Line #68 Anime/VariableGeo


1	[[quoteright:333:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/51evb34akxl_3472.jpg]]
2	[[caption-width-right:333:''Goddesses, descend on the field of battle!'']]
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4	''Variable Geo'' is a three-episode OVA series produced in 1996 by Creator/{{KSS}}; it is [[TheAnimeOfTheGame based on]] the {{Eroge}} series of the same name, though it loosely adapts the plot of ''[[VideoGame/AdvancedVariableGeo Advanced V.G.]]'' instead and removes the hentai content, making it more of an {{ecchi}} series.
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6	The story of the OVA centres around "Variable Geo" or "V.G.", a global mixed martial arts tournament specifically for combat waitresses. They compete in hopes of winning the ultimate prize: 10 million yen and a piece of prime real estate anywhere they choose. Their sponsor[[note]]the diner, or restaurant that employs them[[/note]] gets a year's worth of free advertising. But V.G. is strictly an AllOrNothing affair, meaning, the losers go home empty-handed ''and'' publicly humiliated, because they [[ShamefulStrip have to strip for the crowd]]. At a certain level of competition, they also have to... put on a show.
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8	But the potential for public humiliation soon becomes the least of their concerns, as the [[UnwittingPawn unsuspecting vixens]] eventually learn that [[NotJustATournament the competition is a front for something far more sinister]]. A nefarious plot that involves kidnappings, unsanctioned matches, and inhumane experiments unfolds behind the scenes of the tournament proceedings, and the ones behind it all are the very people sponsoring it: [[NebulousEvilOrganization The Jyahana Group]].
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10	One of the tournament's competitors, [[TheProtagonist Yuka Takeuichi]], falls into the plot when her best friend and old sparring partner, [[{{Deuteragonist}} Satomi Yajima]], goes missing. Yuka fights against--and alongside--several other tournament competitors as they search for the truth behind V.G. At the same time, [[LadyOfWar Reimi Jyahana]] becomes aware that her company is involved in the nasty goings-on behind V.G., which prompts her to investigate the matter personally. How do these pieces fit together, and what is The Jyahana Group's purpose?
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12	----
13
14	!!''Variable Geo'' includes the following tropes:
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16	* ActionGirl: This is a series about an MMA competition for combat waitresses, Enough said.
17	** WorldOfActionGirls: The competition is open to women only, most of whom are [[SupernaturalMartialArts trained martial artists]] who possess [[KiManipulation high-levels of spirit energy.]]
18	* AdaptationAmalgamation: The OVA is loosely based on the ''[[Videogame/AdvancedVariableGeo Advanced V.G.]]'' series, which removed the {{hentai}} content and introduced the core narrative aspect - which has [[BigBad Miranda Jahana]] manipulating [[TheProtagonist Yuka]] and the other waitresses from behind-the-scenes. Though the OVA retains the "losing conditions" of the original [[HGame H-Game]] series. Making it a combination of the two that's LighterAndSofter than the original, while still providing a fair amount of {{fanservice}}.
19	* AdaptationInducedPlothole: The opening cutscene of ''Advanced V.G. II's'' story mode suggests that it takes place sometime after the OVA--see the ContinuityNod entry--but this creates two problems:
20	** First, Miranda is dead in the OVA; in the game series, she does not die until the conclusion of ''Advanced V.G. II''.
21	** Second, Tamao says she saw the match between Yuka and Jun on television, yet she does not know who Satomi was--despite Satomi being present at ringside and being the one who [[ThePromise gave Yuka the will to win.]]
22	* AgeLift: In the ''Advanced V.G.'' series, Yuka and Satomi's official ages are listed [[http://www.fightabase.com/charMain.aspx?id=4895 as 18]] and [[http://www.fightabase.com/charMain.aspx?id=3914 17 years old]] respectively. Their character bios in the ''"Complete Visual Collection"'' list them as 17 and 16 instead.
