It has been an age since we discussed Critical Role on this side of TGON. I hate to admit it, but I am a few episodes behind; life has kept my Thursdays busy. However, I am never too busy to explain what our favorite nerdy voice actors are up to. So today, we’ll talk about the State of the Press, Midst, and upcoming projects.
State of the Press
Here, we have information from the last State of the Press. Mercer and Burton gave some broad details about these projects a few weeks ago. However, more information has been explained as time has progressed. Check out their video here to get in on their excitement.
Queen By Midnight
Critical Role’s producer Kyle Shire created and designed Queen by Midnight. It is a deck-building game full of badass princesses. These ladies must battle it out to become the next Midnight Queen. Players can choose between one of six princesses and must deceive and fight their way to the top. The centerpiece of this game is the Clock Dice Tower. It tracks turns and plays as a merchant where you can buy cards and roll dice in it. It is gorgeous; I cannot wait to see it in person.
Illuminated Worlds
During the State of the Press, it was announced that the team was creating its first RPG system, Illuminated Worlds. It utilizes a d6 dice system for shorter campaigns focused on story arcs. Additionally, Candela Obscura, the next stream starting May 25th, will use this system. Therefore, viewers can get a deep look at the gameplay. A Quickstart Guide and How to Play video will also be available the same day. Players for this stream include Taliesin Jaffe, Mathew Mercer, Ashley Johnson, Robbie Daymond, Laura Bailey, and Anjali Bhimani. Jaffe plays the Role of “Lightkeeper,” which feels on brand, and I am excited to see how this system works.
Midst
Critical Role acquired Midst in March of 2023, a semi-improvised sci-fantasy series narrated by three mysterious and often unreliable individuals. It has some Borderlands vibes set in Stationary Hill on the desert planet of Midst. The audio work is done by a group named Third Person, who also created Blueberries Hill. The audio stories can be found on the Midst website, Critical Role YouTube channel, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.
Still in Development
Critical Role also has a few projects in development pending more information. First, Daggerheart is another RPG system focused on longer campaigns. Second, they have a cooperative board game called Guardians of Matrimonia, which they hope to release in early 2024. This is a wedding planning game which honestly sounds like a tremendously chaotic game to play with friends. Next, Syndicult, a modern magic RPG is still in development with no current release date. Finally, Critical Role Adventures is currently on pause. The team has a lot going on, and I am excited to see where it all leads.
Thoughts, Odds, and Ends
The Critical Role universe is expanding, with no signs of slowing down. Critters headed to Gen Con will get a look at Queen by Midnight, Illuminated Worlds, and Daggerheart. I, for one, am most excited to learn about Illuminated Worlds. So far, that seems like a game I could entice my less RPG-savvy friends to give a second look at. If you want other content to binge, check out my opinion on Generation Nord.
