Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on I Was Reborn, but I Was Told That the Popular Standard Skills Were No Good, so I Chose the Skill of Collecting [Title]
First Impressions
The premise of "I Was Reborn, but I Was Told That the Popular Standard Skills Were No Good, so I Chose the Skill of Collecting [Title]" definitely grabbed my attention. The idea of a protagonist shunning the norm to embrace a unique skill like title collection seemed ripe with potential for interesting character growth and world-building. I was hoping for a clever spin on the isekai genre, and the initial chapters did offer a glimpse of that possibility.
What Works Well
Several readers, including myself, found the initial setup to be entertaining. The goddess's commentary on isekai clichés was amusing and the early chapters moved at a decent pace. There's a certain comedic charm that can make it an enjoyable, light read if you don't take it too seriously. The concept of collecting titles is intriguing, and I could see the potential for it to be a fun mechanic that drives the story forward. Some readers found it worth reading, and the early chapters were enjoyable for them.
Areas of Concern
Unfortunately, the novel seems to falter in its execution. A recurring criticism is the lack of depth in character descriptions and world-building. I found it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story when basic details like character appearances and locations were glossed over. The protagonist's personality is also a point of contention, with many finding him to be a passive "doormat" lacking agency.
The title collection mechanic itself is a major letdown. The titles feel inconsequential, failing to provide meaningful boosts or impact the story in a significant way. The author seemingly forgets about this core concept, and the protagonist's growth feels arbitrary and unearned. I also noticed that several readers were put off by the sister's character, finding her clingy and overly attached to the protagonist.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
There are some potentially squicky elements in the early chapters involving the protagonist's sister. Several reviewers have called out the uncomfortable dynamic between the siblings, particularly the sister's obsession with her brother from a very young age. There are also some weird justifications for the incest being okay due to hair color.
Final Verdict
While "I Was Reborn, but I Was Told That the Popular Standard Skills Were No Good, so I Chose the Skill of Collecting [Title]" starts with a promising concept, it ultimately falls short due to poor execution and a lack of depth. The underdeveloped characters, weak world-building, and underutilized title collection mechanic make it a frustrating read. If you're looking for a lighthearted and mindless isekai, this might provide some temporary entertainment, but I would recommend approaching it with low expectations. Proceed with caution, especially if you're sensitive to potentially problematic sibling relationships.