Encounter Party

This is definitely not your typical Actual Play show. There's no down time while people sit and do math, nor are episodes an unwieldy length. The editing is spot on, and you can tell that the choices were made deliberately and with care and attention to narrative flow.

The cast really knows how story works, so while things aren't scripted, the cast manages to stay on goal and work towards a coherent story (and if you know how improvised scenes can go, that's no small task!).

These folks have worked hard, putting in so much love and effort and it really shows! Everything from the lighting and sound choices to the multicamera shots to the characterization to the talent we see on screen... A+!

I've watched this show over and over again since they started posting the episodes on demand and whenever it's airing. I think it's so much fun. Other live plays never kept my attention. This group just feels more natural than those other ones. Yes, they are actors and I think it's pretty obvious. I don't think it takes away from the show as much as I thought it would. Currently there is 10 out of 22 episodes available. I really hope this continues into another season in some capacity. Highly recommend checking it out. I've seen all the episodes at least 7 or 8 times. Not counting the most recent episode of course.

This show is everything a TTRPG game should be. GM Brian David Judkins weaves together a story of mystery and intrigue as he guides the cast thru the happenings of the ship The Cherry Wind. Second would be the strong cast. Each do a great job of bringing their characters to life. You find yourself invested completely invested in their actions. Third would be the soundtrack that accompanies the gameplay, perfectly chosen to match the mood and emotion of the situations.

If you are a TTRPG player, or if you've ever considered playing, this show will only solidify your love of the game and make you wish you could be a part of the adventure. A must watch for anyone who loves the game. A+

Do you love watching actual play D&D but don't have 3-5 hours a week to invest in each episode? Do you tune out when a show becomes mechanic heavy? Do you live for the role-playing? Then this is the show for you. This show is heavily edited so that it is plot forward. The players obviously love what they do and work very well together. They have developed memorable characters that tug at your heartstrings from moment one. You will laugh, you will cry. You will cheer, you will groan. This family-friendly show is a must watch for anyone who loves D&D but only has a hour or so to watch an episode.

I have been enjoying Encounter Party since sometime around season 2 of Campaign 1, and now the televised Campaign 2 is really fun to watch.

You don't have to have watched Campaign 1 to "get it", nor do you even have to know much about D&D. I knew next to nothing about the game before I started listening to the podcast.

The overarching story arc of each Campaign is full and complete, with mini-arcs that keep you drawn in. (They're not all murder mysteries, I promise!) And for the audio podcast, the little side stories between seasons are priceless.

The players are committed to their characters, their reactions both in-character and as players are genuine, because this is true improv. The humor is genuinely funny and unforced. The DM adjusts to surprise "wrenches" to his plan with aplomb. It's just good!

The only caveats I have is that 1) you have to pay attention. There's so much going on, and clues that don't come into play until later episodes, so if you want to try to figure out what's going on ahead of the characters, listen closely...or re-watch often. (I've listened to the full Campaign 1 at least 5 times.) My hubby listens while he does other stuff and then complains that he doesn't know what's going on. (He does that with a lot of shows, though...my side hustle is explaining what he missed. LOL) 2) Campaign 2 has little-to-no profanity. I don't think I've heard any at all. I believe at the request of the D&D channel. Campaign 1 has warnings about profanity and graphic descriptions of combat. If f-bombs and some pretty gruesome details aren't your thing, you may want to pass on Campaign 1. (I loved it, and felt like it's so in-the-moment that I hardly noticed it...but then, I've been a sailor AND a trucker. LOL)

Please, take this as an invitation, and listen/watch Encounter Party. You can thank me later. 😉