23	* AllOrNothing: In V.G., "second place" does not exist--you either become champion or leave empty-handed and publicly humiliated. The penalty for losing any match at Level-3 and above is to [[ShamefulStrip strip in the ring for the crowd's perverse pleasure.]]
24	* AllThereInTheManual: The ''"Complete Visual Collection"'' provides additional details on the characters and the OVA's universe.
25	* AlmightyJanitor: The waitresses are individually ''and collectively'' the most powerful humans on the face of the planet. Which is why The Jyahana Group conspires to find the strongest among them to use as [[spoiler:[[BigBad Miranda]]]]'s new vessel. Their target? A 16-year-old girl with one of the highest latent fighting potentials on record: [[spoiler:Satomi]].
26	* TheAnimeOfTheGame: The OVA fleshes out ''[[VideoGame/AdvancedVariableGeo Advanced V.G.s]]'' script. While the "losing conditions" return, they are downgraded in comparison to the games, and they either [[SceneryCensor have blatant censoring]] or [[SexyDiscretionShot happen off-screen]].
27	* AscendedExtra:
28	** Satomi's role in the game series itself is tangential at best due to her friendship with Yuka. The OVA casts her as the {{deuteragonist}} by giving her [[PsychicLink an unexplained rapport with Yuka]] that allows them to sense one another's feelings. Their bond becomes the cornerstone of the plot once Satomi goes missing.
29	** The OVA also makes Jun integral in helping Yuka find Satomi; she is also the one who frees Chiho from Siritahi's control by defeating her.
30	* BackToBackBadasses: Yuka and Satomi are depicted this way on the cover of the ''[[http://gallery.minitokyo.net/view/download/251688 "Complete Visual Collection"]]'' artbook for the OVA.
31	* BattleAmongstTheFlames: The series concludes with the long-awaited showdown between [[FriendlyRivalry Yuka and Satomi]], which takes place [[RooftopConfrontation atop the Jyahana research facility]] as it burns down around them.
32	* BeautyIsNeverTarnished: {{Subverted}} when Satomi incinerates Yuuki, who is seen with faint singe marks afterward, and during Chiho's torture scene, where she is shown bruised and [[ATasteOfTheLash covered in welts.]]
33	* BigBad: [[spoiler:[[EvilMatriarch Miranda]]]] has Damian manipulate Satomi into entering the V.G. Tournament in order to [[spoiler:steal Satomi's body]].
34	* BrainwashedAndCrazy: Siritahi uses mind control serum to enslave Chiho during the last episode, and [[spoiler:Miranda]] takes control of [[spoiler:Satomi]] to fight Kaori and Reimi back-to-back.
35	* TheCakeIsALie: {{Averted}}. The grand prize offered to the winner of V.G. is legit; The Jyahana Group uses it to their advantage because it is an effective way to lure [[UnwittingPawn unsuspecting entrants]] into signing up for the tournament.
36	* CanonForeigner: Damian, Siritahi, Washio, the unnamed OldMaster, and the mute girl with him were all exclusive to the OVA.
37	* CharacterDepth: Despite this being a three-part ecchi OVA, the show contains surprising amounts of this. Each of the characters' backgrounds and motivations for entering the tournament are explored to varying degrees; these are covered on the character sheet.
38	* ChasteTeens: As sexy as the V.G. entrants are, you would think guys would be chomping at the bit for the chance to be with them. Yet, aside from Yuuki's [[IncompatibleOrientation unrequited lust]] for Satomi, Reimi is the only one shown to be dating anyone. The rest seemingly have no interest in romance, as the subject is never mentioned once.
39	* ChildhoodFriends: Yuka and Satomi's [[BestFriend friendship]] is the cornerstone of the OVA's plot. They've known each other since they were kids, but by the start of the series, they have drifted apart and mostly kept in contact through work.
40	* ClothingDamage: {{Justified}} both times that it happens:
41	** Yuuki's hand fan has a concealed blade, which she used to shred Satomi's uniform during their match.
