A Candid Review of the Legend of Vox Machina

[@raymondparisza5094]

So I keep hearing the CGI is bad, but the Dragon is beautiful. Maybe I'm just not a CGI snob

[@hanyoukimura]

I mean, it's no Arcane, but I thought the CGI was pretty decent, certainly better than what your average anime's 3D animation is, and also better than Invincible's 3D animation was.

[@bloodbrothers6556]

@@hanyoukimura invincible had 3D? I’ve only seen it through word of mouth and review clips. I never remember seeing 3D.

[@hanyoukimura]

@@bloodbrothers6556it was used for background characters in large groups, like during the Flaxan invasions. I would say it's best use was when Omniman was powering through buildings on the Flaxan home world. That looked pretty good, but otherwise the character animations tended to be stiff.

[@damiens4601]

Its not bad as in not beautifull, it just feels uncanny amist the 2d environnement

[@ashbrea381]

Okay, see, the Chroma Conclave really was THAT quick after the Briarwood arc in the original show though. It was SUPER shocking for the players too in the live show.

[@Diamond_Eyes86]

I’ll be honest I thought talisan voicing Percy in the animated series was going to be the weakest. I don’t know why I expected that, but little did I know I’d walk away from the show in awe of his ability to voice Percy perfectly.

[@fandralofasgard]

Totally agree, Taliesin's performance was balls-to-the-wall, an absolute stunner

[@TidalShadow]

@@fandralofasgard Taliesin doesn't have the kind of vocal range that a lot of his fellow cast members do. That's why all of his characters tend to sound similar. That said, Taliesin is a great actor and his ability to convey emotional nuance through his voice alone is insane.

[@fandralofasgard]

@@TidalShadow something I've come to appreciate is when actors, specifically voice actors, who go for broke. Think Jafar in Aladin - that actor left it all on the court, and because of that, he's one of the most memorable Disney villains of all time. Taliesin's performance was similarly balls to the wall, and I think it really brought Percy's anguish, anger, and regret to life perfectly.

[@Enercia]

Yeah true, I think he was a massive improvement in the show compared to the voice in the streams, but that's probably being able to focus on specific lines rather than being in-character for hours and hours.

[@mahromsajady9769]

I feel like this show has the potential to become kinda like the next avatar the last airbender. As of now my favorite character is Percy

[@David-fp7yc]

It could work since most of the avatar the last airbender fans would be adults by now.

[@yoshi4545]

I don't think it'll ever reach atla no matter how much I love the show tbh, it'll be amazing but atla has a very well known solid reputation, it's understandable why J say so, this isn't to hate on the show or anything

[@stickyfingers5189]

I don’t think it could ever hit that status for me I hold atla too high and I’m sure for most it’s too nostalgic at this point. One show I do think comes close to atla is full metal alchemist: brotherhood. Yall should check it out if you haven’t seen it

[@Charok1]

I feel this show has no place to "grow" and will never be great like Avatar and the other shows he mentioned. Nothing about it is as interesting as the others.

[@aaronnilestoussaint5672]

it doesnt have remotely the sustainability as ATLA thats a insane take

[@pingwingugu5]

8/10 show for me. I have no idea what that critical thing you are talking about is and I played dnd for literally 3 sessions. So yeah non dnd people and people who have no idea about this show background can enjoy it. The characters are fun and well acted and the story was interesting when it properly started. The show needs to find it's footing and refine itself a bit but I can't wait what the next season will bring.

[@David-fp7yc]

I never played dnd or heard of critical role and still enjoyed it. But I think one has to have have some knowledge of fantasy CRPGs like Baldur’s Gate and Divinity Original Sin to understand the references.

[@frostdragon7135]

I actually don't really have a problem with how the dragons look personally. Yes I could tell that Brimscythe was cgi, but to me it looked like cgi that fitted with the look of the show. It looked just the correct amount of "cartoony" for it to fit in my opinion. But maybe that's just me.

[@CallistoTheWarriorQueen]

I've heard a few people talk about the dragon CGI but I liked them personally. Loved the series as a whole. Fantasy series often take themselves pretty seriously and I love that this feels like a DnD game- sometimes serious, sometimes puerile, sometimes funny and always just a good time with friends.

