Impressive, Skyrim-like sound staging from the start reeled me in as the dungeon master immediately began the story with minimal prelude. I appreciated how each character stayed focused, in character, with an obvious seriousness and sincerity. As someone normally not into actual play or Dungeons and Dragons role play, I am pleasantly surprised to say I am a fan. The music is cinematic and oceanic, the effects are revolting (and good), and the acting. . . Each player is efficient in their introductions and clearly have eyes on the goals of their characters with intriguing foreshadowing and purpose for each action. There certainly feels like a story brewing. My complaint with actual play is in the lag time of happy but slow going chatter that I feel can disrupt momentum. But here, all wheels are turning. Commentary is saved to the end, and it’s even on a (20 minute?) timer! Because I was riveted in the story and I can tell the actors were too, I was happy to tune into the full discussion happening after the show. I am grateful for the planning and the self-restraint in service of the immersive, uninterrupted experience of audio drama. While I could tell the story had a good foundation, I was not prepared for how the dungeon master amped it up in first episode and each of the actors took it off the charts. A stunning beginning! Harrowing, emotional, intriguing. I’ve experienced how improv can be time-draining, but here is the other side of the coin, and it’s a blaze of in-the-moment acting magic! With the formula that Roll for Impact has, I do believe it does preserve the best of the chance nature of roll-the-dice actual play, while satisfying the typical audience member who mainly listens to audio drama instead. Well done! On top of this, I’m gratified to hear of how each member has a high level of emotional maturity and care for each other so they can genuinely express themselves in a safe space. It’s wonderful to hear the validating language they use to acknowledge and make room for each other. I believe this opens the valves for more vulnerable acting. Certainly made me emotional!