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The Mighty Nein, the newest animated series from Critical Role, unveiled a new opening credits. It showcases the beloved cast of misfits, outcasts, and rogues kicking ass and taking names, while also hinting at several agonizing backstories for key figures including Liam O'Brien's mage Caleb, and another actor's orc warlock, Fjord.

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

The intro employs "Welcome to Wildemount", a truly stellar song composed by artist Colm McGuinness. This piece 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 great nostalgic choice, and I believe that devotees of the second campaign will appreciate its inclusion.

But for me, The Mighty Nein's opening doesn't quite capture the excitement and energy that was part of the second campaign's actual-play adventure. "It's Your Turn", written by singer-songwriter Jason Charles Miller, became an immediate hit in my view when it was first revealed in 2015, and it improved further when co-founder Sam Riegel wrote words to the tune for the series' animated intro in 2018.

Featuring vocals from one actress, another performer, a co-star, as well as Riegel himself, the track was catchy and fun. Back then, I hadn't even watched the second campaign at that point, but it was so infectious that I still saved it on my phone. This track that knows how to get you pumped before you start an installment of fantasy hijinks.

The show's opening with "Welcome to Wildemount" fails to hit the same chords for me. It's a grand piece of music, but based on my understanding of the group, I can't help but feel that its tone is somewhat mismatched.

Of course, the creators has already said that the series will have a few surprises and differences from the actual-play campaign. A tonal change for its opening appears as one of them.

The Mighty Nein will be available to watch on the streaming service from Nov. 19. For those eager until then, or wish to prepare to get to know the characters of Critical Role's Campaign 2, the actual play are accessible on Spotify and YouTube.