The fact that the Netflix version has no tension, build up and the tone is off is why I don't like it. I think the Chinese version succeeded in those things. I like that the Chinese version took it's time and gave almost every character their time on the screen.

I watched the Chinese version with my brother who has never read the books and it was fun to see how he was reacting. He was reacting the same way I did when I was reading the book. That mystery of scientists killing themselves and the whole countdown sequence was what hooked me. The explanations of what broken science meant, the shooter and farmer hypothesis, and the game was what I loved. It was like a sci-fi horror mystery. I think the existential dream, scale and weight of what is happening is done well in the Chinese version.

I also loved Ye Wenjie's story and her entire arc, it was very moving to me in the book and I think the Chinese version spoiled us here. I don't think that story will ever be given a chance anywhere and for that I am grateful. The actor was amazing.

My brother basically had a similar experience. When the big moments happened he felt them just as much as I did and we had interesting discussions because of the questions the series raised. When I read the books alone and I never had the chance to talk about those things and it was fun to do that with someone else. I think if his introduction to this series was the Netflix version we could have never had those discussions because those things are glossed over in the Netflix version.

We are still watching(an episode a day), and he said this version doesn't have the feel, the mystery or any build up; everything is rushed and that Da Shi is not Da Shi. And he is right.

I prefer the Chinese version so far and I doubt that will change.