42	** Kaori sheers the apron off her unnamed opponent with [[RazorWind a lightning powered kick.]]
43	* CodeName: Damian is in charge of the "Black Goddess" project, which seeks to [[spoiler:bring Miranda Jyahana back to life by finding a suitably powerful host for [[TheDisembodied her disembodied spirit]] to inhabit]].
44	* ContinuityNod:
45	** When Yuka finally confronts Satomi near the end of the final episode, she senses another presence inside her and asks who they are. "Satomi" replies that there was no need to answer that, since [[VideoGame/AdvancedVariableGeo they had already met.]] Yuka recognizes the voice immediately: [[spoiler:[[ArchEnemy Miranda Jyahana]]]].
46	** ''Advanced V.G. II'' begins with a flashback to [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EybYE3jQPDY Yuka's match with Jun]], using the exact same footage from the OVA; making it a recursive example.
47	* [[TrailersAlwaysSpoil Covers Always Spoil]]: If you look at the cover art, you will notice Yuka is [[spoiler:powering up]] [[ChekhovsGun as her hair ribbon comes undone.]] That happens for a reason: Her ribbon [[spoiler:is a PowerLimiter]].
48	* {{Cute Bruiser}}s:
49	** Applies to Yuka and Satomi, both of whom are tomboys and they're dedicated practicioners of Kyokushin Karate (full-contact). Making it two of several traits they share in common.
50	** The same can be said of Erina, who uses a self-taught pugilistic style combined with fire based Ki attacks.
51	* DarkAndTroubledPast: This applies to all but a few of the characters--most notably, Reimi and, to a lesser extent, [[spoiler:Erina Goldsmith]].
52	* DefeatEqualsFriendship: Jun buddies up with Yuka, following her defeat. Erina and her team warm up to Yuka as well.
53	* {{Deuteragonist}}: Satomi is the OVA's next most plot relevant character, by fleshing out her rivalry with Yuka, her struggles to support herself and her kid brother, and ultimately has her become the target of the Jahana Group.
54	* [[invoked]]DudeNotFunny: Suffice to say, Satomi did not appreciate Yuuki sexually harassing her[[note]]noted in the BullyingADragon entry in Yuuki's section of the character sheet[[/note]], though [[DisproportionateRetribution her response]] may have been... ''[[KillItWithFire excessive.]]''
55	* {{Ecchi}}: The show has plenty of D-cups, bouncing, and long beautiful legs for the average viewer to gawk at. The loser of each match also has to strip, [[SceneryCensor though all the naughty bits are conveniently covered.]]
56	* EvasiveFightThreadEpisode: After all the buildup to the championship bout, the OVA ends on a cliff-hanger by abruptly cutting to the end credits as soon as the match begins. We never find out who wins the tournament.
57	* FanserviceWithASmile: Did we mention how this show is about a tournament for combat waitresses? Special mention, however, goes to Erina and her team of [[PlayboyBunny bunnies.]]
58	* FightingYourFriend[=/=]IKnowYoureInThereSomewhereFight: This happens briefly between Yuka and Satomi near the climax of the final episode; it is covered in the related entry on the character sheet in Yuka's section.
59	* FoulFlower: The etymology of Miranda's surname gets taken to its literal extreme at the climax of the 2nd episode[[note]]covered in the MeaningfulName entry, further down[[/note]].
60	* {{Girly Bruiser}}s: Reimi and Kaori are the most feminine two participants among waitresses, both exemplfying [[LadyOfWar dignity and grace]] with their respective fighting styles. A stark contrast to Yuka and Satomi's more straightforward ''and brutal'' style.
61	* GrandTheftMe: The true purpose behind the V.G. tournament is [[spoiler:finding a suitable body for Miranda Jyahana's deceased spirit to take over]].
