Everyone is Young Except for Me

My Thoughts on Everyone is Young Except for Me

"Everyone is Young Except for Me" had a premise that instantly grabbed my attention: a martial arts grandpa diving into the world of VRMMORPGs. The idea of an elderly protagonist navigating a young person's game was ripe with comedic potential, and I was eager to see how it played out. After reading a fair amount, here are my thoughts.

First Impressions

Initially, I was a bit thrown off. The early chapters felt like they were trying to be both a serious action story and a lighthearted parody, and the blend didn't quite work for me. The protagonist's rapid power-up felt somewhat unearned, almost as if he was becoming the strongest player in the tutorial stages. However, I decided to stick with it to see if the story would find its footing.

What Works Well

Once I settled into the novel's comedic rhythm, I found myself enjoying it much more. The protagonist's interactions with the game world and other players are genuinely funny, especially his old-man perspective clashing with modern gaming culture. I also appreciate that the story avoids some of the more tiresome tropes of the genre, like revenge plots, harems, and an unlikeable protagonist. The side characters are also quite lively and entertaining, adding to the overall enjoyment. There are some unique elements to the world building, and the game's backstory is so absurd that it becomes hilarious.

Areas of Concern

Despite my enjoyment, there are some aspects that could be improved. The pacing can be uneven, and the story sometimes struggles to balance the action and comedy elements. Some of the fight scenes can feel repetitive, relying too much on the protagonist's signature kicks and lacking a sense of tension. Furthermore, some readers might find the power climb of the main character ridiculous.

Final Verdict

"Everyone is Young Except for Me" is a fun, refreshing VRMMORPG novel with a unique premise and a charming protagonist. While it has its flaws, its humor and heart make it a worthwhile read, especially if you're looking for something lighthearted and different from the usual fare. If you're willing to embrace the absurdity and enjoy the ride, you'll likely find yourself laughing along with this old grandpa as he kicks his way to the top. I'd give it a solid 3.5/5.