Online Game: I Control Fate, Starting with Blessing Everything - Reviews

Overall, the first few chapters build a solid base. I appreciate how the author doesn’t waste time on boring tutorial nonsense. We get into the action, get the cheat, get the first elite kill, get the reputation, get the quest. Each of the first 5 levels comes fast and with system announcements. The reading experience is like speed-running but with thought. The only thing missing is a sense of mystery or danger. But for a light-hearted power fantasy, it’s doing exactly what it should. I’d keep reading to see what the forbidden area holds and if other players catch up or cause trouble.

The one thing that annoyed me a bit is how quickly Tang Feng accepted the medal and then used it to persuade the village chief. The medal originally was given by the chief. So the MC essentially used a gift from the chief as leverage to get the quest. That’s a bit manipulative, but it works within the story. Also, the chief somehow didn’t notice the golden light when the medal was blessed? That’s either an oversight or the blessing is subtle to NPCs. I’m leaning that it’s a game mechanic that players only see. It’s fine.

The novel spends an entire page on stats, equipment ranks, and ability numbers. That’s either fascinating or tedious depending on the reader. For me, it’s cool to see the progression path: white → green → blue → purple → red → orange → gold → legend → epic → mythical. And then the MC gets red at level 1? The system seems designed so that players upgrade gradually, but the MC is pushing red at the start. That might anger some purists, but I love the idea of a unique talent bypassing the normal curve. As long as it remains interesting.

The NPC Xi Ling is shaping up to be a possible love interest? She blushes at being behind him. She brought him flowers earlier. Her father is the village chief. She’s described as beautiful and pure. I’m betting she becomes a recurring companion or gives a special reward after the dungeon. I’m curious if the game allows romance with NPCs – there was a jest among other players about “something can happen with NPCs.” That’s a bit cringe but also hints that the world might allow deeper bonds. I’d prefer the novel doesn’t go heavy into harem though.

I wish the novel spent a little more time on the combat system dynamics – like why Fireball is instant after blessing but originally had a 1-second cast. The change in feel or the MC’s thought about aiming, dodging, or kiting. But the novel is pretty straightforward with “fireball hits, monster dies.” That’s clearly the style: fast-paced, number go up. For more mechanically inclined readers, there’s enough stat detail to simulate battles mentally. But the lack of descriptive action might disappoint some. The python fight was literally: “soon a giant python... fireball instantly released, damage 1260, kill.” That’s it. A bit dry.

The talk about the trading system opening at level 5 – that’s a common MMO gate. It means now players can trade, but it also means Tang Feng could potentially sell his old equipment? But most of his gear is untradeable due to blessing. Maybe he can farm normal high-end gear and make bank. I’m interested to see how the in-game economy starts. Also the question: who will be first to level 5? We already know it’s Tang Feng, but the all-server hype buildup makes the eventual announcement rewarding. The author set up the expectation with village announcements and now the trading system gate. Good pacing.

The Gale Wolf’s speed being highlighted in its introduction – “be careful of its speed” – and then Tang Feng just outruns it with the Gale Boots is a direct counter. It’s satisfying when the MC’s loot directly solves a problem. Also the edge that the Gale Boots’ out-of-combat move speed makes him zoom back to the village, confusing other players who see him as a blur. That must feel awesome in-universe. Actually, I wonder if other players saw his ID, because he hid it. That’s a smart move – staying anonymous to avoid unwanted attention early on.

The priest girl who joined the party instead of Tang Feng – that tiny moment is more characterization than you’d expect. She seems bubbly and eager, and the warrior immediately accepts her. It mirrors real MMO behavior. I also like that Tang Feng didn’t get angry or try to force his way in; he just moved on. That’s mature. The author uses these small side beats to flesh out the MMO culture without having to explain. The fact that female players are “scarce” is a tired trope but at least it’s acknowledged. Not a dealbreaker.

Emotionally, the story is giving me that “starting from zero but I’m secretly OP” feeling. Watching Tang Feng calmly execute fireballs while others struggle to even kill a rabbit is comfortable. There’s no real anxiety because we know he’s got the best tools. Yet the world feels genuinely immersive. The NPCs react naturally, the player competition is realistic, and the game data is thorough. I’m not bored yet, though I do wonder when the first genuine obstacle will appear. The Wolf King was a warm-up. The forbidden area dungeon might pose a real threat if monsters are immune to fire or something.

I’m already wondering how powerful the “grow” aspect of Fate’s Blessing will be. The description says “can grow.” So maybe later the buff effect can be upgraded? Or he can apply it to more things? The fact that he used it on his weapon, a skill, boots, and a medal means he’s already used it four times? Wait, the talent says “bestow a Blessing on All Things once,” so each item or skill gets one blessing, but he can do it on multiple things. So it’s not one-time only for his entire career, but per target. That’s even more broken. I hope the growth mechanic makes it stay relevant at high level or else the abilities might become underpowered against endgame threats.

One thing I love about this novel so far is the attention to inconveniences like mana management. At the start, Tang Feng has 80 mana, enough only for 4 fireballs (20 each). After he gets the gear and levels, his mana pool grows to 170, still only enough for 8-9 fireballs. He has to remember to kill efficiently and let it recover. The quest structure also uses NPC interaction instead of just kill quests. The need to push for the dungeon quest, persuading the chief, shows some world logic. It’s not just “accept quest, go kill 10 boars.” There’s a little depth.

The village gossip and player chatter in the world channel is fun. People talking about the first to level 5, wondering if Half a Cup of Clear Breeze is a guild big shot or a cheater. “Bullshit Big Shot! I’ve played countless games, those Big Shots don’t change their names! This is just a Cheater!” That’s exactly what players would say – accusation of cheating. The author also throws in another guild leader, Tian Xia Gui Yi from World Guild, who wants to win at the starting line. So there’s a broader competitive backdrop beyond Tang Feng’s solo journey. Gives me hope for guild wars later.