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The Mighty Nein, the most recent animated adventure from Critical Role, revealed an exciting introductory sequence. It features the beloved cast of misfits, outcasts, and criminals kicking ass and taking names, while teasing at multiple agonizing backstories for characters including the voice actor's mage Caleb, and another actor's orc warlock, Fjord.

All in all, the intro looks stunning. But I couldn't help feeling that something was lost in the music selection.

The intro employs "Welcome to Wildemount", a truly stellar composition created by artist Colm McGuinness. It's a track originating from the soundtrack album of the same name, the second release put out by the production company's music division Scanlan Shorthalt Music. It's a wonderful sentimental choice, and I suspect that fans of the sequel series will appreciate its inclusion.

Personally, The Mighty Nein's intro fails to capture the hype and excitement that was part of the show's live-play sessions. "Your Turn to Roll", written by singer-songwriter Jason Charles Miller, was an instant classic for me when it was initially unveiled in 2015, and it improved further when co-founder Sam Riegel added lyrics to the melody for the series' animated intro in 2018.

Including singing from Ashley Johnson, Laura Bailey, Travis Willingham, as well as Riegel himself, the track was catchy and enjoyable. Back then, I hadn't even watched the second campaign yet, but this was such an earworm that I still saved it on my phone. This track that excites you before you start an installment of adventurous fun.

The Mighty Nein's opening with "Welcome to Wildemount" fails to hit the same chords in my opinion. It's a grand composition, but based on my understanding of the group, I feel that its tone is a little off.

Naturally, Critical Role has stated that the animated show will have a few changes and differences from the actual-play campaign. An adjusted mood for its opening appears as among these.

The Mighty Nein will be released on Prime Video from Nov. 19. For those eager until then, or want a head start to get to know the personas of Critical Role's Campaign 2, the actual play are accessible on Spotify and the video site.