Critic Reviews

It’s why, two seasons in, Vox Machina has proven it’s not just a stellar adaptation from one medium to another—but an uproarious, heartening, thrilling animated series in its own right.

The Legend of Vox Machina was already the best fantasy series on TV before season 4. These latest episodes glue the series to its throne just a little more firmly. At this point, no one should bet against it delivering a final season that puts its big-budget live-action rivals to shame.

With writing that plays on the audience's affection for these characters and a variety of genres to keep things interesting, it remains a funny, thrilling, and surprisingly deep fantasy series that balances fan service with a story that won't leave newcomers alienated.

Like the determined team we know Vox Machina to be, Prime Video’s animated adventure returns with just as much bravado as its scrappy heroes, delivering another action-packed season with a charm that is impossible to resist (though you can certainly try).

The Legend of Vox Machina, in all its violence and vulgarity, most importantly never forgets its heart, and the series’ commitment to telling those meaningful stories alongside its badass fight sequences and crude humor make it feel refreshing and unique still in its second outing.

The tight friendship of the Vox Machina group, combined with sharp animation, funny jokes, rich action, and raw, honest drama, will win over new fans and satisfy old ones. The Legend Of Vox Machina is a critical hit.

The first episode feels a bit drawn out, and a few cuts would have still left a tight rollicking fun time. But it’s easy to forget your gripes once the fun picks back up, and the rest of the series lacks the meandering asides of the first episode, and introduces character backstory and threads of intrigue to sink your teeth into.

The Legend of Vox Machina is a competently produced story decidedly informed by the sensibilities of a new generation of players, the kind of series that shares DNA with the ’83 cartoon and the disastrous 2000 film, but also looks absolutely nothing like either of them. And while it won’t net Hasbro any royalties, it unquestionably moves the phenomenon one step deeper into the mainstream.

Vox Machina is a fun, chaotic ride through the world the players in Critical Role have been building upon for years. It takes the characters viewers are likely already familiar with, and establishes a story that both fans and newcomers can get into without catching up on the series.

A worthy and interesting follow-up. Vox Machina, as powerful as each of its members are, can’t tackle everything on its own. And while it might seem like a somewhat lazy premise to saddle the Vox Machina with fetch quests, there’s nothing quick or simple about finding the Vestiges.