Variable Geo [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 3]

Variable Geo: A Wild Ride of Martial Arts and Ecchi Fun

If you’re into anime that mixes high-octane martial arts with a generous sprinkle of ecchi, Variable Geo (1996) might just be your next guilty pleasure. Produced by KSS, this three-episode OVA is based on a fighting game series of the same name, and it throws viewers into a semi-futuristic Japan where combat waitresses duke it out in a global tournament called “Variable Geo” (or “V.G.” for short).

The Premise: Waitresses Who Pack a Punch

The story revolves around Yu Asuka, a waitress with a mysterious past who gets roped into the V.G. tournament—a brutal competition where the combatants aren’t just serving drinks but also dishing out energy blasts and bone-crushing kicks. The tournament is a national sensation, blending the glamour of service with the raw intensity of mixed martial arts.

Fans of Queen’s Blade or Kill la Kill might find Variable Geo familiar territory, though it predates both. The anime leans heavily into its ecchi roots, with plenty of fan service, but it also delivers surprisingly well-animated fight scenes—especially when the characters aren’t just flinging chi projectiles.

What Fans Are Saying

Diving into online discussions, opinions on Variable Geo are as varied as the tournament’s combatants. Here’s what stood out:

1. “A Decent Ending, But Not Perfect”
   One fan on MyAnimeList praised the finale, calling it a “lovely story development” with solid action. However, they admitted preferring the hentai remake (yes, there’s one) for its more… ahem… explicit content.

2. “Hilarious Train Wreck or Missed Opportunity?”
   Another viewer was disappointed, expecting a “hilarious train wreck” but getting something more middling. The anime’s tone wobbles between serious martial arts drama and over-the-top ecchi antics, which might leave some fans wanting more consistency.

3. “The Missing Link Between Wanna Be’s and Kill la Kill”
   A particularly insightful comment compared Variable Geo to a bridge between Wanna Be’s (shady corporations and genetic engineering) and Queen’s Blade (lewd fighting tournaments). The fights, when they focus on hand-to-hand combat, are well-animated, and the female characters even have noticeable muscle definition—a rarity in ecchi anime.

4. “Plot Holes Galore”
   Some fans pointed out the story’s glaring gaps, like the mysterious “egg thing” and Chihiro’s employer’s vague motives. One user lamented that the anime should’ve stuck to the tournament instead of shoehorning in a villainous resurrection subplot.

5. “Better Than V.G. Neo?”
   A few fans argued that Variable Geo holds up better than its sequel, V.G. Neo, which apparently tried to cram too much into too little runtime. The original’s storyline, while flawed, at least feels coherent.

The Verdict: A Niche Gem

Variable Geo isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for deep storytelling or groundbreaking animation, you might leave disappointed. But if you’re in the mood for a campy, action-packed romp with a side of fan service, this OVA delivers.

The fights are fun, the characters are memorable (even if underdeveloped), and the premise is just ridiculous enough to work. It’s a product of its time—1996 was a wild era for anime—and it embraces its absurdity with gusto.

So, grab some popcorn, turn off your brain, and enjoy the ride. Just don’t ask too many questions about that egg.

Final Rating: 6.5/10 – Flawed but fun, Variable Geo is a cult classic for a reason.

What do you think? Have you watched Variable Geo? Drop your thoughts in the comments!