I don't know what Critical Role is and I never heard of Vox Machina before finding this on Amazon but it was really excellent, funny, and intriguing. Fans of fantasy will be happy.
321 Reviews
Nice Fantasy show
francis00728 January 2022
Finally a good D&D adaptation
Chi-C-Dawg7 February 2022
I've always felt D&D would make great watching but until now haven't seen anything that captures the magic of role play. This show is the best version of that availabile and it's definitely less dungeoning and dragoning it captures the complexity of storytelling and character well. I actually think the episodes are too short.
Binged 9 episodes in one go...
angladafrank16 February 2022
Wow, great show!
scotco28 January 2022
Definitely recommended. Funny, well written and voice acted. Great show for any fans of D&D or fantasy adventure!
My wife hates anything that's "fantasy land bullstuff", but she thought this show was pretty good and wants to watch it with me.
I hope they keep making them!
My wife hates anything that's "fantasy land bullstuff", but she thought this show was pretty good and wants to watch it with me.
I hope they keep making them!
Awesome adult fantasy
ronitsriv28 January 2023
I was kind of surprised you can make adult fantasy series. Like aren't these for kids. Now that I see it this seems more rela than kiddish fantasy shows. Has good storyline. Has character building. The animation is awesome. The theme song is really nice. Got elements of humour in it. There are obviously elements to relate to here and there despite being fantasy. You really tear up on few scenes since they are so powerful. You can connect to the characters. This is one of the best series I have ever watched. This never feels kiddish at all. Well, one due to swearing, seems natural. It is exactly how adults would react if such situations arise and they have such powers.
They won't just go and sacrifice their lives.
If you are thinking I am fake praising just watch few episodes. You will get what I am saying.
They won't just go and sacrifice their lives.
If you are thinking I am fake praising just watch few episodes. You will get what I am saying.
Absolutely love this series....
sinnfenian11 February 2022
This plus Arcane are 2 of the best shows out there. Great writing, the animation fits perfectly and just enough humor to be present but not forced. Takes me back to my days of staying up till 3am drinking mountain dew and throwing dice.
It's extremely good, wanted more Invincible, I got it.
saadurrehman7026 February 2022
Another great show by Amazon that has instantly filled my interest in watching more stuff like Invincible. I got the impression that it was like it, and it beautifully meets my expectations, and exceeds them.
The dialogue is super funny, even though it may get too overly crude, but the legendary voice actors such Liam O'Brian of Gaara and Vincent Law, Gwen Tennyson's Ashley Johnson, and others including Khary Payton (Cyborg, Ezekiel, Aqualad) are making these characters sooo sassy and fun!
I am loving it Soo far, and I hope for Vax and Keyleth romance!
The dialogue is super funny, even though it may get too overly crude, but the legendary voice actors such Liam O'Brian of Gaara and Vincent Law, Gwen Tennyson's Ashley Johnson, and others including Khary Payton (Cyborg, Ezekiel, Aqualad) are making these characters sooo sassy and fun!
I am loving it Soo far, and I hope for Vax and Keyleth romance!
Vox Machina is a dirty, vulgar, raunchy, violent, bloody MASTERPIECE!
squire8528 January 2022
As a fan of Fantasy media AND D&D, I live for content revolving 'round either column and Critical Role's content is no exception to this. At the moment, I'm only on Episode 3 of the first campaign but the reason I'm not in deeper is because...well, the series is hours long and I can't be at my computer all that time.
Regardless, I am happy that I don't have to be 100% familiar with the series' lore to know what's what. At least I know who the main good guys are, who the cast is and when the fun begins. I am so happy that the fans helped make this possible through the Kickstarter all those years ago.
I only hope we'll get more from this than just the two seasons Amazon ordered.
(Side Note: I also wish for the day Fantasy High from Dimension20 and CollegeHumor might be able to follow in CR's footsteps and get their own animated show, even if it is just online)
Regardless, I am happy that I don't have to be 100% familiar with the series' lore to know what's what. At least I know who the main good guys are, who the cast is and when the fun begins. I am so happy that the fans helped make this possible through the Kickstarter all those years ago.
I only hope we'll get more from this than just the two seasons Amazon ordered.
(Side Note: I also wish for the day Fantasy High from Dimension20 and CollegeHumor might be able to follow in CR's footsteps and get their own animated show, even if it is just online)
Review from a Non D&D fan
AbhiSh4ke12 February 2022
First I have to appreciate the awesome voice acting, back and forth between characters and beautiful animation. Guess thats why the hype was so great around this show. For non D&D fans like me I would say this show is good for binge watching it you are very much into high fantasy. Some negatives in my opinion rushed lore and relentless adult humor which became a annoyance after some time.
