Overgeared

My Thoughts on Overgeared

"Overgeared" is a web novel that certainly evokes strong reactions, and after diving in, I can understand why. It's a story of rags to riches, set within a VRMMORPG, but the journey isn't always smooth, nor is the main character particularly likeable, at least initially.

First Impressions

My first impression of Grid, the protagonist, wasn't great. He starts as a pretty unlikeable character, almost aggressively so. I can see why some readers were immediately turned off by his selfishness, lack of common sense, and frankly, his general incompetence. It's hard to root for someone who seems to actively sabotage themselves at every turn. He's not the sharpest tool in the shed, and early on, that's putting it mildly.

What Works Well

Despite my initial reservations, I found myself drawn into the world of "Satisfy." The crafting system is genuinely interesting, and watching Grid stumble his way toward mastery, however frustrating, is also compelling. There's a certain perverse satisfaction in seeing him succeed despite himself. Many readers praised the character growth, and I have to agree there's a noticeable shift as the story progresses. Grid slowly begins to mature, learn from his mistakes (though sometimes painfully), and develop genuine connections with others. The humor also lands well, providing a much-needed levity to balance out Grid's often-infuriating antics.

Areas of Concern

My biggest concern, echoing the sentiment of several readers, is the heavy reliance on nationalism. While I appreciate a story that celebrates its culture, the constant assertion of Korean superiority can feel a bit much and detracts from the overall narrative. Additionally, some aspects of the power scaling and the ease with which Grid acquires certain advantages can feel a bit contrived. The harem elements are also a bit weak in my opinion, the female characters often feel underdeveloped and primarily exist to prop up the MC.

Final Verdict

"Overgeared" is a flawed but ultimately entertaining novel. It's not a masterpiece, but it offers a compelling blend of action, adventure, and comedy, with a protagonist who, despite his initial shortcomings, undergoes significant growth. If you can stomach the early chapters and overlook some of the more questionable elements, you might find yourself surprisingly invested in Grid's journey to become the best blacksmith in the game. I'd give it a cautious recommendation, with the caveat that patience is key.