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A review by wintrovia
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
4.0
It took me two attempts to read this book. The first time I read it I only got a couple of chapters in and gave up on it. I can’t remember exactly why but I think I thought it was all a bit silly and geeky. Having come back to it and read it again I have to say those criticisms are still valid but I hugely enjoyed reading this book regardless.
It’s the story set in a future where a global energy crisis has led to a kind of dystopia where millions live in stacked up caravans on the outskirts of run down cities. People find escape by accessing a virtual universe called the Oasis.
The story is about a young man’s quest to win a challenge within this virtual world which will lead to him winning a huge sum of money. The virtual world, and the challenge, are designed by an eccentric video game designer with an obsession with eighties era pop culture.
I really enjoyed the far-fetched but believable world the book is set in and the story feels a bit like a videogame, as the players progress through the challenges that meet them as they try to win the quest.
The characters aren’t the most fully formed you’ll come across but the book is full of action and little twists here and there. The story was a bit predictable at times but the energetic pace meant there was never time to dwell on the cheesier moments.
I enjoyed all the references to books, films and computer games from the eighties, having grown up around them myself. The vastness of the virtual world and weird mix of contents within it was also enjoyable to read about. So it’s a good book which I’d recommend to anyone with an interest in video games or eighties nostalgia.
As a sidenote, the book is currently down to be made into a film by Steven Spielberg due to be released in late 2017. I think this book is an excellent candidate to be converted into a film, provided the budget is there for all of the over the top special effects and licensing issues can be sorted out for the various songs, games and books which are vital parts of the story.
I’m not a big Spielberg fan, I think his films tend to be a bit middle of the road and can be a bit too sentimental. However, I think he’s a good choice for this project, as he’s hopefully got the clout and the vision to turn this book into a huge cinematic experience. Done badly the film could be pretty rubbish, but if the huge action sequences are done properly it could be one of the most impressive films ever made.
It’s the story set in a future where a global energy crisis has led to a kind of dystopia where millions live in stacked up caravans on the outskirts of run down cities. People find escape by accessing a virtual universe called the Oasis.
The story is about a young man’s quest to win a challenge within this virtual world which will lead to him winning a huge sum of money. The virtual world, and the challenge, are designed by an eccentric video game designer with an obsession with eighties era pop culture.
I really enjoyed the far-fetched but believable world the book is set in and the story feels a bit like a videogame, as the players progress through the challenges that meet them as they try to win the quest.
The characters aren’t the most fully formed you’ll come across but the book is full of action and little twists here and there. The story was a bit predictable at times but the energetic pace meant there was never time to dwell on the cheesier moments.
I enjoyed all the references to books, films and computer games from the eighties, having grown up around them myself. The vastness of the virtual world and weird mix of contents within it was also enjoyable to read about. So it’s a good book which I’d recommend to anyone with an interest in video games or eighties nostalgia.
As a sidenote, the book is currently down to be made into a film by Steven Spielberg due to be released in late 2017. I think this book is an excellent candidate to be converted into a film, provided the budget is there for all of the over the top special effects and licensing issues can be sorted out for the various songs, games and books which are vital parts of the story.
I’m not a big Spielberg fan, I think his films tend to be a bit middle of the road and can be a bit too sentimental. However, I think he’s a good choice for this project, as he’s hopefully got the clout and the vision to turn this book into a huge cinematic experience. Done badly the film could be pretty rubbish, but if the huge action sequences are done properly it could be one of the most impressive films ever made.