[@HerculesOfHate]

Agree with a portion of your points but some of your takes like the CGI and Scanlan not being likable almost ridiculous. Every person i've seen watch the show with no past knowledge of Critical Role has gotten attached to Scanlan first IMMEDIATELY. Vex is bitch on purpose so thats enitrely fine for her to be a slow burn, she eases up over time and you can see her reasonings as the show goes on. As for the CGI, the art is good, its pretty seamless with how they used it and sure it may be easy to spot AS BEING CGI but the dragon fight was incredible so actually cares? CGI isnt a bad thing in and of itself but for some reason snobs think as much for some reason.

[@enterthedungeon]

What do all of you think about the Legend of Vox Machina? What did I get right and what did I get wrong? Comment down below

[@henrys3217]

For me, I loved everything but thought that the episodes were way too short. I felt like 20-25 minutes was too short for each episode.

[@GeniusArkade]

I’ve been a critter for 5 years and I absolutely love this show!! My husband couldn’t care at all for CR or D&D and he feels exactly the same as me….super loves it. We’re almost done our second watching of it. Great review, pretty spot on to my own thoughts. Great job!

[@michaelfabish-wood4444]

I loved it and I had no idea until just now it was based on DnD. Was funny, something always going on, well animated and I watched the whole thing from start to finish in one sitting. Because I’m the Nerd I am, I’ll be hunting down what this is all about now haha

[@Kadel___]

Yeah it's based on an actual D&D campaign by Critical Role. It all started back in 2012 when Liam O'Brien (voice of Vax) wanted to play a game for his birthday. All the voice actors you hear as the main cast got together and loved playing so much they decided to make it a weekly thing. Then a few years later Felicia Day heard about their game and suggested they stream their D&D sessions on Twitch. Eventually they got so popular they created their own company, started a Kickstarter for what was supposed to be just one animated episode, and ended up breaking a record with the amount of donations they got. Next they teamed up with Amazon which gave them total creative control to create what we see now.

[@connorgolden4]

As someone who’s only just now gotten into D&D and decided to watch this show after seeing a video for it pop up in my feed I feel you definitely don’t need to be a pre existing fan or DD player to like it. I was hooked and loved every minute of it and can’t wait to watch season 2! I didn’t think the CGI was bad at all and I don’t see how the first 2 episodes were weak? They were strong! They were funny and gave a good first look that hooked up. Fun and entertaining from start to finish!

[@edg4441]

I liked the show and I never played or watched DnD or critical role. I'm looking forward to the two additional episodes of season 1 and the 12 episodes of Season 2. I didn't like the season-ending cliffhanger. It felt rushed. I thought the animation was good but thought the CGI Dragon wasn't good. As a man whose 60, I do like characters getting together, even in adult animation. I was hoping Keyleth and Vax would get together and Percy and Vex would get together at the end. Even Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades got together at the end of Castlevania. I don't know if the Vox Mahina characters got together in DND or the Critical Role, but it would be nice to see. Heck, I'm waiting for Wally West to return in Young Justice Phantoms Season 4 to get back together with Artemis. One can only hope. However if Wally West doesn't return this season, then I'm done watching that series.

[@Kadel___]

The cliffhanger was just as much a surprise in the original series as it was for the animated. Also it's only the first season. Vox Machina has a great and beautiful ending. You'll see.

[@D20Tales]

I agree, I haven't watched any of CR C1 and have wanted to watch it for the longest time and this was my chance to do so. I have watched all of CR C2 but didnt want to dedicate another 6 months to watching C1

[@keesgarfin8892]

Same thought with the dragon...but I do still feel like the arc was rushed...the build up was missing...and some changes was more on the flat end for me....its good and I like it...but don't love it just yet...

[@jacobwhite7625]

Yeah I’m with you! Definitely agree. It’s really good but far from great. Great is also an incredibly difficult bar to clear. Especially with adaptions. And I agree-I honestly did not like those first couple episodes. Excited for what’s to come! Potential can be a really great motivator. The quality on this season is solid and sets up the possibility for some seriously good stuff in S2

[@jakeand9020]

I actually disagree with most about the CGI dragons. I think it gives them an alien look that works, they are supposed to be bigger than life, they're not supposed to "blend in."

