The writer keeps it simple and explains most in due time. It’s tricky trying to come up with a ‘how we got to ready player one’, so adding nuclear war as to why everyone is doing virtual reality is perfect. Granted, there are probably a few references kids growing up in that reality would not bother to learn about or experience, you still get to go on that journey.
There is stats, but not really crunch. Since this is able to go to multiple settings, the mechanics changes. This is covered quite simply as “Is it Magic? Is it technology?” And those tags set whether an item or ability is enabled.
Worth a credit? I enjoyed it, so Yes.