62	* HauntedTechnology: The cyber drive [[SoulJar contains]] [[spoiler:Miranda]]'s disembodied spirit, which allows her to gradually superimpose her consciousness over Satomi's. Once Satomi is freed from this control, [[spoiler:Miranda]]'s spirit remains trapped within the cyber drive--which leaves her utterly defenseless.
63	* IncrediblyObviousBug: A listening device the size of a yoyo with a huge green light on it is affixed to the seat of the businesswoman in charge of the corporation behind the tournament around which the entire series revolves. This powerful, intelligent, hypercompetent woman never notices it.
64	* KiManipulation: Just about everyone has an attack of this nature, excluding Minami, who uses [[RocketPunch rocket-powered gloves]] instead.
65	** KameHameHadoken: The conclusion of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_z3YxPQ20s Yuka's match with Jun]] ends with one of these; the attack is reminiscent of [[VideoGame/FatalFury Terry Bogard's]] Power Geyser.
66	* LeftHanging:
67	** We never find out who wins the tournament, as the series ends on the first exchange of blows in the deciding battle between Yuka and Satomi.
68	** It's also unknown [[WhatHappenedToTheMouse whether Daisuke recovers]], since that hinges on whether Satomi won the tournament prize money to cover the cost of the procedure needed to treat his condition.
69	* LighterAndSofter: The OVA is this, when compared to the original HGame series:
70	** The original series has only one penalty for losing, which applied to all matches: The winner leaves the ring and the loser [[spoiler:is publicly raped by members of the audience]].
71	** The OVA adaptation nixes that aspect altogether. In the anime, the loser must simply strip naked, which only applies to matches at Level-3 and above.[[note]]Jun's match with Yuka was only Level-4--a preliminary fight--so Jun was not required to strip upon losing. Yuka even points this out. But Jun stripped naked anyway, [[HonorBeforeReason claiming that not doing so "would be weak"]][[/note]] Matches at Level-1 require the loser to strip and [[spoiler:masturbate for the crowd]].
72	* MaleGaze: Virtually guaranteed amongst a cast of red-hot waitresses. Expect frequent close-ups of their chests, legs, ''and feet'' during matches.
73	* MythologyGag: The OVA makes several references to the ''Advanced V.G.'' series:
74	** When Manami uses her [[RocketPunch Neko Rocket Punch]] against Erina's [[PlayboyBunny team of bunnies]], the line snaps taut, causing it to hit Manami on the return trip. This is a nod to the fact that [[CastFromHitPoints Manami takes damage from that same move]] in the game.
75	** Satomi is Yuuki's first--and only--opponent in the anime, and she sexually harasses Satomi during the match. Yuuki's [[IncompatibleOrientation infatuation with her]] was carried over to ''Advanced V.G. II'', where she tries hitting on her before the match begins.
76	** ''[[VideoGame/AdvancedVariableGeo Advanced V.G. II]]'' returned the favour by concludes with [[spoiler:Miranda]] being killed by the waitresses' [[CombinedEnergyAttack combined energy]]. This differs slightly from the way Yuka and Satomi finish her at the end of the OVA.
77	* NebulousEvilOrganization: The Jyahana Group[[note]]the faction lead by [[EvilMatriarch Miranda]], which should not be confused with The Jyahana Corporation, which is run by Miranda's daughter Reimi[[/note]] steers the events of the V.G. tournament from behind the scenes by luring unsuspecting entrants into becoming unwitting test subjects. They were also [[spoiler:responsible for Daisuke's relapse]] and had Damian [[AnOfferYouCantRefuse offer to cover the costs of his treatment, on the condition that Satomi enter the tournament]]. During the tournament, the group uses Satomi for the "Black Goddess" project and field test her abilities in unsanctioned matches [[spoiler:all so they could create the ideal host body for [[BigBad Miranda]]]].
78	* NotJustATournament: The prize money and real estate are legit, but they are also a way of luring in unsuspecting entrants. The purpose of the tournament itself is to gauge the power of individual entrants [[spoiler:so The Jyahana Group can find the ideal host body for [[BigBad Miranda]]]].
