Kickstarter for English Localization of Visual Novel Muv-Luv Launches, Reaches Goal

Just earlier today, an insightful article was posted on here about visual novels. I myself am growing to love visual novels--a lot of their stories are absolutely captivating, and the gameplay mechanics of some of them are absolutely challenging and just as enthralling as the novel itself.

However, what is more surprising is the growing love of VNs. Danganronpa has its own sizeable following in the West, as does Corpse Party and Zero Escape. More so, the love is evident with a certain Kickstarter campaign for the Western localization of Muv Luv: A Pretty Sweet Visual Novel Series.

Having just begun and at the time of this writing, the campaign has already gained support from 2112 backers that have pledged a whopping total of $362,252... when the goal is only $250,000. And there are 38 days to go... so yea... It's both baffling and amazing to see how much popularity the series has garnered. Either way, the Kickstarter for the visual novel, authored by Koki Yoshimune, is now live.

Set in a fictional universe that has "evolved from a timeless high school romance tale into an epic science fiction-based story," Muv-Luv features a slew of giant aliens, great mecha battles, and--what is essential to any visual novel--complex characters. Due to its popularity, many adaptations have spawned from the original, and now it is heading to Western shores.

If the goal is reached, which it has, the game will use the latest HD graphics from the PlayStation 3 version and add updated assets from age-soft, as well as enhanced UI with compatibility for Windows 7, 8, and 10. Stretch goals will include new CGs, OSTs and BGMs, as well as special unlockable content. However, that's just for the $400,000 bracket. The $500,000 goal will include support for Android and PS Vita, the $600,000 bracket will feature a digital lore browser, an official guide to the world of Muv-Luv, and the $720,000 bracket will include an English localization and Windows port of the PS3 Exclusive Muv-Luv side stories collection.

Muv-Luv is definitely well on its way to surpass all stretch goals, and will appear to ship in March 2016. If you'd like to check out the rewards for Muv-Luv, as well as the Kickstarter campaign itself, you can head over to the official page.

And if you have the time and interest, you can always take a shot at the "Share the Luv" contest, where you can win a trip for two to Japan, all expenses paid, for a week! Sounds like a neat vacation, huh?