Watch This!
sjonus28 January 2022
I'm being Critical, that's my Role
pete-dunne30 January 2022
Fun D&D cartoon for adults. I'm a casual viewer of CR so I know the characters and Voice actors but it doesn't really matter if you don't. It's loud and brash with lots of swearing and some sex stuff...(Pearl clutchers beware lol)
It is let down by cheap, 'Saturday morning cartoon' animation tbh which can be rather clunky but it's fun and silly so it's not the end of the world. It's certainly not a 10, they are just CR Stan scores. A solid 7 is fare I think.
The heroes of Vox Machina... and a walking dick joke.
anoceanofcanopy11 February 2022
I REALLY want to like this show, and a lot of it is really good, but after 9 episodes I absolutely cannot stand Scanlan and think the character drags down the entire production.
In the original streamed Campaign he has his share of sex jokes, innuendo and low brow humor, but ultimately the character is much more nuanced than that and there's actual depth and humanity to him.
In this adaptation he's a walking dick joke with a sprinkle of toilet humor and that's literally it. It's a shame because other characters, particularly Pike, Percy and Keyleth so far, have really been given depth and development that adds to what they were in the OG campaign and there's some really moving scenes. Pike's development and story has been absolutely masterful and could not be more antithetical to the completely one dimensional Scanlan of this series.
The animation itself is incredible, as are the rest of the cast, full time members and guests. Certainly there is plenty of crude humor in the live streams, but in the scope of the entire campaigns so far, it's not the unending steam that the animated series has chosen to embrace so fully., and some of it is funny and it has its place, but too much feels forced here.
The OG characters are all incredible as are the folks voicing them and they are all ridiculously talented and capable of creating tension, drama, tender moments and laughs without having to go for the low hanging fruit/base humor for every single laugh.
I hope Scanlan evolves into more in future seasons, but honestly this just really makes me want a Mighty Nein adaptation so much more instead.
In the original streamed Campaign he has his share of sex jokes, innuendo and low brow humor, but ultimately the character is much more nuanced than that and there's actual depth and humanity to him.
In this adaptation he's a walking dick joke with a sprinkle of toilet humor and that's literally it. It's a shame because other characters, particularly Pike, Percy and Keyleth so far, have really been given depth and development that adds to what they were in the OG campaign and there's some really moving scenes. Pike's development and story has been absolutely masterful and could not be more antithetical to the completely one dimensional Scanlan of this series.
The animation itself is incredible, as are the rest of the cast, full time members and guests. Certainly there is plenty of crude humor in the live streams, but in the scope of the entire campaigns so far, it's not the unending steam that the animated series has chosen to embrace so fully., and some of it is funny and it has its place, but too much feels forced here.
The OG characters are all incredible as are the folks voicing them and they are all ridiculously talented and capable of creating tension, drama, tender moments and laughs without having to go for the low hanging fruit/base humor for every single laugh.
I hope Scanlan evolves into more in future seasons, but honestly this just really makes me want a Mighty Nein adaptation so much more instead.
Better than expected, for adults only though
bluesman-9674710 February 2022
I had expected an anime style production but it is rather better.
Very much adult orientated in both depiction and course language and it would also appeal to younger audiences if they produced a version suitable for them.
Very much adult orientated in both depiction and course language and it would also appeal to younger audiences if they produced a version suitable for them.
Addictive
AvidWatcher1017 February 2022
Wow. What fun! Great writing, looks awesome, sounds amazing (the voices, sound effects, music, everything) and the story is fantastic. I won't spoil the end of ep 6, but what a perfect springboard for next season. I just can't say how much I like this and now the only problem will be waiting for another season. I hope it will have more than six episodes. Well done!
DND content needed this!
mport-4086228 January 2022
First: I am an huge critter from Germany! Normally i dont watch animated series, but with Arcane and OF COURSE The Legend of Vox Machina i am making some exceptions!
IF there would be no Arcane, i would give this show an 10/10, but even as a fan i have to be realistic and an 9/10 is still STELLAR!
The voiceacting is of course the best in the business, the animations are great and i know most of the story, so i know HOW AWESOME it will be.
Especially the character arcs will be one of many reasons to love this show for fantasy and animated series fans.
This show is what DND needed, forget these Boll movies or something like that, this is the new milestone for fantasy series with an classical DND setting. Violence, blood, dirty jokes, swear words and not holding back with "adult stuff"! This is not for kids and that is exactly what i wanted!
I hope a lot of people outside this bubble give it a shot, it is really an really good series and the idea behind all of this are people that dont have profit in their mind, they really CARE and LOVE DND and the story/characters they have created over the years! Enjoy it!
IF there would be no Arcane, i would give this show an 10/10, but even as a fan i have to be realistic and an 9/10 is still STELLAR!
The voiceacting is of course the best in the business, the animations are great and i know most of the story, so i know HOW AWESOME it will be.
