Open Beta: a LitRPG fantasy adventure

Pixelate #3

by Xavier P. Hunter

They thought they knew the game. It knew them better. Connor and Dizzy have a problem. The game has rebooted yet again. Their names have been stolen, and they're limited to the advanced classes they earned last time around. On top of that, the beta version of Spires of Fate had enabled worldwide PVP combat. It's going to be the two of them not just against the world, but against the rest of the player base, too. But they know the game. They've got the experience. And the goal hasn't get to the top and slay the Mountain Lord. And no dirty tricks by the developers are going to stop them. Open Beta is the 3rd book in the Pixelate series. Pixelate is a LitRPG fantasy series that follows the adventures of Arnold O'Connor as his digital self, delving into the secrets of a world that feels as real as his own body. The Pixelate series will appeal to fans of classic tabletop RPGs, World of Warcraft, and Lord of the Rings Online. It touches on themes of self and reality, style vs. stats, and how to kill dragons through the superior application of math. It's a book you won't be able to log out of! Grab a copy and try for yourself.

344 pages, Paperback

Published March 19, 2024

Reviews

[Brett Wickersham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The newest version of Spire of Fate is now in beta, and Arnold and Izzy take some time from their busy family life to explore a world they helped create. This time around things have much improved from the previous 2 installments in the series. New this time around, there is now a PVP mechanic in the game.

This was an interesting installment in the series, as there are actually 2 groups that we are following as the story progresses. I was a little confused and caught off guard at first, but quickly was able to get into the flow.

The world that has been built with this series is intriguing, and it has been a pleasure to see it and its inhabitants grow with each installment.

The next installment of the series looks to be the "release" of Spire of Fate. It will be intriguing to see the end product of this journey we have been on.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Frank Carver · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ‘Spire of Fate’ is full of players, and some of them seem very familiar.

I would never have thought that I would enjoy a series so much which tells essentially the same story in every book. Once again, Connor faces the challenge of defeating the Mountain Lord at the top of the Spire of Fate. Once again, he has to beat minor foes, level up, and get better equipped in order to do it. Once again, he partners with fellow gamer Dizzy. This time, however, not only is the virtual world even more complex, detailed, and immersive, but the game has been opened up to ‘beta testers’ - players from outside the development team - and player-on-player combat has been enabled. Now it’s not just the kawaiians, gobos, zombies, skeletons, ghouls, antaurs, dragonids, and donkey salesmen Connor and Dizzy have to deal with, but other players out for their blood (and their ears!)

Worst of all, though, Connor and Dizzy seem to have been too slow in signing up. Other players have grabbed their favourite player names, and they have been forced to choose different classes again. Now, they REALLY want to win!

[Lisa Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC, I am leaving my honest review. I never thought I would enjoy the gaming fantasy world, but, this author totally changed the way I thought about them. Witty, very suspenseful and definitely action packed with a fantastic storyline and a plot that grips you from start to end. The main characters fast became ones I cheered for. This latest installment into their journey into the virtual world has me hooked and waiting for the next book in line. Epic quests and battles await! Their personal lives get intertwined with their job, and the result is awesome!.