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The Mighty Nein, the most recent animated series from the beloved role-playing group, unveiled a new introductory sequence. It features our favorite group of outcasts, outcasts, and criminals kicking ass and taking names, while teasing at multiple agonizing personal histories for key figures such as Liam O'Brien's mage Caleb, and another actor's orc warlock, Fjord.

All in all, the opening looks amazing. But I couldn't help feeling that something was lost in the song choice.

The intro employs "Welcome to the Continent", an exceptional song created by producer and singer Colm McGuinness. It's a track originating from the official score of that title, the second one released by the production company's record label Scanlan Shorthalt Music. It's a wonderful sentimental choice, and I suspect that fans of the sequel series will appreciate its inclusion.

But for me, The Mighty Nein's intro fails to capture the excitement and energy that was part of the second campaign's live-play sessions. "It's Your Turn", written by musician Jason Charles Miller, was an instant classic in my view when it was first revealed in 2015, and it only got better when cast member Sam Riegel wrote words to the tune for the animated Campaign 2 opening in 2018.

Featuring vocals from Ashley Johnson, another performer, Travis Willingham, as well as Riegel himself, the song was memorable and enjoyable. At the time, I hadn't even watched the second campaign at that point, but it was so infectious that I kept it on my phone. This track that knows how to get you pumped before you dive into an installment of adventurous fun.

The Mighty Nein's opening with "the new song" doesn't strike the same chords in my opinion. It's a grand piece of music, but based on my understanding of this party, I feel that its mood is somewhat mismatched.

Of course, Critical Role has stated that the animated show will have some changes and differences from the original live sessions. A tonal change for its intro seems to be among these.

The Mighty Nein will be available to watch on Prime Video from Nov. 19. If you can't wait before that, or wish to prepare to get to know the personas of the second series, the actual play are accessible on Spotify and YouTube.