79	* TheOnlyOneAllowedToDefeatYou: A flashback of Yuka and Satomi's younger days shows how Yuka made a promise to Satomi that she would not allow herself to lose a fight until they had the chance to face each other in the tournament. This gives Yuka the push she needs to defeat Jun.
80	* PantyFighter: Most of the characters who wear some kind of skirt are examples of this. This is especially so with Satomi during her fight with Yuuki as her clothing was damaged.
81	* TheProtagonist: Yuka is [[SeriesMascot the face]] of the series. In the OVA, she becomes aware of the Jahana Group's involvement in the tournament, once her childhood friend Satomi goes missing. Which causes Yuka to search for Satomi to save her from them.
82	* PsychicLink: Another key plot element of the OVA is the rapport between Yuka and Satomi, which allows Yuka to sense Satomi's feelings. No explanation is given for it, though it's implied it may be due to either Yuka's [[HeartIsAnAwesomePower empathic ability]], or the strength of [[TrueCompanions their bond.]]
83	* RepeatCut: Invoked when Kaori [[OneHitKO one-shots]] her unnamed opponent. You get to see it from three different angles.
84	* RooftopConfrontation: Noted in the BattleAmongstTheFlames entry.
85	* RyuAndKen: Yuka and Satomi's rivalry is portrayed in similar fashion:
86	** They were taught by Yuka's grandfather and grew up together as sparring partners at his dojo.
87	** Likewise, once The Jyahana Group learns of their rivalry and Satomi's latent potential, [[AnOfferYouCantRefuse they manipulate her into joining the tournament]] and subject her to the "Black Goddess" project [[SympatheticSentientWeapon to turn her against Yuka]]--similar to how Bison uses Ken to get to Ryu in ''Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie''
88	* SceneryCensor: Invoked at various times during the OVA, but most noticeably during the scene where Jun strips. While the in-universe crowd sees everything, the ropes are positioned to cover the appropriate areas of Jun's body.
89	* SeriousBusiness: Taken to literal extremes:
90	** In addition to the prize money and real estate, the winner also earns a year's worth of free advertising for their place of employment.
91	** Some of the participants have corporate sponsors, while multi-national conglomerates have market shares in the tournament. Even the Prime Minister puts his schedule on hold to watch V.G. matches. In ''Variable Geo'', combat waitressing is exactly what it says: '''Serious. Business.'''
92	* SexSells: Invoked in-series, as the promise of public nudity is [[{{Fanservice}} the main draw]] of the V.G. tournament. The audience gets to watch hot waitresses duke it out in the ring, then see a free strip show afterward. At Level-1, they even get [[spoiler:to see the loser masturbate in the ring]].
93	* SexyDiscretionShot: Invoked when Kaori's opponent is forced to carry out the penalty for losing at Level-1. Kaori's face is in the foreground of the shot [[SceneryCensor to prevent the viewer from seeing it]]. The scene changes just as she steps out of the way.
94	* ShamefulStrip: A fighter who loses any match at Level-3 or above must do this. The penalty is first seen at the end of Jun's preliminary bout with Yuka; although the match was only a Level-4, Jun stripped naked anyway as she felt there was [[AllOrNothing no place for mediocrity in V.G.]]
95	* SlowMotionPassBy: This happens when Reimi, driving a luxury car, passes Yuka and Jun on their motorcycle.
96	* SpiritualSuccessor: While hardly a carbon copy, ''Variable Geo'' does share several key plot points in common with ''Anime/StreetFighterIITheAnimatedMovie''.
97	** Both centre around the rivalry between the protagonist and deuteragonist--old sparring partners who made a vow [[FriendlyRivalry to settle their rivalry]] one day with one last decisive match.