Especially the character arcs will be one of many reasons to love this show for fantasy and animated series fans.
This show is what DND needed, forget these Boll movies or something like that, this is the new milestone for fantasy series with an classical DND setting. Violence, blood, dirty jokes, swear words and not holding back with "adult stuff"! This is not for kids and that is exactly what i wanted!
I hope a lot of people outside this bubble give it a shot, it is really an really good series and the idea behind all of this are people that dont have profit in their mind, they really CARE and LOVE DND and the story/characters they have created over the years! Enjoy it!
Everything Wow!
kegebler11 February 2022
I have been watching anime and cartoons for over 20 years. This is everything it should be. Great story, animation, funny antics, brilliant writing, and perfect voice actors to go along with it. Cannot say any more than what a brilliant series and also not to mention critical role is also spot-on. Old school DND and anime fan. Glad to see this is finally taking over.
Adequate fantasy show
yantingdeng20 February 2022
I will preface this review by saying I do not watch any of critical role's podcasts but still managed to finish and enjoy this series. However, there is no way this show deserves a 9 or 10, maybe if you are a long time cr fan and you've already watched this adventure in their podcast form, you were able to get more nuances as to the characters relationships and find little easter eggs in the show that made you go "YAY! There's the thing that i know from the podcast!" But, for everyone else, there are certain dialogues and scenes that are unnecessary and thrown in there purely for fan service.
However, all that being said the journey that the heroes take was very entertaining and kept me watching for all 12 episodes, but again gets ruined by the absolutely unsatisfying ending! I was really disappointed by how the villains were built up for like 9 episodes and then for them to have little or no impact at the end. Maybe season 2 will change all that, however, the way the villains died were so lame; and then immediately we were thrust into another conflict right at the end, it was so absurdly abrupt. This probably worked very well in the podcasts but it does not work here.
Now, the show wasn't all terrible, i really enjoyed the middle part of the story, especially episodes 6-10, there were some great and tense moments there. And going into the final 2 episodes i had the show at a 7 or 7.5 even! So even though the ending was unsatisfying, i still would recommend this show to anyone who enjoys fantasy.
My rating system is based on the scale where 5/10 is considered an average show, it's a show that's fine but doesn't do anything unique but is still enjoyable, so a 6/10 is above average for me, and that's what this show is to me, it is slightly above average.
However, all that being said the journey that the heroes take was very entertaining and kept me watching for all 12 episodes, but again gets ruined by the absolutely unsatisfying ending! I was really disappointed by how the villains were built up for like 9 episodes and then for them to have little or no impact at the end. Maybe season 2 will change all that, however, the way the villains died were so lame; and then immediately we were thrust into another conflict right at the end, it was so absurdly abrupt. This probably worked very well in the podcasts but it does not work here.
Now, the show wasn't all terrible, i really enjoyed the middle part of the story, especially episodes 6-10, there were some great and tense moments there. And going into the final 2 episodes i had the show at a 7 or 7.5 even! So even though the ending was unsatisfying, i still would recommend this show to anyone who enjoys fantasy.
My rating system is based on the scale where 5/10 is considered an average show, it's a show that's fine but doesn't do anything unique but is still enjoyable, so a 6/10 is above average for me, and that's what this show is to me, it is slightly above average.
eh
djurrepower10 March 2022
Certainly falls victim of the usual adult animation shows. Where characters are constantly being loud and obnoxious. Constantly swearing to a point where it becomes unnatrual. Apart from that, it does have it's charms. Although this premise has been done before, and has been done better. All in all, not bad, but also not much to write home about.
6/10: ok but meh.
6/10: ok but meh.
Not terrible, but disappointing
a-gordon-237428 August 2022
I guess I was expecting more, given the good reviews.
The animation is fantastic and the voice acting is good, but those are the only major positives I can think of.
The story is just "okay". It's a bit rushed and force and we don't get much time to care about any of the characters or process what's going on.
Character development is bad for almost all the characters. Vax and Keyleth go from never talking to one another to instantly being in love. It comes out of nowhere and has no time to grow at all. The only character who has half decent development is Percy. Everyone else is a bore. Pike is another one who comes out of left field. Her development happens way too quickly and we never get a chance to know her first.
The humor is mostly terrible. I don't mind potty jokes or cussing at all. I LOVE South Park, and that's a show that does crude humor right. But it seems like Vox Machina's creators think that saying the F word randomly = funny, and that *any* sexual reference = funny. 90% of the time the jokes are just forced and lame. Cussing for the sake of cussing isn't funny, it's just bad writing.
Overall I finished this, so it wasn't awful, but I was never pulled into it at any point.
The animation is fantastic and the voice acting is good, but those are the only major positives I can think of.
The story is just "okay". It's a bit rushed and force and we don't get much time to care about any of the characters or process what's going on.
