't it?




Chizuru seems more accepting of Kei in general. Or rather, she doesn't make a fuss about it.

But...



Half-time happens and it's still a tie, and that's for one reason - she jockeys for the ball too much.



Even after being told not to do that.

Good thing others are there to help secure victory.

So, the rest should go as usual then, right?



... Right?





What happened here?!




You'd better believe in Mikoto's crazy adventures, Takeru.





You just became part of one.




And of course, nobody listens to what the other party has to say. Because it's Mikoto.

But let's look at the bright side of life. It's a manly maritime adventure! Bros 4 lyfe indeed.



And you won't starve either!



Look at that catch.



But you know Mikoto...

Listen to what people are trying to tell you!

And then everyone laughed.

The end.

[Tengu_temp]

Nice boat.

[kamikasei]

Wait, this is the "normal ending"? Isn't it the Mikoto route?

And are you really moving on to Unlimited without any of the other routes? DISAPPOINTED!

I do agree about Meiya's route... it seems more fun, but both routes suffer from going "okay choice made, time for boning and little else, chop chop".

And the entire dramatic and emotional conversation with Meiya on the roof is made over a panty shot, which is a little. Gh.

[tensai_oni]

I didn't even notice the panty shot until after the fact. I was too busy focusing on the dialogue and wondering how to screencap it best.

Maybe I became immune.

[Terraoblivion]

Yeah, that's low even for a VN trying to be as cliché as possible.

Also, seriously, choosing not to come up with a harebrained scheme for the lacross game is a game over? Why make that entirely arbitrary choice?

But, yeah, Meiya's route seemed better. Even if the ending still came off rushed, but at least the rushed bits were funny and had more of a sense of closure.

[Tengu_temp]

Literally rushed. How many speed limits did you break, Takahashi-san?

Also, seriously, choosing not to come up with a harebrained scheme for the lacross game is a game over? Why make that entirely arbitrary choice?

Maybe the game thinks that doing something completely dumb is still not as bad as apathy, and "punishes" you for the latter.

I say "punishes" because the Mikoto ending is awesome.

[tensai_oni]

I don't think it depends on a single arbitrary choice, but rather on arbitrary route points distribution. If you pick that option on Sumika route, or rather - on Sumika route with previous choices as I picked them, then I think you just get a normal victory and plot continues as normal.

Probably something to do with how much Chizuru likes you.

Also, I was informed that the priest is not in fact Oyakata. There goes my precious headcanon.

[tensai_oni]

Update #41: Date unknown - prologue

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This is familiar.




For some reason, we have a flashback to the hot springs talk between Meiya and Sumika.



And right before both of them express their feelings honestly...



Takeru wakes up.




The house is empty. Sounds like a chance - Takeru already giggles immaturely at the thought of reversing the wake up routine on Sumika!

He only has to go outside and...



Oh.

His house is ruined.



Sumika's house is just gone.

Replaced by the wreck of a giant robot.

Takeru's reaction?



Not exactly the most mature one.

Initial confusion quickly gives to excitement at seeing an actual, working giant robot. One without a cockpit block and half-burried in rubble but hey - you can't have everything.




That's one /m/ dream you're having there.



Looks like the surroundings are in shambles, a post-apocalyptic landscape.



Damage lessens as Takeru nears the hilltop school. Surely, that's where the dream wants him to go - let's check it out.



There's something different about the dream-school.



I can't put my finger on it.

Suddenly!




Some soldiers appear out of nowhere. They seem pretty relaxed, used to the dreamscape like it's no big thing.




The relaxation doesn't last.




What? What's going on? What are you talking?!




Takeru, dunno how to break it for you but - I don't think you're dreaming.



Takeru is being interrogated. Also, this scene shocked me speechless for one particular reason.

Everyone in MuvLuv is voiced, even minor characters. Everyone - except Takeru. His lines were silent. Until now that is.




These are some rather... convincing arguments you have there.



There you go. It's all a big misunderstanding, right? The soldiers will treat our protagonist better now, right?



Welcome to the inside of a cell.

And then, someone's there for a visit.



Finally a face of reason... okay, a face of trolling and insanity actually, but a familiar one nonetheless.



Why do you look so surprised, Yuuko?



What a twist!

And yes, she sounds genuine. It's not trolling this time.



It's not a dream, Takeru. We've been over this. Most likely it's some kind of weird alternate reality.



Weird alternate Yuuko returns.

She wastes no time getting to the point.




That sounds like Yuuko alright.



Well - what other choice does Takeru have, really?

Welcome to MuvLuv Unlimited.

And I have honestly no idea what's going to happen next.

[Terraoblivion]

That was one crazy way of going to a completely new story. I imagine that chances of getting an explanation for what happened while Takeru slept are quite slim.

[kamikasei]

Yeah, that's pretty damned weird.

Everyone in MuvLuv is voiced, even minor characters. Everyone - except Takeru. His lines were silent. Until now that is.

Huh. Unlimited and Extra were all one game, released as a unit, right? Alternative's the one that came later, correct?

So this presumably isn't a matter of the sequel having more budget or anything like that. It's a deliberate choice. Perhaps to make Extra seem more like a standard romcom VN with a self-insert protagonist, and focus you more on the other characters, before making Takeru a real character in Unlimited?

[tensai_oni]

Yes, Unlimited is bundled together with Extra and not even advertised as being there (at least until word of mouth caught on). On release it was super secret.

And I too suspect that it's SYMBOLISM. In Extra Takeru was still supposed to be a self-insert MC, but now he's going to be his own character, I guess.

Also he's voiced by Soichiro Hoshi, BEFORE he became famous playing Kira "Jesus" Yamato in Gundam SEED.

I imagine that chances of getting an explanation for what happened while Takeru slept are quite slim.

Who knows! We'll have to see later.

[Tengu_temp]

I'd like to know why Takeru's house is ruined on the outside but still normal on the inside. Maybe he lives in such a mess that it was ruined but he didn't notice?

[Ishikar]

I don't think we're in Kantou anymore, except somehow we are? Welcome to the wonderful world of plot twists and craziness, hope you enjoy the ride.

We also get our first sighting of a Gekishin so the reason this is brought up on /m/ is made apparent.

It is nice to get Takeru's voice though strangely it only comes up in flashbacks/cutscenes as I recall (though last game I've played was alternative and I don't remember how it shows up in Unlimited).

Also with Yuuko being here it's nice to have one familiar face in this strange new world. I couldn't imagine we could expect to find more...