98	** The rival is soon noticed by the NebulousEvilOrganization, who learns of their competition with the protagonist and kidnaps them[=/=]manipulates them into becoming a test subject. Whereas Bison uses the Psycho Drive to enslave Ken in ''Street Fighter'', ''V.G.'' has [[GrandTheftMe the "Black Goddess"]] project, which is used to enslave Satomi.
99	** Both ''Street Fighter'' and ''V.G.'' climax with a confrontation between the friend/rival pair, with Ryu [[FightingYourFriend trying to get through to Ken]] and Yuka [[IKnowYoureInThereSomewhereFight doing the same for Satomi.]] Both end with the rival coming back to their senses in time to [[CombinedEnergyAttack unleash their combined might]] and defeat the BigBad.
100	* SupernaturalMartialArts: Since the OVA is based on a fighting game, nearly all the characters use some form of ki blasts, ki enhanced attacks, and ElementalPowers.
101	* SympatheticSentientWeapon: The crux of the OVA's plot focuses on Satomi as she is manipulated by The Jyahana Group into joining the tournament. She accepts their offer [[HealthcareMotivation to save her brother]]; in exchange, she unwittingly gives up [[GrandTheftMe her body]] and her free will.
102	* ThanksForTheMammary: Yuka and Satomi both wind up on the receiving end [[LipstickLesbian from Yuuki]] and [[TokenMiniMoe Manami]], respectively.
103	** During the opening exchange of her first match, Yuuki restrains Satomi with an arm lock, then slips her hand down her vest and fondles her. Satomi shrugs free and tells her to knock it off, but Yuuki [[TemptingFate ignores her]] and [[ClothingDamage shreds Satomi's uniform]] to expose her breasts [[PantyShot and panties.]]
104	** When Yuka gets a mysterious phone call telling her to come to Osaka, Manami startles Yuka by squeezing one of her breasts from behind--after which, Manami introduces herself and reveals she was the caller.
105	* ThereCanBeOnlyOne: As previously noted, there are no runner-up positions, or conciliatory prizes in V.G. Only one can become the tournament's grand champion.
106	* ThereIsNoKillLikeOverkill: Yuka and Satomi are noted as two of the most skilled and powerful combatants in the V.G. tournament for a reason: Both of their ultimate attacks are capable of [[OneHitKill outright killing their opponents.]]
107	* {{Tomboy}}:
108	** Yuka and Satomi are both naturally athletic as a result of years of competition in full-contact martial arts. Between the two, Satomi is the straighter example, due to her [[BoyishShortHair short hair]] and [[UnkemptBeauty overall appearance.]]
109	** Jun has [[AmazonianBeauty a toned physique]] from years of amateur wrestling and weightlifting, and she spends her downtime [[BadassBiker biking]] and [[TheLadette knocking back brewskies.]]
110	* TookALevelInBadass: This applies to the cast in general, as the OVA gives several of them a considerable increase in power:
111	** Yuka's Kikou Dan looks more like her Kyuukyo Kikou Dan DM, whereas the Kyuukyo Kikou Dan itself is upgraded to a WaveMotionGun. Her Soryu Gekki [[spoiler:becomes a OneHitKill]].
112	** Satomi gains [[LimitBreak an ultimate attack]] that is exclusive to the OVA. It is reminiscent of Kyo Kusanagi's "Ama no Murakumo" DM, which was lethal enough to nearly kill [[spoiler:Yuuki]].
113	** Erina also gains an OVA-exclusive attack: Near the end of her match with Yuka, she unleashes a massive plume of flame from overhead that strikes with the explosive power of [[KillSat a satellite strike.]]
114	** Reimi becomes a nigh-unbeatable adversary, to the point that [[spoiler:Miranda had to cheat so Reimi would be eliminated from the tournament]].
115	* [[UnwittingPawn Unwitting Pawns]]: None of the combatants know about V.G.'s true purpose, which is to determine which of them [[spoiler:will become the vessel for Miranda Jyahana's disembodied spirit]].
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Context Anime / VariableGeo