Character development is bad for almost all the characters. Vax and Keyleth go from never talking to one another to instantly being in love. It comes out of nowhere and has no time to grow at all. The only character who has half decent development is Percy. Everyone else is a bore. Pike is another one who comes out of left field. Her development happens way too quickly and we never get a chance to know her first.
The humor is mostly terrible. I don't mind potty jokes or cussing at all. I LOVE South Park, and that's a show that does crude humor right. But it seems like Vox Machina's creators think that saying the F word randomly = funny, and that *any* sexual reference = funny. 90% of the time the jokes are just forced and lame. Cussing for the sake of cussing isn't funny, it's just bad writing.
Overall I finished this, so it wasn't awful, but I was never pulled into it at any point.
Lived up to the hype!
csalinas-7438728 January 2022
Really a fantastic show. A perfect representation of the tabletop rpg experience. It very much kept the "feeling" of the Livestream the show is based on. Only the first three episodes are out now, but reviewers who were able to see the first six say it only gets better from here! Can't wait.
We are in the golden era of fantasy animation
Geedeeb29 January 2022
This show to me is the pure distillation of what good fantasy is supposed to be. Sexy, rowdy, and evoking genuine investment in the characters through their onscreen cameraderie, banter and slowly unfolding respective backstories. Absolutely gorgeously animated, easily the top tier of current Western fare, stunningly choreographed and unsurprisingly voiced to absolute pergection, this show represents the true joy of imagination and escapism while roleplaying. It might be the one small hurdle to a mainstream public as some beats might not always feel the most natural, but it doubles the enjoyment for those of us who are familiar with these voices and how the game works with the layer of meta in which it blankets the show.
I can't imagine how the immense crowd of backers must feel, watching their dream come to life and seeing that every single cent was well-spent. I hope this opens the door for more grassroots animation projects.
Right now I have the difficult balancing act of ravenously waiting for the next batch of episodes while also not wanting the show to ever get closer to an endpoint. Here's hoping its success will ensure many more seasons to come.
I can't imagine how the immense crowd of backers must feel, watching their dream come to life and seeing that every single cent was well-spent. I hope this opens the door for more grassroots animation projects.
Right now I have the difficult balancing act of ravenously waiting for the next batch of episodes while also not wanting the show to ever get closer to an endpoint. Here's hoping its success will ensure many more seasons to come.
Awesome fantasy action with great characters! :-)
stevebondi29 January 2022
Nice clean modern anime-style animation that looks great, especially in action! :-) Quirky, irreverent humor with an interesting cast of fantasy characters that are very different from each other, but still have a strong team bond! :-) A little like The Last Airbender / Korra dynamic, just way more adult! :-)
I have not watched campaign 1
Sorokaste29 January 2022
I deliberately avoided Vox Machina content for the pupose of being able to watch the animated series with fresh unbiased eyes, and I am enjoying EVERYTHING so far!
You can tell that the voiceactors knows their characters intimately and put their heart and soul into their performance. If you have played Dungeons & Dragons (like me) you will have tons of fun recognizing spells, actions, monsters, and how unhinged the collective stotytelling can get, as well as how dramatic and emotional it suddenly can turn. The characters are flawed but compelling, which makes me look forward to how they are going to evolve together. They have distinct personalities that mesh well with each other and cause for fun interactions, which is only emphasized by the cast being close friends in real life.
It has definitely earned it's R-rating (so be mindful if that is a turn-off for you!) but for me it's delightfully vulgar because it really capture the spirit of roleplaying at a table with close friends in a high fantasy setting. This is by the word's fullest meaning a LABOUR OF LOVE, and I'm so happy to watch it all come to life. I will absolutely follow this story to the end.
You can tell that the voiceactors knows their characters intimately and put their heart and soul into their performance. If you have played Dungeons & Dragons (like me) you will have tons of fun recognizing spells, actions, monsters, and how unhinged the collective stotytelling can get, as well as how dramatic and emotional it suddenly can turn. The characters are flawed but compelling, which makes me look forward to how they are going to evolve together. They have distinct personalities that mesh well with each other and cause for fun interactions, which is only emphasized by the cast being close friends in real life.
It has definitely earned it's R-rating (so be mindful if that is a turn-off for you!) but for me it's delightfully vulgar because it really capture the spirit of roleplaying at a table with close friends in a high fantasy setting. This is by the word's fullest meaning a LABOUR OF LOVE, and I'm so happy to watch it all come to life. I will absolutely follow this story to the end.
Very much on brand
trayjanus5 February 2022
The first few episodes are a bit slow and uneven but the series really gets going once the Briarwoods arc begins. It gets progressively better with each episode.
Love all the Easter eggs. The series definitely delivers on the fan service.
Love all the Easter eggs. The series definitely delivers on the fan service.
See also
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