Advice - In The Form Of Rants

Virtual Reality

I don't really have much against this sci-fi subgenre, unless ot's on Wattpad.

The thing is, they are often badly written, wannabee Sword Art Online clones (I'm aware that VR stories and anime existed beforehand, but it got a lot worse after SAOs release) with no depth, character or noticeable features.

It's not like everything I read is the most original thing ever, trust me, I know that. But, I won't deny that I do absolutely love originality. For example, if I'm reading your book and I find direct parallels to an airing anime or cartoon (like Steven Universe or something), I won't take your story seriously.

The problem is too many VR stories suffer from this. It's more or less the same recycled, clichéd garbage that's been done 100 times before. Here's an example of an overused idea:

A NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) or student (anything above Elementary or for my fellow British, Primary) with nothing better to do in life (extra points if they're being cared for) than play games. They have no friends at school (add more to that edgy character) and use games to 'escape this cruel world', despite the fact that the worst experience they had is basically being too rich. (Kirito)

Usually has a younger sister who's either annoying... or annoying. If not, she's just all around cute and there for fanservice. (Sugaha)

Then, in game if they go in together (it's usually just the MC though), they'll encounter a powerful female/male player who most likely becone a love interest for almost no reason. Usually has a really prominant 'dere type', like 'tsundere', 'kuudere' or 'dandere'. (Asuna)

Sometimes, ever so often, all great and powerful 'Jesus-kun (or 'chan'. I won't assume any genders) the second' will encounter a rival/side character or something that is somewhat irrelevant for the most part. Everyone will forget he/she exists most of the time (including the author to be honest). (Kline)

Lazy, dumb or extremely smart MC. Somewhat interesting for the most part before the author tries too hard to make them a No Game No Life character. Sometimes, if you're lucky enough, they might choose the same name!

Blank. Kouhaku.

Go to a bridge and throw your lack of originality off it.

Is it that hard to come up with something new? Like I dunno... a legitimate name for a player.

Did you guys notice a common thread?

They're too bloody similar to SAO! Write something original without using all these overused character moulds. Give your character faults without making them super unlikeable or angsty.

Just make them... a normal person.

Honestly, anyone who has played any game (especially an online MMORPG) would know that all the players in your party are assholes unless you personally know them. This is just a given.

People don't share drops: weapons, familiars/pets, potions, spells, experience points and food. They just want to beat a boss for the most part and get a badge, drops and the next stage unlocked.

What I'm saying is...

Just stop. Write something realistic, better and more enjoyable.