Critical Role

Critical Role is an excellent display of just how much fun you can have playing the classic 'pen and paper' game of Dungeons and Dragons. Bringing the old radio plays from the 20s into a modern day setting (the internet) these highly talented voice actors all inject fun, enthusiasm and entertainment into their characters.

Matthew Mercer (Halo 4, Diablo 3) takes on the role of the Game Master, the person responsible for maintaining the story, who guides the players through their journey in a world of his creation. Every shopkeeper, tavern owner and wandering monster is brought to life by his quirky and intelligent style.

On occasion the story can wane due to the size of the party and due to the budgets available to web shows the sound quality will sometimes go awry I was unable to rate it as a 10, but the quality of voice acting involved will rival any movie, TV show or video game. If you love playing the game itself or want to pick up some helpful tips this show is not something you can afford to miss.

I stumbled upon this web series quite early in its airing. It mainly caught my interest because of the cast. Nine voice actors in total, some of which you never knew you knew, make up this extremely well rounded and semi-professional improvisational group of adventurers. Developing a human being is no easy feat, and to make each and every character as unique as they are, it's astounding. With the cherry on top that is their years of experience in voice acting, it is a joy to listen to them all whenever they speak. Now what got me to stay was the absurdly well spun story, custom built by the dungeon master. The writing of this loose script is pulled off amazingly, and the only thing that would make it better is to have an actual cast behind the creator to voice each character. Don't get me wrong, he does do a fantastic job with each one, breathing life into every being in his world. From the characters born from both the players and the DM, comes the gut busting, tear jerking, most jaw dropping story that I have ever had the pleasure to witness unfold before me. As of writing this review today on the Thursday of May 19, 2016, I await the impending exhilaration of watching the newest episode, number 54. To all of those reading this, I have one question for you. Is it Thursday yet?

Honestly, I never thought I would like this show. As a D&D player (and DM) myself, I've always thought that watching someone play without playing yourself to be extremely boring. 54 episodes later, I have to say: that was not the case with Critical Role.

How can watching 8 people talk and roll dice make you laugh or cry?

I've found that listening to Matt's descriptions would paint a picture before my eyes. It was just like watching a movie, only way better. Because fails are awesome too here. Characters are not always ready or prepared, they sometimes don't really know what to say. And that makes them more real. Through the players' voices, I can hear their characters. I've come to the point where i really believe that Ashley and Sam are gnomes, and Travis is a Goliath.

This show made me want to be a better DM, and a better player. Matthew, I one day will be as prepared as you are! I know the chances of the cast ever reading this, but if any of you ever do, thank you for letting me watch and have fun with you.

This is the best televised dungeon and dragons(homebrew/tweaked) series i have ever seen. Rarely ever do i like the position of spectator when people are playing games. But for 48 episodes i've been eagerly longing for the next. The dungeon master Matthew Mercer is a storyteller extraordinaire. All the other characters are of equal importance to the story Matthew develops. Each and every one of the actors adding a unique touch and feel to the campaigns. From serious to in for a good laugh you will be engulfed in an array of creative problem solving. Immersive roleplay and an excellent distribution of heroic moments between characters where all actors respect their assisting role at the right time allowing for each character to shine.

Thank you so much critical role crew for giving me such a lovely experience on a weekly basis. P.s. Please air the rebroadcast on a Sunday! It's too hard for this European to wait until Monday to see the episodes and impossible to break my day rhythm to see it at midnight.

This is easily the best visual experience of my life. The connection the community feels to each other, to the people in the show, and to the game itself is incredible and I've been hooked -- nearly obsessed -- since the first half hour I saw. The experience is one that will resonate with you throughout your life and I sincerely hope this group continues in one form or another for decades to come.

This is the first and only time I've been tempted to send something to the actors, and even with only a fan letter I am waiting on pins and needles to know if they even got the letter.

Less than three you guys!

P.S. Includes more than a bit of swearing, some inappropriate humor and lots and lots of nerdiness.