Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Conquering OtherWorld Starts With a Game
"Conquering OtherWorld Starts With a Game" presents a fascinating premise: a strong protagonist, burdened by a dark past, sets up a game that transports players to another world. I jumped into this novel with high hopes, intrigued by the blend of action, comedy, and fantasy. While I found several aspects compelling, there are also some elements that gave me pause.
First Impressions
The initial chapters hooked me with the unique setup. The MC's struggle against corruption, the industrialization efforts, and the integration of game elements into a real world created a solid foundation. I was particularly drawn to the idea of players unknowingly impacting a real world, with the MC acting as a sort of puppet master.
What Works Well
Many readers praised the world-building, and I wholeheartedly agree. The author has crafted a world that feels tangible and interconnected, where actions have consequences. I found the side characters particularly engaging, each with their own motivations and desires, rather than simply existing to serve the MC. The humor injected into the story, especially through the players' unawareness of the true nature of the "game," adds a delightful layer of entertainment. The concept of the players eventually gaining 'human' forms that are based on the skeletons they inhabit is also a really interesting one.
Areas of Concern
One of the most significant points of contention I encountered was the presence of nationalistic themes. Some readers found these elements overbearing, feeling that they detracted from the overall story and promoted a biased perspective. While I can see how these themes might be off-putting to some, I also acknowledge the possibility that they may be a result of external pressures on the author. I think it's important to be aware of this going in, but not to let it completely overshadow the other positive aspects of the novel. Additionally, a few readers mentioned that the writing could be a bit clunky at times, and that the plot moved a bit slowly in the beginning, with a focus on tertiary characters that felt a bit excessive.
Final Verdict
Despite some flaws, "Conquering OtherWorld Starts With a Game" offers a unique and engaging experience. The strong world-building, well-developed characters, and humorous moments make it a worthwhile read for fans of the genre. While the nationalistic themes may be a hurdle for some, I encourage readers to approach the novel with an open mind and focus on the compelling story at its core. I'm giving it a solid 3.5/5.
