Advanced V.G. 2 - Normal Mode (Reimi)
0Original upload date: 16 August 2025
Description completed on 16 August 2025
Variable Geo (V.G.) is a fighting/eroge game series developed by Technical Group Laboratory, with their first (titular) game of the series releasing for the NEC PC-9800 in July 1993, exclusively in Japan. The series revolves around an all-female martial arts tournament where the competitors - mostly restaurant waitresses - duke it out to be crowned the strongest waitress (and to also win boatloads of money), with the losers of said tournament being sexually humiliated and/or even violated.
The first game would then receive a port to consoles, with the release of Advanced V.G. for the PC Engine in 1994, and eventually the Sony PlayStation and the Sega Saturn in 1996 and 1997, respectively. A port of the Saturn version would eventually make its way to PC via Steam under the name “Advanced V.G. Saturn Tribute” in May 2025 - this would mark the first time a game from the Variable Geo series was released internationally, as all previous games (including the subject of today’s video) would only be released within Japan. It should be noted that Advanced V.G. removed the sex scenes (or kept censored versions of them for the Saturn/Steam release).
Advanced V.G., which seemingly follows an alternate continuity to other Variable Geo games, would then receive a sequel in Advanced V.G. 2, releasing in September 1998 for the PlayStation. Advanced V.G. 2 is a faster-paced traditional 2D fighter compared to other entries in the series, and it’s (IMO) the most interesting game of the series as well.
Sure, the sex scenes are not present at all in this title, but a) most 1990s - early 2000s eroge isn’t my cup of tea for goon material (modern anime styling fits so much better for that IMO, so it prob won’t be as good), and b) the gameplay is so fun I genuinely forgot that this game was an entry of an eroge series, even with some of the character portraits having the girls’ clothes ripped - it was likely made to be more tamer than any of the sex scenes in other Variable Geo games, though. Oh well.
Advanced V.G. 2 is a four-button fighter - weak and strong variants of punches and kicks - with even special move shortcut buttons for two different specials (“SP1” and “SP2”) that ignore any motion input requirements. Movement options include dashing (66) and backdashing (44) for quicker horizontal movement (and throw invincibility for most characters), as well as super jumps (27/28/29) to cover large distances.
Advanced V.G. 2 is more loose in chaining normal attacks compared to previous entries in the series. All characters could chain normal attacks, though the extent of what normals you can chain into depends on the character. For example, Yuka can chain her 5LP into 5LK - 5HP - 5HK - special move, whereas Reimi can only chain her 5LP to 2LP - 5HP/5HK or 2LP - 5LK - 5HK.
Meter is used for EX special moves, stronger forms of special moves that use up one bar of meter. They can be done by either repeating the motion input for a special move twice before pressing the attack button (for example, Reimi’s EX Burning Rose can be done by inputting 236236P), or by pressing both punch/kick buttons alongside one motion input (EX Burning Rose can also be done by pressing 236PP).
On the topic of super attacks, they use up two bars of meter and can be done via either motion inputs (which are different for each character) or by pressing SP1+SP2 simultaneously. While they do boatloads of damage, I personally found the EX special moves to be more useful and efficient, which is why I don’t use them as much in this playthrough.
The route for super cancels, which is possible in this game, is pretty resource-heavy, though - special moves can be canceled into EX special moves, and then into another EX special move or a super attack. Furthermore, to cancel an EX special move to a super, you must use the double motion input method when you do the EX special move.
Dishing out damage isn’t the only option in spending meter, though. There are also guard cancels (during blockstun, 412X), which uses up half a bar and has your character exit guard status regardless of current frame advantage and attack your opponent to halt their attempts at opening you up. Using LP or LK will result in normal attacks, whereas HP or HK will throw out special moves.
Other useful mechanics in this game include the ability to ground tech from knockdowns by pressing 2 as soon as you hit the ground. Some characters also have “secret” moves, which are unique, meterless versions of special moves that take several improved properties from their EX version. Some of them require a certain amount of meter to use, though these secret moves do not use it up. Some secret moves are free, but use up meter if available (e.g., Tamao’s Secret Soryugeki (6234HP)).
So that’s how the game works. What about the story? Well...
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