Think of this: “You wake up at midnight to the growl of zombies flooding the streets, and people running helter-skelter. You are worried about your survival, and then all of a sudden you find something called a goldfinger, which could be in the form of a ring, an amulet, or an artifact. It suddenly bestows upon you immense power and incredible abilities, making you more powerful than any regular human and creating a platform for you to continuously grow so that you may survive the apocalypse.”
The example above is just like a frame on which a system novel can be built. In that example, the object and the set of rules it provides are called the system.
Now, I am going to explain to you in detail the following:
1. System.
2. System upgrader.
3. Goldfinger.
4. System novels.
5. LitRPG/game.
6. The differences between LitRPG/game and a system novel.
7. The similarities between LitRPG/game and system novels.
SYSTEM:
A system in the concept of a novel is the set of rules that guide the character of your novel. Guiding the character means giving your character tips, tricks, techniques, kits, and all other strategies necessary for your character’s survival, growth, and progress in the story.
For example, if your protagonist somehow gets engaged with a system known as the cyber knowledge system, this means that the system known as cyber knowledge has been integrated into your protagonist’s essence, which means that your protagonist will now have access to new skills related to digital expertise, and he can turn out to be a guru in any field relating to the computer world.
But it does not just end that way; if the system granted him this unique ability, he may be required to complete certain tasks as provided by the system in order to maintain, grow, and manipulate these abilities to unlock even greater skills as a reward from the system. This process is called leveling up.
LEVELING UP:
“Leveling up in a system novel” refers to the concept of character progression and development. This is a crucial aspect of a system novel. Leveling up in a system novel typically involves characters acquiring new abilities, skills, knowledge, or attributes that enable them to overcome challenges and achieve their goals more effectively.
This progression can be influenced by various factors such as experience gained from completing quests or missions assigned by significant characters or organizations within the story, interacting with other characters who may impart valuable knowledge or skills, or mastering specific techniques through practice and dedication. As characters advance through different levels, they often become more powerful and influential.
HOST:
In system novels, a “host” usually refers to a character that serves as a vessel or container for a virtual assistant, or some other form of advanced technology. The host provides a physical presence for the system, and this allows it to interact with the world in a more tangible way. In simpler terms, in a system novel, a “host” is like a body or a person that carries around some kind of computerized system. It’s like the AI’s home or place to operate from, giving it a way to interact with the world.
SYSTEM UPGRADER:
In system novels, a system upgrader usually refers to a character or device responsible for improving the capabilities of a character’s or a system’s abilities in a story. The system upgrader might offer upgrades such as improved combat skills, enhanced senses, increased intelligence, or even new abilities altogether. Sometimes it’s a physical object, like a device that installs upgrades directly into the character’s body or system. Other times, it could be a character with the ability to grant upgrades through training or knowledge transfer.
GOLDFINGER:
In system novels, “Goldfinger” likely refers to an item with significant value or importance. The term is often used to denote a rare item within the system. Similar to how gold holds value in many real-world contexts, in a system novel, a “Goldfinger” could represent something highly desirable.
SYSTEM NOVELS:
System novels are a genre of fiction that often take place in virtual reality or augmented reality settings. The characters in system novels have advanced technological systems. The protagonist in these novels navigate and explore these systems, which may include game-like environments, futuristic societies, or simulated worlds. The term “system” often refers to the set of rules that help to govern the virtual or augmented reality.
LitRPG/GAME:
LitRPG stands for Literary Role-Playing Game. This is a type of fantasy and science fiction story that mixes in elements from role-playing games (RPGs). In these stories, the characters usually end up in virtual reality or game-like settings where they level up, learn new abilities, finish tasks, and meet other players or computer-controlled characters. The story mostly focuses on the adventures of the main characters and how they travel through the virtual world. The characters have to deal with obstacles, make friends, and work towards their objectives.
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LitRPG/GAME AND A SYSTEM NOVEL:
While LitRPG novels and system novels share similarities in their focus on virtual reality, gaming elements, and technology, they have distinct characteristics:
Narrative Focus:
– In LitRPG novels, the story usually revolves around the characters that are in a virtual reality or game-like setting. The story usually shows how the protagonist journey in the game world and focuses on leveling up and completing quests. The characters also try to overcome all the challenges in the virtual reality.
– System novels, on the other hand, may have a broader scope beyond gaming elements. While they may incorporate virtual reality or augmented reality settings and gaming mechanics, they also explore themes related to technology, society, and the nature of reality. System novels may feature characters navigating complex systems beyond traditional gaming environments.
Gaming Elements:
– In LitRPG novels, these gaming mechanics are central to the story and often dictate the progression of the plot.
– In most system novels, gaming elements may be used as a backdrop or framework for the narrative but are not always the primary focus. The story may incorporate gaming elements alongside other technological systems or societal structures.
Genre Conventions:
– The LitRPG novels adhere closely to the conventions of role-playing games. The characters choose classes, leveling up skills, and engaging in combat encounters
– System novels may combine elements of science fiction, fantasy, gaming culture, and speculative fiction. While they may include RPG-like mechanics, they are not bound by the same genre conventions as LitRPG novels and may explore a wider range of themes and storytelling approaches.
THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN LitRPG/GAME AND SYSTEM NOVELS:
Virtual Reality Setting:
Both of the genres take place in a virtual reality or augmented reality settings. The characters in the story interact with advanced technological systems. The virtual worlds may resemble video games or simulated environments.
Exploration of Technology:
Both genres show the impact of technology on society, identity, and human behavior. They often depict futuristic or speculative technologies and examine how individuals interact with and are affected by these systems.
Character Progression:
The Characters in both genres experience growth and development. They gain experience and acquire new abilities or powers as they are in the virtual world. Character progression is a central aspect of the narrative in both LitRPG and system novels.
