Pick Me Up!

My Thoughts on Pick Me Up!

"Pick Me Up!" is a web novel that I dove into with a mix of excitement and trepidation, given its tower-climbing, gacha-inspired premise. The manhwa adaptation definitely piqued my interest, and I was eager to see how the original story held up. Overall, it was a mixed bag, with some truly shining moments weighed down by pacing issues and character inconsistencies.

First Impressions

The initial chapters grabbed me immediately. The idea of a protagonist summoned to a devastated world, forced to climb a tower to save it, felt fresh even within the well-trodden isekai genre. I was particularly drawn to the protagonist's blend of cold ruthlessness and surprising compassion – a compelling combination that kept me invested. The early team dynamics and the high stakes made for some genuinely tense and engaging reading.

What Works Well

The world-building is a definite strong point. The concept of manipulating realities through a gacha game is intriguing, and the author clearly put thought into the mechanics of the tower and its impact on different dimensions. I also appreciated the strategic battles early on, where the protagonist had to rely on teamwork and clever tactics to overcome challenges. The character growth, especially in the first half of the novel, felt organic and rewarding.

Areas of Concern

However, as the story progressed, I started to notice some cracks. The pacing became increasingly rushed, particularly after the 50th floor. The tower-climbing aspect lost its focus, with the protagonist becoming increasingly overpowered and soloing bosses, which diminished the importance of teamwork. The side characters, who initially felt well-developed, started to fade into the background, their roles becoming less significant. I also found some of the side stories less engaging, particularly those focused on characters who weren't central to the main plot.

Final Verdict

Despite its flaws, "Pick Me Up!" is still a worthwhile read, especially if you're a fan of tower-climbing stories with a gacha twist. The strong early chapters, compelling world-building, and well-developed protagonist make it an enjoyable experience. However, be prepared for a decline in quality in the later half, with rushed pacing and less engaging side characters. While it doesn't quite reach the heights of genre titans like "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" or "SSS-Class Suicide Hunter," it's still a fun and engaging novel that I'd recommend with reservations.