[@captaincodypotato8386]

The cgi dragon threw me off, too. I was like "oh no" but learning how much it costs to do animation, I changed to "oh ok" I did want more from each episode, longer run time. It was not the 10/10 I was expecting, but it is not disappointing. You gotta be chill enough to overlook some minor, MINOR things.

[@jacobwhite7625]

I agree. 10/10s are hard to grab so I’m happy with it! It’s very good but not great for sure. That’s the fun part apart Season 1s to me, now we get to see how they handle a follow up

[@jakeand9020]

From what I've noticed, the critters that don't like the show wanted the show to be "for critters" not concerned with mass appeal. Understandable to a degree, critters are the ones that put forth 11+ million dollars. Still unfair if they want more than a single season, in the TV world, that's not really a lot. I couldn't find how much this particular show cost, but if you look at comparable shows, that would only cover a handful of episodes. Also, it's probably safe to assume this show doesn't criminally under pay their voice actors, unlike every other animated production ever.

[@dteeboon]

Spot on review. Long-time critter here that started with C1 and I thought it was a very solid start. Probably 8/10 for me, as I watched Arcane alongside it and that would have been a 10/10 for me. I agree that the rushed ending was a bit of a miss, but all issues are small. So looking forward to S2!!

[@JAIMEGARCIA-gw9re]

How did I not come across this show sooner? I just found it on Amazon a week ago. I loved the show. I thought it was excellent.

[@barrankobama4840]

I liked the show very much, the only thing that I didn't enjoyed was the excessive forced profanities. They are so frequent and eccessive that don't feel natural, they seems to be there just to remind me, the viewer, that I'm watching a show for grown ups. It's a general trend in a lot of otherwise wonderful projects.

[@ghostwyvrn3532]

Tbh I like the cgi but having watched “So I’m a Spider so What” I’ve gotten used to a mix of hand animation and cgi

[@peateargriffin9932]

I didn’t like it, I loved it. I’m not a D&D player(although it sounds fun), so I don’t get a’lot of the Easter eggs and all of that, but the character relationships and action is all so compelling, it just sucked me in and I can’t wait for a season 3

[@arttuluttinen]

I broadly share your opinions, although I'm baffled that you & others thought Scanlan was the worst character (I agree that Keyleth is much better in this format). As for the overall story, for me it's the weakest part of the show--it lacks weight and becomes histrionic. What carried the show for me was its humour and the chemistry between the main cast.

[@juansamudio1171]

I love this show so much

[@hanyoukimura]

I haven't played D&D in like 20 years and forget most of it, so I went into the show mostly blind. Honestly the fun dialogue from the trailers drew my attention. Just finished watching it, and I loved it. Easily accessible even if you don't k now anything about the lore (which I basically don't). It's a good, fun, fantasy romp with fun characters, a good story, and very good animation. The main cast is what really sells it for me, and I enjoy h ow the shows can have somber and funny moments. Also, Grog MVP.

[@jaymckay88]

Nice review, I thought the 1st season was pretty good, I know this upcoming season is gonna be great knowing the creators behind it

[@curtiscarver5104]

Great or good don't really describe the show. I would say it's a fun show that takes you on a ride from angry to happy to sad, if that makes. Great video, well edited. I say this as a writer that hates editing videos.

[@joshuaking1525]

First season of avatar has the siege of the north so nope

[@keithanderson7590]

I thought it was fantastic. Boiling down 100s of hours of actual table time into under 6 hours. Incredible. Sure. Could the dragon have been better in CGI, sure. But this is the best thing to come out in an animated series in a long time. They absolutely KILLED. 9.99 out of 10

[@chadphriday197]

Scanlan was my favourite part of this show. The dragon looked amazing. Idk. I have 0 complaints. 10/10.

[@valentai_777]

The dragon looks fine, it very clearly wasn’t trying to conceal the fact that it’s CGI. And the fact that it’s obvious doesn’t make it any worse. At best, if the dragon looking pretty mid got us the rest of the great animation for the rest of the show, it was totally worth it.

