The most detailed action sequence involves large fighting robots. There is a great deal of in-game violence, of an action nature, and some battle scenes. References are also made to in-game divination spells to determine the properties of an item. There are several references to wizards, spells, various monsters and Dungeons and Dragons tabletop games. This book is referenced by chapter and verse, like Scripture. One of the clues made available to the prize hunters is a copy of Halliday's journal, called Anorak's Almanac (Anorak being the name of Halliday's avatar). Wade believes that he will become nothing once he dies. In one of the simulations, he must lay an object upon a type of altar. Members of a band are referred to as 'the Holy Trinity and 'the Gods of the North'. 1 Corininthians 13 is mentioned, as are some Catholic saints, but only as people try to solve a clue.

Gilmore who is one of Wade's neighbors is a Christian and always kind to him, and he always speaks of her positively, but this seems to have no actual impact on his character or beliefs. The game's creator is said to have been an atheist. We are told that Wade's belief in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and God were shattered at an early age as he grew up and learned while playing OASIS. Characters lie, hack into government and corporate systems and buy items on the online black market. Of course, by the end of the story, our protagonists are using some of the same tactics (not murder). The evil corporation IOI cheats and murders in their attempts to win the contest. Wade must make his way through a series of 80s videogame and pop culture references if he is to beat his opponents to the ultimate prize. Now he's in a race to find the rest of the clues, facing off against rival avatars as well as an enormous corporation that is willing to do anything - even kill - to seize control of the OASIS. That is until Wade finds the first key and his name appears at the top of the Hunt's Scoreboard. But after five years of searching based on Halliday's first clue, the world has mostly forgotten about the Hunt. When OASIS creator James Halliday dies, he leaves his fortune and total control of the game to anyone who can collect three hidden keys and pass three gates in order to find the hidden 'easter egg' in his game. For many, including our protagonist Wade, the only escape is into a virtual world, the OASIS. The planet is polluted, natural energy resources depleted and people live in trailer parks 15 stories high.

It's 2044, and the world has gone badly downhill. WARNING: This review contains content which may disturb readers. An interesting premise and 80s tribute, but ultimately filthy and unsatisfying.

Ready player one by ernest cline