Popular Reviews of Trials of the Apocalypse

If you enjoy actual play storytelling with rich narrative, chemistry, and raucous fun, you absolutely should be listening to Trials of the Apocalypse. David is an exceptional GM/MC/Keeper, who each game skillfully leads a rotating cast of witty, charming, and talented players through a different Powered by the Apocalypse system. From grannies solving murder mysteries to queer military dramas, this show epitomizes the collaborative storytelling that makes PbtA games so much fun to listen to. Creating an actual play anthology that balances meaningful world building and interpersonal character development with enjoyable pacing is SO tricky - but TotA hits the nail on the head every single time. No matter what sort of genre you’re into, you find something to love with Trials of the Apocalypse!

This show is great! The gm is firm and the player characters are SUPER into their roles. The story is very entertaining. The effort into the writing and world development is very apparent. At first i thought it was a little predictable, but then it really threw me for a loop!

Let me just say that TotA is an absolute pleasure amongst actual play podcasts using the PbtA system. I love a good anthology podcast, but sometimes it's tricky to find that balance between an engaging story, lived-in world, charismatic and relatable characters and a short campaign. But by god, David has found that balance and continues to delight with his GM-ing chops and his incredible cast of rotating players. The focus on world-building sucks you in, but the hilarious and heart-felt characters keep you enraptured in their collaborative story. You can't help but want to pick up the rulebook and start playing yourself after listening, which I think is the greatest compliment I can give. This unique entry in the PbtA actual play podcast world is 100% worth a listen (and many, many more).

I love the setup of this actual play podcasts! It's so much fun listening along to one-shots of PBtA games. I'm very familiar with MotW but never played Apocalypse World, so I absolutely adored learning alongside the cast and enjoying their first encounter. Excited to hear what comes next!!