“I’ve never reviewed a Podcast, even though I listen to a ton of RPG Podcasts. But after discovering Total Party Thrill, I’m going out of my way to describe to you, dear reader, why you need to listen to this Podcast, now. Right now.
When I first stumbled upon Total Party Thrill I was looking for a new RPG Podcast to entertain me for an upcoming road trip. Skimming the titles of their episodes I saw a few that looked like interesting topics, so I downloaded them. Now, I listen to RPG Podcasts for the capital “T” theory…not merely gaming and GM advice, but for the deep, critical analysis of gaming topics related to RPGs. I want a philosophical dialogue, not a Let’s Play. Many RPG Podcasts which I don’t enjoy claim to do this, but in actually spend much of their time either a) talking about the hosts’ personal campaigns, b) focusing too much on a single system (usually D&D), or c) doing some insipid, ostensibly quirky exercise every episode.
Turns out, one could indeed call this an apt description of Total Party Thrill, and God do I love every second of it. They begin every episode by narrating a small part of a campaign they’re running (first it was Eberron in 5th Ed D&D, then their Rogue Trader game). These descriptions are always funny, engaging, and quick. They then proceed to the main topic at hand. Again, their discussions of these topics are funny and natural, while simultaneously concise and deep. They often focus on D&D, but also discuss matters in a more general sense and often bring in other games systems. They then move onto their character creation forge, where they attempt to create a unique character concept through a 20th level 5th edition D&D character.
I haven’t played D&D 5th edition since it was in playtest, and this Podcast really makes me want to play D&D again. I’ve never played Warhammer 40K anything, and right now I wanna play in a Rogue Trader game so badly. What makes Total Party Thrill worth it, what sets it apart from other Podcasts, are the hosts. From my experience you get two sorts of RPG Podcasts, ones that are scripted and disciplined in their delivery, but therefore staid and monotonous. Or you get ones that are more freeform and natural, but then the hosts just ramble and ramble, repeating themselves multiple times. I-Hsien and Shane have somehow transcended this pattern. I can’t tell if their episodes are scripted or not, because they’re concise in their deliveries, never repeat themselves, and are great at remaining on topic. Yet their discussions feel natural, off the cuff, and are full of the sort of witty, engaging banter you’d expect from an improvised show.
If I came across an episode of Total Party Thrill which I thought would contribute absolutely nothing to my technique as a GM, experience as a role-player, or understating of the hobby, I would still listen. They are that engaging and enjoyable.
You should listen to this Podcast. You should become a patron of their Patreon. You should write them a 538 word review on iTunes. They’re worth it.”
Leesplez via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/16/18