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The Mighty Nein, the newest animated adventure by Critical Role, revealed a new opening credits. It showcases the beloved group of outcasts, misfits, and criminals fighting hard and taking names, while also hinting at several heart-wrenching backstories for key figures such as Liam O'Brien's wizard Caleb, and another actor's orc warlock, the character Fjord.

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

This sequence employs "Welcome to the Continent", a truly stellar song composed by artist Colm McGuinness. It's a track originating from the soundtrack album of the same name, the second one put out by the production company's record label Scanlan Shorthalt Music. It's a great sentimental choice, and I suspect that devotees of the second campaign will love its presence.

But for me, The Mighty Nein's opening doesn't quite capture the hype and excitement that accompanied the show's actual-play adventure. "Your Turn to Roll", composed by musician Jason Charles Miller, was an instant classic in my view when it was first revealed in that year, and it improved further when cast member the performer added lyrics to the melody for the animated Campaign 2 opening in the later year.

Including singing from Ashley Johnson, another performer, Travis Willingham, as well as the writer, the song was memorable and enjoyable. At the time, I hadn't even watched the second campaign at that point, but this was such an earworm that I still saved it on my device. This track that knows how to get you pumped before you dive into an episode of adventurous fun.

The Mighty Nein's opening with "Welcome to Wildemount" doesn't strike the same chords for me. It's a grand piece of music, but from what I know of this party, I can't help but feel that its mood is somewhat mismatched.

Naturally, the creators has stated that the animated show will have a few surprises and variations from the original live sessions. A tonal change for its opening seems to be among these.

This animated adventure will be released on Prime Video from Nov. 19. If you can't wait before that, or want a head start to learn about the personas of the second series, the original episodes are available on Spotify and YouTube.