Ready Player One review
Lord of the Rings meets futuristic Sci-Fi and 80s references in this thrilling combination of all things great and nerdyful.
Have you ever been so fed up of the real world that you just wish you could lose yourself within a new reality? I’m sure most of us have, in fact it’s one of the main reasons people turn to novels, movies and games. Ernest Cline’s debut novel, Ready Player One, creates a relatable protagonist who feels the way we do, but experiences things we can only imagine...
The year is 2044, and the world is in a worse state than ever before: there’s an energy crisis due to global warming and a lack of fossil fuels, the economy is bust and more are homeless or living off scraps than ever before. Due to this the majority of the population rarely experience real life anymore, but live through the OASIS: Ontologically Anthropocentric Sensory Immersive Simulation. Starting as a virtual reality MMO, the OASIS quickly developed into a replacement for every day life, as many users live through the system, many never even engaging in the PvP opportunities. The OASIS replaced the real world for most.
The OASIS is a huge galaxy filled with countless planets and areas, all created for different reasons and purposes. From a planet dedicated to schooling, to a Dungeons and Dragons based world, all is possible within the new virtual reality experience. Old and young enjoy what the OASIS has to offer, and it has become a way of life for many. This is why it was so shocking for all when James Halliday, creator of the OASIS, passed away. Though even in his passing he enriched the life of many and created a new community. It was announced that his incredible fortune would be up or grabs for the first to complete his quest: find the three keys and complete the tasks within these gates.
Despite the excitement around this, after years of failed attempts at even finding the first key many simply gave up. Those who dedicated themselves to the search for the Egg (the symbol of winning the quest) were known as Gunters (shortened term for Egg Hunters) who dedicated themselves to all things Halliday, which meant they were experts at all things 80s. The main antagonist of the novel is Sorrento, the head of Innovative Online Industries, a company which has thrown a lot of money at the quest, making the search for the Egg even harder for dedicated Gunters. Especially Wade Watts, the main character of the novel.
Just like how Cline manages to entwine so many great conventions of Sci-Fi and 80s nostalgia, he also manages to combine so many relatable traits to Wade. He’s often uncertain of himself, struggles to find his identity in this confusing world and struggles with love. Added to this confusion is the fact that in the OASIS no one is themselves (especially the Gunters), and even as Parzival in the virtual reality he still feels these emotions. Gladly Ready Player One is no Assassin’s Creed with tedious real life sequences, the majority of the story is based in the OASIS. The few moments based in the real world take nothing away from the nostalgia heavy excitement.
Parzival may only be a lowly level avatar when the novel begins, but we get to see him grow into a stronger character as the novel and quest progress: reflecting Wade’s growing maturity in the real world. Cline does a masterful job of combining both the real world Wade and the OASIS avatar of Parzival. Main Gunter competitor Art3mis is also depicted in a similarly deep and realistic way, but sadly we never get chapter from her perspective, which would have been a nice addition. Aech is the other main Gunter showcased in the story, playing the role of Parzival’s best friend. Sadly his character is not as fleshed as as Art3mis’, but he’s still an enjoyable and likeable character. It feels like Cline did miss a trick by only having the story told from Wade's narrative.
The hunt for Halliday’s Egg is perfectly built throughout the novel, with many twists and turns. It peaks with a massive battle at the end: a cross between the awesome battle in Lord of the Rings: the Two Towers and the ridiculousness of Power Rangers (in a good way). About two thirds of the way through the story does take a slightly unbelievable turn and Wade is portrayed slightly out of character due to his role in this. It doesn't take away from the ending, but does stretch our ability to turn a blind eye to how unrealistic Wade's smarts are.
Overall Cline’s debut novel is a modern, and futuristic classic. Not only is Reader Player One a must read for people wanting 80s nostalgia or great Science Fiction, it’s a story for all who love adventure and escapism. Make sure you take the time to read it, as after all, as Halliday would say: “Going outside is highly overrated.”