Matan’s Shooter

My Thoughts on Matan’s Shooter

"Matan's Shooter" dives into the popular VRMMORPG genre, and after reading a fair bit about it, I've got some thoughts. It’s a story about a paraplegic military sniper who finds a new life and path to success within a hyper-realistic game. While it has some compelling elements, some aspects didn't quite hit the mark for me.

First Impressions

The premise is interesting. A disabled veteran finding purpose in a virtual world is a theme that resonates. The initial chapters focus on the main character, his backstory, and his introduction to the game "Middle Earth." I was immediately intrigued by the potential for character growth and the unique angle of a sniper adapting his skills to a fantasy setting.

What Works Well

The action and adventure elements are definitely a strong point. The protagonist's military background gives him a unique edge, and watching him adapt his sharpshooting skills to the game is entertaining. I also appreciate the touches of humor sprinkled throughout the story. The character interactions, while not always perfect, are generally vibrant and add to the overall enjoyment. Several readers have pointed out that the world-building, while somewhat generic, is still well-executed for the VRMMORPG genre. I can see the appeal of a story that harkens back to earlier MMOs where hard work and unique strategies could lead to significant success, even against pay-to-win players.

Areas of Concern

One of the biggest sticking points for me, and one that several others have mentioned, is the seemingly unbelievable game mechanics and the MC's improbable achievements. The idea that no one else in a game with 100 million players has discovered certain strategies or achieved specific milestones feels contrived. For example, I'm not entirely sold on the idea that auto-combat is the standard and the MC is the first to realize manual aiming is superior. It stretches my suspension of disbelief a bit too far. Additionally, the rapid acquisition of achievements early on felt a little too convenient. Finally, the plot point of the government refusing to pay for the MCs surgery felt a little forced and illogical.

Final Verdict

"Matan's Shooter" has potential. It's an action-packed VRMMORPG with a unique protagonist and some genuinely entertaining moments. However, the questionable game mechanics and the protagonist's somewhat unbelievable early successes hold it back from being truly great. If you're willing to overlook these flaws and enjoy a power fantasy with a military twist, you might find it enjoyable. Otherwise, proceed with caution.