The New Animated Series' Opening Sequence Chose the Incorrect Popular RPG Show Track
The Mighty Nein, the newest animated series by the beloved role-playing group, unveiled an exciting introductory sequence. It features our favorite group of outcasts, outcasts, and criminals kicking ass and taking names, while teasing at several heart-wrenching backstories for key figures including the voice actor's wizard Caleb, and Travis Willingham's orc warlock, Fjord.
Overall, the opening looks amazing. But I couldn't help feeling that an element was lost in the song choice.
The intro employs "Welcome to Wildemount", a truly stellar composition composed by artist the talented musician. It's a track from the soundtrack album of that title, the second one released by Critical Role Productions LLC's record label their music brand. It's a great sentimental option, and I suspect that devotees of the second campaign will appreciate its inclusion.
But for me, The Mighty Nein's opening fails to capture the hype and energy that accompanied the second campaign's actual-play adventure. "Your Turn to Roll", written by musician Jason Charles Miller, became an immediate hit in my view when it was first revealed in 2015, and it only got better when cast member Sam Riegel added lyrics to the melody for the animated Campaign 2 opening in 2018.
Featuring vocals from Ashley Johnson, another performer, Travis Willingham, as well as the writer, the track was memorable and fun. At the time, I hadn't even watched the follow-up series yet, but this was such an earworm that I kept it on my phone. This track that knows how to get you pumped before you start an installment of adventurous fun.
The Mighty Nein's intro with "the new song" doesn't strike the right notes in my opinion. It's an impressive composition, but based on my understanding of the group, I feel that its tone is a little off.
Naturally, Critical Role has already said that the animated show will have some changes and variations from the original live sessions. An adjusted mood for its intro seems to be one of them.
The Mighty Nein will be available to watch on the streaming service from Nov. 19. If you can't wait until then, or wish to prepare to get to know the personas of the second series, the actual play are accessible on the audio platform and the video site.