Holy smokes! Muv-Luv Alternative Total Eclipse’s third episode wasn’t predicted but expected. We’re already done with Yui Takamura’s backstory, this episode introduces us to the Project Prominence based in Alaska’s Yukon Base and to Kira Yamato-lookalike main character Yuuya Bridges. While I love everything from this episode, it seems Studio Satelight is back on their expected visual quarity. Yes, my dreaded visual elementary errors are spotted in a number scenes.

NOTE: Nothing here is too fancy for lovers of ecchi & harem, that is why I somehow pity this series for airing at this era.

This is why I love mecha anime imbued with old school goodness. While we get treated to dressing-room fanservice, the entire episode actually focused on the combat, sci-fi, soldier life and interactions outweigh them. Total Eclipse is still story- and narration-heavy. Its story, character interactions, and genre-theme mix is solid, intriguing, and interesting at the same time. Character interactions and events presented are what you expect in a military-themed stories; cammaraderie, national pride, politics, personal goals are all present. It is the left-field choice among the Summer 2012 offerings. I didn’t predict how this episode ended-up but this just proves itself to be a rocker of this season. No harem, no pervertedness, all serious, all dark, and with interesting bishoujo. Definitely not for kiddies. Just as how I want my anime. Great!

Episode Entertainment Factor Rating (EEFR): 100/100

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