[@damiens4601]

One thing I feel is not great is the lack of punchiness in the hits in action scenes, I'm rewarching Steven universe Rn and the hits are so much more impactfull its crazy. Some in LOVM feel very flat

[@Chris3s]

What is the difference between good, very good and great?

[@stratacastor4720]

I'd definitely agree that it's really good, but I also believe it has potential to be truly great. I hope it's successful enough to go beyond 2 seasons, not only because I'm itching for more, but because I have faith that the team can, given the time to do so, clear that threshold and propel this series into the realm of greatness, up there with the likes of Last Airbender. 9/10 for how much I enjoyed it, but I would understand people rating it lower.

[@jbelk_1067]

i didn’t even know this show was based on something else

[@fandralofasgard]

Scanlan is a big contributor to why I'm playing a bard in my D&D game, and I can't help but feel they did him dirty. Sam played the character in a pre-Me Too society, back then his antics made him more of a cad. But now, it feels like instead of updating him to a cad level, they accentuated his kinda gross-ness to make him a despicable character. I honestly thought they would fix him somewhat as the show progressed, because they faced some dark stuff. But they really didn't. And it's too bad. I think Grog got the short end of the stick too. He had pretty much nothing to do in this entire season, which is too bad, because I know Grog is one of my favorite characters, and I know the Critter community agrees with me. Looking to see both those characters improved in season 2. That said, this season was a 7/10, and I'm expecting season 2 to be a 9/10. Great stuff, love the show overall!

[@Fairburne69]

I did really like Scanlan in the animated series. His solo adventure to burn down the house was awesome. Knowing nthe story we know Scanlan has some growing up to do. Having said that Grog and Scanlan we're my two favorites from campaign one. But not this series. They could have been done better.

[@fandralofasgard]

@@Fairburne69 100%, Scanbo was top tier, I was laughing my ass off! And his showdown with Vedmire were really cool.

[@hhylobates4098]

I imagine Scanlans development will properly kick off after meeting Kaylie, and Grog after fighting Kern/meeting Earthbreaker Groon/the Kevdak events, whichever of those actually gets in. I cant help but notice that these two being the characters of Sam and Travis, them being the main showrunners, that they specifically left them out of the spotlight to let their friends characters have more time, because the CR people are like that

[@Randomnerd2002]

I feel like the things that make me love both of those characters hasn't happened yet, if you remember Scanlan was kinda of an asshole and Grog just fought things at this point of time in the game, they're were funny and had some great moments, but what made me love them happened later.

[@Warhammer_lover]

The moment I realised the show has problems with pacing is the episode where we are introduced to Vex's daddy issues and this is resolved the SAME episode. Same thing with grog's arc. They just rush too much.

[@davidosborne4064]

I think it's great, but flawed. The main two flaws are that it's a little gory and some points various characters should have died. Yeah, magic. But, you'll see. There's characters that take phenomenal damage and there's no way an average healer/cleric would have been able to take care of it.

[@Blandy8521]

My main issue with the show is actually the narrator as I feel like they overexplain by having the narrator act as dm when with a show you don't need someone to describe what's happening because you can see it

[@robertlykins728]

Looks like a really good show! Hope it comes out on DVD!

[@veng3r663]

I don't know if I can stomach paying to 'experience': 1. Laura's, er.. Vex's UNBRIDLED & rampant greed 2. Kima the Uncouth 'Paladin' 3. and Trinket all over again That and HOW are they handling the removal of Tiberius Stormwind and all the convenient magical items VM made use of all the way throughout and towards the very end..?

[@Fairburne69]

Pacing was great. Episodes too short. Another 5 minutes per episode could have gone a long way to add in a few more of those moments you discussed. Dragon animation. I watched it and didn't even notice the CGI. I heard it that it was on you tube. I then went back and noticed. But honestly when I watch it even knowing it's CGI I still don't notice it all that much. I actually thought the dragon scenes early one were awesome.

[@Mirekluk]

Everyone hates the CGI Dragon, while I was going bananas watching those two episodes. That and Sam's voice in Scanlans songs is just powerful. Especially the scroll scene.

