＜Infinite Dendrogram＞

My Thoughts on ＜Infinite Dendrogram＞

＜Infinite Dendrogram＞ is a VRMMORPG novel that definitely grabbed my attention with its promise of "infinite possibilities" within a fully immersive game world. It's got a good overall rating, but I wanted to dig deeper and see what readers really thought. After diving into a bunch of opinions, I've got a pretty good feel for the strengths and weaknesses of this series.

First Impressions

The initial hook is strong. Many readers, including myself, were intrigued by the unique "Embryo" system, where players receive a personalized partner or weapon that shapes their gameplay. I found this concept compelling because it allows for significant character deviation and avoids the usual rigid class systems. The early world-building, with its political intrigue between NPCs and players, also drew me in. The humor, often stemming from the MC's brother, provided a lighthearted touch that I appreciated.

What Works Well

The world-building seems to be a major highlight for many. The intricate political landscape and the way NPCs react believably are definite strengths. The "Embryo" system continues to be praised for creating unique character interactions and abilities, drawing comparisons to the Nen powers in Hunter x Hunter. I like that the story seems to balance the MC's growth with the presence of other powerful characters, avoiding the "overpowered protagonist" trope that can sometimes plague this genre. The translation quality also gets a thumbs up, making it an easy and enjoyable read.

Areas of Concern

I did spot some consistent criticisms that I can't ignore. Some readers felt the pacing was off, with excessive exposition and inner monologues bogging down the story. A few mentioned getting frustrated with the focus shifting away from the MC to side characters, especially in later volumes. There's also a concern that the MC can sometimes feel a bit too "lucky" or that plot armor conveniently saves him from difficult situations. Others felt the MC was not making the most of the skills he did have. Some readers had concerns about logical inconsistencies within the game world itself and the MC's actions. Finally, some felt the story was too repetitive with battles and there was not enough character development.

Final Verdict

Overall, I think ＜Infinite Dendrogram＞ offers a promising VRMMORPG experience with a well-developed world and an intriguing system. However, potential readers should be aware of the pacing issues and the shifting focus, which may detract from the overall enjoyment for some. It might not be perfect, but it seems like a worthwhile read for fans of the genre who are looking for something a bit different.