Dissatisfied [e-sports]

My Thoughts on Dissatisfied [e-sports]

"Dissatisfied [e-sports]" is a completed original web novel with an ongoing translation, and after diving in, I can see why it has garnered such mixed opinions. While the premise initially seems like a lighthearted e-sports romance, it quickly delves into heavier themes of past mistakes, forgiveness, and personal growth. It's a story that definitely kept me engaged, even when I wasn't entirely sure how I felt about it.

First Impressions

The summary is definitely misleading. The whole "pretending to be a female fan" bit is a blip, barely lasting a couple of chapters. The real meat of the story is the complex, angsty relationship between Yan Yibing (MC) and Han Mo (ML), two professional gamers with a complicated past. Their dynamic is a mix of animosity, unresolved feelings, and slow-burn romance, which I found intriguing.

What Works Well

The character development, particularly for the ML, Han Mo, is a major strength. I found myself really invested in his journey, his motivations, and his unwavering devotion to the MC. The author does a solid job of building up the characters' backgrounds, making their actions and feelings believable, even when they're frustrating. I also appreciated that once the MC and ML finally get together, the relationship is solid and committed. No unnecessary drama or backsliding, which is always a plus in my book. The side couple, Bian Shu and Sun Tianjao, also provided some delightful comic relief and a sweet, contrasting romance.

Areas of Concern

My biggest issue, and one that seems to be echoed by other readers, is the central conflict and how it's resolved. It revolves around a past incident where the MC kicks the ML off the team due to a misunderstanding regarding gambling. The fallout of this incident, particularly the death of the ML's mother, casts a long shadow over the entire story. While the ML is portrayed as forgiving and even obsessed with the MC, I felt that the MC never fully atoned for his actions. This imbalance made it difficult for me to fully embrace their relationship, despite the undeniable chemistry. I also found the MC to be somewhat bland and privileged at times, making it hard to fully connect with him.

Final Verdict

"Dissatisfied [e-sports]" is a flawed but ultimately engaging read. The strong character development, sweet romance, and e-sports setting kept me hooked, but the unresolved central conflict and somewhat unlikable MC prevented me from fully loving it. If you're willing to overlook some of its shortcomings, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem. I'd give it a tentative 3.75/5.