[@calvinjohnson6242]

They improved everything for season two. It’s wild.

[@michaelbohannon527]

Honestly it's a five or six. Maybe strong six. It's no beebop, stiens gate, gurren laggon, flcl, death note, or berserk. But it's fine. I've only watched it once, so i don't know how much my brain filled in the gaps in information. Like Harry Potter, they just leave shit out and expect you to already know what it is. I think fans of campaign 1 are the wrong people to be talking about the quality of the show.

[@robertlykins728]

From all the clips I’ve seen this show looks amazing & plan escapism fun!

[@Thisisnotadreamhaha]

Cr watcher. The last episode could've been so much more without the over throwing in the walls and focus on faces. Over all though, amazing. Idk i loved it. Pretty much all of it. Watched it with a first timers with no dnd experience . They loved it.

[@rowanl3059]

I wanna say it’s average but that’s not fair It’s the first of its kind so of course there’s gonna be a lot of hiccups The second season would be the more telling

[@KriusAerion]

1 eyed snake belts out of 10 for me.

[@damiens4601]

Well the other dragons will be CG too sadly

[@yiklongtay6029]

I strongly dislike the choice of immediately jumping into the next arc with that cliffhanger. It's too rushed. If I could have influenced their decision making, the first two episodes could have been a 40 minute special feature with E3 being adapted to being the first episode. WIth two free episode slots, 1 could be alloted to downtime in Whitestone and Emon to let them breathe and process how they should move on. They just did a heroic deed. How do they process? Maybe Scanlan could meet that special somebody by E12.

[@erichall090909]

To be fair that’s how it went in the campaign. It happened quick and was super unexpected. So I guess they are trying to keep it true to the show

[@aydennso]

This show isn't getting the attention it deserves. I really think thus show could be widely loved by a lot of people if given the chance. Personally a 9.5/10, the first two episodes like you said are solid 7's

[@henryohenry1504]

Wow I'm Going to have to respectfully, agree with most of what you said. I however disagree with the voice actors you choose to stand out. I think talesin, laura, and grey REALLY brought their "A" game to this one. My only real complaint is I wish they were animating Campaign 2!!! I get that they love these characters but campaign 2 has the depth and complexity to make a REALLY REALLY good show. I also feel like even if they do animate it they'll blow all their ideas on this first series. Because while the lines were really blurred for C2, vox machina were undoubtedly the heroes of the campaign and you know who the bad guys were. Anyway Things I'm looking forward to in season 2: 1. Scanlan poking umbersyl 2. Hidden Matts 3. You're secret is safe with my indifference 4. Taryon Darrington 5. Scanlan meeting his daughter 6. Scanlans speech *7. GROG Killing kevdak!!!*

[@jimib72]

I completely agree with you on Talesin and Grey bringing their A games to this show. This season really let Percy shine, and Talesin rocked it. I hope all 7 of the things you are looking forward to in Season 2 do not happen, I need two seasons of the Chroma Conclave, which would put Tary into season 4, with Scanlan's speech being the cliffhanger ending of Season 3. But I agree all those moments will be wonderful when brought into this media.

[@yoshi4545]

It was a 6.5 for me, I love the show but it still has room to grow, 6.5 isn't a bad score since season 1 literally just ended, I hope it expands more and makes the main cast feel whole and cultivate all the characters to reach their potential, the best part of the show for me were the 2D animation and voice acting

[@jeremycraft2445]

I'm not a CR watcher, but I've been playing D&D for over 40years... I loved the 1st season! That said I honestly would have preferred about 2-4 episodes longer since it did feel a bit rushed. So far watching season 2 (3 episodes in at this point), I'm a bit concerned... I don't feel that it's quite at the same level. But hopefully it comes around.

[@brabbit330]

Am I the only person who doesn’t hate Scanlon? I thought he was hilarious.

[@danielburgess7785]

The greatest voice acting "I've ever seen"? How about heard? Does heard work for you?

[@enterthedungeon]

I bet you're fun at parties

[@danielburgess7785]

@@enterthedungeon I don't get paid to attend parties unlike the host making money off his videos. Wish to try again?

