Apocalypse: Little Zombie Loves Farming Game - Reviews

I find myself echoing the sentiments expressed by the previous reviewer regarding this novel. After a considerable effort, I've decided to drop it primarily due to the protagonist's frustratingly naïve behavior. It's truly disheartening to witness her resorting to throwing water balloons at a group of armed villains, naively believing that such a misguided action would somehow deter them from harming her unconscious companions. This portrayal of the female lead is less of a strong character and more reminiscent of someone who is mentally incapacitated. The author attempts to use zombification as an excuse for her diminished intellect, but it quickly becomes apparent that this is merely a narrative device to justify her actions, which oscillate between "dumb but endearing" and outright self-obsession. Throughout the story, she consistently lavishes praise on her own looks and continuously seeks validation from others, yearning for compliments and the proverbial pat on the head for her every minor achievement. In one particularly exasperating scene, a friend encourages her to train her water manipulation abilities to alleviate the burden of having to rescue her repeatedly. What does she do? She runs in circles in the yard, clearly panicked and calling out to her friend for help while being chased by the bad guys. Her attempts to wield her water powers manifest as futile throws of water balloons that serve no purpose other than to momentarily soak her adversaries. Even when she has the realization that she could potentially cover the villains in water and drown them, she ironically forgets this strategy during her next confrontation, once again reverting to her ineffective balloon-throwing antics. It’s simply impossible to root for a character who exhibits such a lack of common sense and fails to demonstrate growth throughout the narrative. If the protagonist continues on this path of naivety, I’m afraid my investment in her journey will remain unfulfilled.

While the premise of "Girl with Space in the Apocalypse" may appear clichéd at first glance, it's essential to acknowledge that the underlying plot has some redeeming qualities. The protagonist’s unique access to a game in this apocalyptic setting introduces an intriguing twist that could have propelled the narrative into exciting territory. However, this potential is unfortunately stifled, leading to my decision to rate this novel quite low, primarily due to the portrayal of its main characters. Let's begin with the female lead. It seems the intention was to characterize her as endearing and relatable, perhaps aiming for a "cute" vibe that would resonate with readers. Unfortunately, her persona comes off more as a naïve girl with a head full of whimsical dreams than a grounded, relatable heroine. This portrayal quickly becomes irksome, as the extraordinary abilities she wields—her space powers and game mechanics—could have been much more engaging in the hands of a more competent character. Quite frankly, it is frustrating to see such intriguing elements wasted on a protagonist who fails to leverage them effectively. Then, we have the male lead, who does not fare any better. He seems to embody the archetype of a misguided hero, equipped with a superpower that he neither earned nor fully understands. His warped sense of justice resembles that of a third-rate antagonist rather than someone deserving of a protagonist's spotlight. His character development, or lack thereof, adds another layer of disappointment, as he feels more like a caricature than a well-rounded individual embarking on a meaningful journey. In conclusion, while "Girl with Space in the Apocalypse" presents an interesting backdrop and potential for creative storytelling, the execution falters primarily due to the lackluster characterization of its leads. Their shortcomings overshadow the intriguing plot elements, leaving readers yearning for a deeper, more compelling exploration of the apocalypse and its challenges through the eyes of protagonists who are both competent and relatable.

Overall, I’m enjoying this novel so far. It’s a fun, quick read with a unique protagonist. The zombie with a farming game system is a fresh concept. The humor and character dynamics carry it well. Some parts are a bit rushed (the month skip), but the core romance and action are entertaining. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes zombie apocalypse with comedy and a light romance. The characters are likeable, and the system has potential. Looking forward to more segments.

The shopping spree scene in the supermarket was satisfying. Youxiang just clearing shelves into her inventory – that’s a power fantasy. And Qin Zhuo using her to stock up is smart. The dynamic where she does it for praise is cute. But also, the fact that she can store infinite (?) amounts is OP. The story doesn’t dwell on balancing, which is fine for this genre. It’s fun to see them accumulate resources without worrying about weight.

This story blends isekai (game system), zombie apocalypse, comedy, and romance. It’s not afraid to be silly even in serious situations. That’s refreshing. The farming game element reminds me of those Chinese web novels where the protagonist gets a system in an apocalypse. But the characters feel more alive and less cardboard. The humor is natural, not forced. It’s a lighthearted take on a dark setting, which I enjoy.

I see several plot threads: the farming game’s origin, the blood moon cause, Youxiang’s evolution (can she become more human?), the base politics, possibly other conscious zombies, and the romance. The story has set up a lot of potential. I’m curious about the game – is it connected to the apocalypse? Can other people see it? And what about the crystals? Will Qin Zhuo and Youxiang eventually fight a big boss? Good hooks for later.

The writing style is simple and direct, with a lot of dialogue and internal thought from Youxiang. It’s easy to read and flows well. The translation feel is there but not distracting. The humor is delivered through exaggerated reactions and silly thoughts. Some descriptions are minimal but enough. It’s not literary fiction, but it’s engaging for a light novel. Perfect for a quick, fun read during breaks or before bed.

Despite being a zombie, Youxiang displays a range of emotions – anger, pride, fear, jealousy, happiness. She’s still very human inside. The part where she feels wronged when called a mute, or when she gets scared of the gun, shows she’s vulnerable. Her vanity is a running gag but also makes her endearing. The story balances her monster nature with her retained humanity well. It’s the core appeal that keeps me reading.

I like the small details that show the apocalypse – the shattered shop windows, abandoned cars, the zombies wandering like in the movies. When Youxiang looks out after a month, the description of the collapse is effective. And the blood moon event that started it is mysterious. I hope the story explains the origin of the outbreak. Also, the base with its walls and inspections feels realistic for a survivor setup.

Chen Yunfei feels like the audience surrogate. He’s amazed by everything, provides commentary, and asks the questions we want to ask. “Where did she get the contacts?” “How big is her space?” He’s also the comic relief with his stomach rumbling and his teasing Qin Zhuo about Youxiang. But he’s also reliable – he drives, collects crystals, and keeps secrets. I hope he gets more development and maybe his own ability later.

Even when running for their lives, there’s comedy. The part where Qin Zhuo hoists Youxiang onto his shoulder like a sack while she’s pouting about dignity – that’s funny. Or when she’s carried and thinks “I’m not a sack!” It lightens the mood. Then immediately after, the grand lightning display and her worrying about being ugly. The humor never undermines the danger, but it keeps it from getting too grim. That balance is key.

Qin Zhuo is an interesting love interest. He’s protective but also teasing. He uses her space ability but also praises her. He seems genuinely fond of her, but part of me wonders if he’s using her for her power. But then he risks his life for her, and his childhood sweetheart backstory suggests long-term affection. I hope the romance develops naturally without too much drama. The nickname “Zhuozhuo” is too cute.