Encounter Party

I don't play DnD, but have been enjoying this delightful group of humans play! Lots of great storytelling, including great voices and descriptions by all the actors. Lots of great action sequences, but everything in between is great too. One of the best parts is being able to tell just how much fun everyone who made this was having! It lets the viewers in on the fun. Its rare TV nowadays that can make you laugh and cry, and still be fun even while packing a more emotional punch, but Encounter Party does it with ease. The sets and miniatures becme more and more intricate as the show continues, and the lighting is really captivating. Every time I think I have a favorite episode, I like the next even better.

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 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 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. 😉

The team delivers an exciting story at an explosive and imaginative table. If you are looking for another table with a high caliber of creative members you really should look no further and check out Encounter Party. A show that already had a well deserved and strong following as a podcast actual play, now its been elevated with higher production and fantastic energy. Seriously watching Brian David Judkins run the table is a joy how he engages each of the star cast and players to pull out the best in an improved storyline. Each player encompasses so much of their character's heart and soul while delivering a diverse adventure with multiple story arcs. This show is a joy and should give plenty of inspiration for players as well as introduce new people to our favorite hobby.