a new host body, the Hybrids do not exist, and the matches are ranked at different "levels" (Levels 1–5, with the implication that the penalties for losing differ, depending on the level of a given match), among other things. The voice actors for every character was changed for this series. On November 29, 1996, KSS released the first chapter of the OVA. The second chapter was released on March 14, 1997 and the last chapter was released on June 27, 1997. In 1998 ADV Films released the animation subtitled and dubbed on VHS, and later re-released in 2003 on DVD, as part of the celebration of the 10th Variable Geo Anniversary. Also, a new OVA series was released in Japan during 2004 called Variable Geo Neo (or V.G. NEO) released by Milky Studios, based in the new Giga game for the 10th Variable Geo Anniversary, with new characters but with the same storyline and in the same VG universe. Unlike the previous OVA, V.G. NEO contains sexually explicit content in line with the game series. Gameplay Gameplay in Variable Geo utilizes a four-button layout, with two buttons each for punches and kicks of differing strength and speed. Special moves are initiated by keying in various movements using the control pad or joystick and punctuated with the press of one of the punch or kick buttons. Later games would add a special meter that would fill as the player inflicts or receives damage. Filling the bar would result in a stock of "Energy" being acquired, which could either be used for one of a number of enhanced super special attacks, or saved for later use in the match. Some moves also require more than one Special Stock to be acquired before being able to use them. Both characters begin any given fight with a full health bar that is depleted as they take damage from attacks. The first character to have her health completely depleted is the loser. In a single player game, defeating a CPU-controlled character yields a reward, showcasing the defeated character in an imaginary situation where she is either forced to commit an embarrassing (usually sexual) act in public or private, or is raped by an unseen assailant or assailants. Reception Writing in Viz Media's online magazine, Ted Thomas reviewed Advanced VG and recommended that the game is not worth importing. J-pop reviewed the series, noting that the