Old Man Gamer: A Humorous LitRPG

As both an avid gamer and an avid reader, I was very excited to have the chance to read and review Old Man Gamer. Through the lens of the sardonic gamer in question, the novel takes a creative look at just how gaming and other forms of escapism could look within our lifetimes. Set in that not-too-distant future, the current slate of games is often used as comparisons or the brunt of some wonderful jokes.

There is quite a lot of breaking the fourth wall, but it's used effectively for the most part. In a way, it should almost be expected going in because the author is using the gamertag of the main character as the byline. Quite frequently, Sammyfantastic addresses the reader outright or references certain events outside the scope of the story. It's even mentioned that Old Man Gamer more of an account than a story with no beginning, middle, or end (despite the warning it does deliver for the most part on a true narrative).

The description of the game that makes up the bulk of the setting had me desperately wanting to have something to play like it right now. Characters, actions, landscapes, all of it is vividly depicted and one of the biggest strengths of the novel. The cast also somehow feels more real than in most stories too. A tough feat considering how most of the time they're on the page, they are fantasy creatures from cyborg orcs to thieving elves.

As good as the story is though, there are a few things that held me back from absolutely loving it. While drug use is something the reader is informed about at the beginning, I didn't realize quite how much of the plot and action would be directly tied to it. There is also a very interesting plot line regarding it that I would have loved to see more of or at least resolved instead of seemingly being dropped.

Several lurches in story occur as well, largely during the leveling journey. While skips forward are rather normal, this was bouncing around a bit. To save time, Sammyfantastic also frequently uses bullet points to list some of what he's done instead of writing them out. I can understand it, but it's not something I generally prefer.

If you are a fan of current games, especially MMOs, I'd highly encourage giving this one a look. Even if you aren't a gamer though, this is still a very interesting marriage of both sci-fi and fantasy.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.