Infinite Dendrogram

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At the time of writing I have read 7 volumes

While many stories in the VRMMO/Game genre seem like they are made by people who barely know what a game is, this is not the case with Infinite Dendrogram(or Dendro for short). As a long time MMO player the game world of Dendro feels like an actual MMO with actual players managing to get down everything from MMO fashion sense to how players act.

The main storyline never resorts to the story cliche of the death game or not being able to log off. That does not mean the series has low stakes however, as while it ... is okay for the MC or other players to die, the same does not hold true for the NPCs. NPCs will die when they are killed. A main theme of the story is whether or not these incredibly life-like NPCs should be treated as human beings or not. While the general flow of the story is typical battle shounen, it is incredibly well executed, with all the battle systems being well defined and the stakes being done well.

My one complaint with the series would be the art, which while good looking, makes it hard to discern what is going on a lot of the time.

Overall, the series is incredibly well executed and a must read for anyone who is interested in VRMMO series.

First if you're looking for a VRMMO LN this one is probably the best.
However while it has a lot of qualities, it also come with some issue, mainly on one part: the characters, the problem isn't really with they're devlopement or personality because aside from Rook most of them are quite good and even if the main characters can be a little too similar to shounen protagoniste at time he is overall quite interesting, the problem is with the power system link to those characters. To put it bluntly it make little sense a lot of the time, the system in itself is fantastic (on ... of the force of the serie) but it's use isn't, with vilain wich tend to either have powerfull but balance power or no power at all while the good guy power have little weakness and are quite op at time, that plus some characters being op outside of the power system and you get the true biggest problem of the serie the MC allway won.
But on the other hand a part where the serie is great is with the NPC, wich in that game are like real persons, the way they view the world, the players, the eventual fear of the player ( wich for them are imortal and op transdimentional being) or for those who are aware of the game nature of the world how to live with it, is the best part of the serie and it's what make Nemesis one of the best character, because many of the questions it raise are really interesting and for some of them kind of unique to the serie.
To conclude the serie may have a problem with its power system/ MC allway winning, but it's definitly worth your time with some great characters and world building.

This is a review of the first volume for those contemplating getting into the series. Infinite Dendrogram is a well translated series with the author’s solid grasp of JRPG mechanics and lore that doesn’t resort to clone tactics of death in real life consequence or fantastical transportation to another world. It solidly places the reader into the mind of someone immersed in a ultra realistic video game experience. The only gripe I hold so far is that I wished it conveyed the feeling and presence of actual battle with enemies and the emotional and physical toll virtual reality gaming can have. Having never played virtual ... reality games myself, I can only imagine the simulated act of killing someone would feel a lot different to regular video game simulation.

Compared to many other series I’ve read, this one reads a lot better. Whether it’s credit to the translator or author or both, it makes reading it less of a chore. The series does run the risks of the stakes feeling quite low in comparison to other series but its collection of characters do enough in this first volume to get the reader invested in their journeys and interested in their progression. Learning who they are in and out of the game (in future volumes) would help inform on the actions they take in the game and will further grow our investment in the story. I see a lot of potential in the world of the game with its array of distinct areas and the NPC characters who exhibit real human traits. The divergence from their in game personas and real life personalities is something I look forward delving into.

This is a refreshing read in a minefield of poorly translated wish fulfilment fantasy that overcomplicate in world building and under-develop in character. This series might not grab the attention like others with its twists and turns and subversion of genre but it sticks the landing in the execution of the author’s vision. It promises an epic fantasy adventure but doesn’t inflate the odds or try to be something it isn’t. With deeper character development and establishment of a goal to be reached that goes beyond just finishing the game, this series would ascend into the realm of must read. For now it is highly recommended for those looking for a more grounded representation of VRMMO.