[@enterthedungeon]

@@danielburgess7785 Man, I ain't Mr.Beast. This is a hobby lol. Plus, ik you're paid not to attend parties so you're making more than me Dan.

[@patriciazentz7815]

Scale 1 to 10. Crit.

[@mfmageiwatch]

I give it like a 5. Too many issues to be good, but I never turned it off, so it's above a lot of modern shows right there. The voice acting was good, but not on the level you described, imo. Too many main cast characters felt like they were not themselves, but what the players felt the audience thought their characters were, if that makes sense. Overall, it was enjoyable, and I hope the next season is great, but unnecessary nudity threw me out of it, scanlan is way too vulgar, and overall my interest in critical role has been fading since mid campaign 2 anyway, so even though I kickstarted the series (at a relatively high level as well), I was mildly disappointed with the show.

[@TheBiggestMoronYouKnow]

It felt rushed and the comedy was archaic and cringe. It was trying to be woke while avoiding politics? Idk morality has been politicized, and it shows. The cast is murderous but we’re supposed to root for them? Idk I’m not unhappy when bad things happen to them

[@joseffritzl8379]

I disagree with a few things but for the most part this review is innocuous and about on par with how I feel most people think about the series. I've never liked Keyleth, and that didn't change with the show - Marisha's casting exertion noises are very annoying to me and always have been, but that's not the fault of the show. I think Duke Vedemere sounded phoned in (like instead of the actor wanting the role, trying out for it and getting it, he was just given it because the cast liked his past work) and I didn't like Felicia Day's 'guard captain' husky voice attempt. I also did not like the CGI dragon, but like you came to accept it. On the whole though, I liked it as well for a lot of the reasons you shared.

[@Mykahaia]

Just started and tbh things seem to be very forced..."let's not hunt the dragon" "A kid died...okay let's hunt the dragon" How's this good?

[@melvinlinderoth7108]

I think most of it is great but it has some very weak episodes in the mix, like Scanbo and the episode where Pike returns

[@Fairburne69]

The Scanbo episode and the one where Pike returns were two of my favorites! We all see things differently.

[@gundhamtanaka8202]

This show is great, not good. All your criticisms seem rather subjective and nitpicky

[@Big_Dai]

Nah, it's just okay.. with bad dialogue.

[@godsamongstmen4164]

For me it’s a 6. I seriously don’t get how it has so many good reviews. The potential is all there but the story is so rushed, the tone shifts from desperate situation to comedic moments often. The romance is like a bat to the face, I don’t mind it but they don’t try to hide it. The voice acting does need some work, it fits their characters but the emotion is sort of lacking.

[@ThorBjork]

Why would they try to hide it? Part of the roleplay that its based off of is about relationships? Also, people in trauma often poke fun at it to recontextualize it into something the brain can digest. Why wouldn't people joke in times of battle?

[@rns7426]

Never watched CR. I enjoyed Vox Machina, It was funny. The forced gayness seemed out of place. Everything has to be gay in media now 🙄. The shopkeeper was pretty funny though.

[@XMaster340]

When you say forced gayness, do you mean Gilmore? I really enjoyed the way he is. Or do you have other scenes in mind as well?

[@rns7426]

@@XMaster340 notice I mentioned the shopkeeper, that’s Gilmore. He was funny. The sudden switch of Scanlan from ladies man to ghey boi seemed out of place. The scene where Scanlan was salivating over a shirtless muscled dude who was working.

[@XMaster340]

@@rns7426 I mean, Scanlan is pretty openly bi. So I don't really see the issue with that. Right in the first episode be invited Percy to a three some.

[@captaincodypotato8386]

Queer people exist. Media isn't for heteros only.

[@Fairburne69]

@@captaincodypotato8386 They do exist. I don't have a problem with representation as a whole. But Heterosexuals are still the vast majority of the population and sometimes when watching TV/movies it feels like the vast minority are Heterosexuals. Oddly enough I didn't think it felt forced. But I knew Scanlan was bi beforehand. But shows like Supergirl and Batgirl the representation feels forced. As if it was put in to fit a quota. Yet other shows have people who are part of the lbgtq+ community in them and it seems to fit perfectly. I guess all this was to say I understand the original posters point but not in this case.