Rio: Rainbow Gate! Special [Episode 1]

Alright, let’s dive into the world of Rio: Rainbow Gate! Special [Episode 1]—a quirky, fan-service packed OVA that’s equal parts chaotic and charming. For those who missed the main series, Rio Rollins is the “Goddess of Victory” at Howard Resort, a casino island where luck follows her like a shadow. This special, animated by Xebec and released in October 2011, is a 25-minute bonus episode that throws all logic out the window in favor of pure, unadulterated fun.

First off, let’s talk about what fans are saying. The MyAnimeList discussions are a mix of excitement and confusion, which is totally fitting for this show. One user gushed, “THIS IS AN ANIME ONLY DISCUSSION POST. DO NOT DISCUSS THE MANGA BEYOND THIS EPISODE. Well it finally came and the fan service is shot up the roof. Tons of nudes and panties and the only drawbacks are no details at all done on the breasts but who cares when the comedy of this was really good.” Yeah, that sums it up—this OVA isn’t here to win awards for subtlety. It’s here to make you laugh, blush, and maybe scratch your head a little.

The plot? Let’s just say it’s… unique. We’ve got Choco, the adorable teddy bear jiangshi (zombie teddy, for the uninitiated), who temporarily becomes human to buy a camera. But of course, this being a casino anime, things go sideways. Then there’s Linda, the robot with a penchant for lifting UFOs and having wild dreams involving giant versions of herself, slides, ping pong, and even a dice-headed alter ego. Oh, and let’s not forget the alien subplot—because why not? As one fan put it, “oh boy any say on this bonus ep yea really ok then wonder pull s2? really bear came human again want to buy camera so casino no luck but get check it ok. yea linda robot lift a ufo ship good gawd almighty whoa & want dream she got it yea wacky dream from giant linda, slides, ping pong, dice head linda & oh jack pulling this look like a job superman phone booth rescue.” It’s a lot, but that’s part of the charm.

What’s surprising is how many viewers preferred this special over the main series. “I thought it was actually really enjoyable and cute. I liked it even better than the main series,” one commenter said. Another agreed, “Better than the TV-series. Linda was kind of funny x].” Maybe it’s the lack of pressure to advance a complex plot—this OVA is just here to relax and have a good time. The humor is silly, the characters are over-the-top, and the fan service is dialed up to 11 (though some noted the breast details were lacking, but let’s be real, that’s not the point).

But it’s not all laughs. There’s a touch of sadness when Choco turns back into a plushie, which one fan pointed out: “That was…that was…….cute. It was a little sad though. Choco got turned back into a plushie.” It’s a small, heartfelt moment in an otherwise chaotic episode, showing that even in the zaniest of stories, there’s room for emotion.

Of course, no anime discussion is complete without sub drama. “wow great images indeed hehe n.nU i hope i can watch it with subs i can’t find it TT-TT someone knows a fansub??” one user begged. Others chimed in, with some even taking matters into their own hands: “I subbed it myself. It was actually really funny.” The struggle is real, but for those who found subs, the consensus was positive.

Visually, the OVA stays true to the main series’ vibrant, colorful style. The character designs are cute, especially the new loli character who resembles Mint (from the main series, maybe?). The animation is smooth enough for the slapstick comedy, though don’t expect Studio Ghibli-level artistry—this is a fun, low-stakes affair.

So, who is this special for? If you’re a fan of the main series, you’ll love the return of your favorite characters and the continuation of their wacky adventures. If you’re new, it’s a great (if slightly confusing) introduction to the world of Howard Resort. Just be prepared for a lot of fan service, aliens, and a teddy bear with a camera obsession.

In the end, Rio: Rainbow Gate! Special [Episode 1] is a perfect example of why OVAs exist—they’re a chance to let loose, have fun, and give fans more of what they love without the constraints of a TV schedule. It’s not deep, it’s not groundbreaking, but it’s definitely entertaining. As one fan said, “So nice and ‘strange’. ^^” And sometimes, strange is exactly what we need.

Now, if only we could get a Season 2… or at least an English dub. A girl can dream, right?