The Tutorial Is Too Hard

My Thoughts on The Tutorial Is Too Hard

"The Tutorial Is Too Hard" certainly lives up to its name, and then some. It's a story about Lee Ho Jae, a pro-gamer trapped in a hellish tutorial dungeon after choosing the hardest difficulty. It's a premise that immediately grabbed my attention, and while my experience with the novel has been a bit of a rollercoaster, I can definitely see why it has such a dedicated following.

First Impressions

Initially, I was hooked. The beginning is gripping, throwing you headfirst into the MC's desperate struggle for survival. The concept of a tutorial that's actually a brutal, unforgiving gauntlet is a refreshing twist on the typical dungeon-crawling genre. I appreciated the early focus on the MC's resourcefulness and the sheer difficulty of his situation.

What Works Well

The strength of this novel lies in its exploration of the MC's psychological state. Watching him evolve, adapt, and sometimes break under the immense pressure is compelling. The author does a great job of portraying his internal struggles and the toll the tutorial takes on his mental health. I also found the world-building to be quite creative, with each floor presenting unique challenges and environments. The interactions with the gods, conveyed through emotes, add a quirky and entertaining layer to the story. I also enjoyed the author's ability to take seemingly cliché elements and weave them into complex, story-driving forces.

Areas of Concern

The narrative structure, with its constant flashbacks, can be a bit jarring at times. While it provides context for the MC's current state, it can also disrupt the flow of the story. Some readers might find that the pacing slows down considerably as the MC grinds through each level. Additionally, the focus on Korean nationalism may be off-putting to some readers.

Final Verdict

"The Tutorial Is Too Hard" is a unique and engaging novel with a strong focus on psychological realism and challenging dungeon design. While the narrative structure and pacing may not be for everyone, the compelling characters and creative world-building make it a worthwhile read. I'd recommend giving it a try and seeing if you can handle the heat of hell difficulty.