8.6 / 10 (based on 21 reviews)
Six adventurers go into the woods to find the town’s missing children. Pursued by a shape shifting demon, they will never be the same again.
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Game-Show, Horror
Main Cast: Travis Vengroff, David Ault, Peter Joseph Lewis, Hem Cleveland
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 21 episodes
Shows Most Like Dark Dice (2018)
Joanne Brown Is Here (2019)
No reviews
Joanne Brown Is Here is a totally improvised comedy series about a wealthy Brentwood socialite who finds out her suddenly dead husband had continuously cheated on her and has left her penniless. She goes on a quest to uncover the sordid details of his sexual and financial escapades and to search for any remnants of their money. In her many attempts to sort out her unraveling life, Joanne meets with actor Jeff who formerly was her business manager husband’s client to see if he knows where her money went. Continuing on her search, she meets with Tariq after his show with Jimmy Fallon, to do the same. She goes to Paris to search for her one of her husband’s lovers and former mistress. She travels to Korea and goes to the bank where Jeff has suggested some of her money might be and meets with the unhelpful bank manager and his totally disinterested assistant. Joanne attempts to reinvent herself and become a brand publicity manager for Tariq and most surprisingly has a romantic fling with him. But all her searches and attempts to resolve her past and build a future fizzle out, so it seems she is destined to continue her life adrift as a displaced ex-wealthy Brentwood matron.
Genre:
Main Cast: Joanne Baron, Justin Chon, Jeff Goldblum, Hana Mae Lee
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
Monkey Love (2014)
No reviews
None
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Rich Sommer, Jeff Goldblum, Laura Willcox, Kate McKinnon
Creators: Michael Antonucci, Andrew Ford, Daniel Spenser Levine
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 7 episodes
Search Party (2016)
7.6 / 10 (based on 12286 reviews)
Search Party is a dark comedy about four self-absorbed twenty-somethings who become entangled in an ominous mystery when a former college acquaintance suddenly disappears.
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Alia Shawkat, John Reynolds, John Early, Meredith Hagner
Creators: Sarah-Violet Bliss, Charles Rogers, Michael Showalter
Directors:
Writers:
5 seasons, 50 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Happy! (2017)
8.1 / 10 (based on 40340 reviews)
An injured hitman befriends his kidnapped daughter’s imaginary friend – a perky blue flying unicorn.
Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime, Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Christopher Meloni, Ritchie Coster, Lili Mirojnick, Patton Oswalt
Creators: Grant Morrison, Brian Taylor
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 18 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Vast Horizon (2019)
9.2 / 10 (based on 22 reviews)
Nolira is an agronomist tasked with establishing agriculture in a new solar system, but when she wakes up on a now- empty colony ship, the whole of her plan disappears.
Genre: Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Siobhan Lumsden, Tanja Milojevic, Lani Minella, A.R. Olivieri
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 30 episodes
In the realm of audio drama and immersive storytelling, “Dark Dice” stands out as a unique gem. Launched in 2018, this podcast blends the rich, intricate world of role-playing games (RPGs) with the immersive experience of a high-quality audio drama. It’s not just a game being played; it’s a story being woven, character by character, choice by choice, with the dice deciding the fate of its characters. This isn’t your typical podcast; it’s a journey into a realm of horror, mystery, and the unknown, where the line between reality and fantasy blurs.
The Premise
“Dark Dice” is a horror fantasy role-playing podcast that uses Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) mechanics. At its core, it’s about a group of adventurers who find themselves embroiled in a deeply immersive, dark, and dangerous world. The twist? Their actions and fates are determined by the roll of the dice, making every encounter, every decision, and every death unpredictable and thrilling.
What sets “Dark Dice” apart is its commitment to creating an atmospheric and immersive experience. This isn’t just a group of friends sitting around a table playing D&D. The creators go to great lengths to enhance the storytelling with high-quality sound design, original music, and voice acting that brings the characters and the world to life.
The Characters
The characters in “Dark Dice” are as diverse as they are intriguing. They’re not just avatars or pieces on a board; they’re complex individuals with backgrounds, fears, hopes, and secrets. The podcast does an excellent job of developing these characters, allowing listeners to become emotionally invested in their journeys and survival.
One of the standout aspects of “Dark Dice” is how it handles character death. In many RPGs, the death of a character can often feel like a setback or a nuisance. In “Dark Dice,” however, character death is permanent and impactful. It adds a layer of tension and gravity to the story, reminding listeners that the stakes are real and the danger is ever-present.
The World
The world of “Dark Dice” is richly detailed and meticulously crafted. It’s a place where darkness lurks around every corner, and the line between friend and foe is often blurred. The setting is not just a backdrop for the action; it’s an active participant in the story. The environment challenges the characters, shapes their decisions, and sometimes even becomes their adversary.
The creators of “Dark Dice” have built a world that feels vast and alive. From the eerie forests to the ancient ruins, every location is designed to enhance the story and immerse listeners in the experience. The attention to detail in the world-building is evident in every episode, making it easy for listeners to lose themselves in the narrative.
The Sound Design
Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of “Dark Dice” is its sound design. The podcast uses music and sound effects not just to enhance the atmosphere but to create it. The original score is haunting and evocative, perfectly capturing the mood of the story. The sound effects are carefully chosen and expertly applied, making every battle, every conversation, and every moment of suspense feel real.
The sound design in “Dark Dice” does more than just complement the story; it elevates it. It transforms the podcast from a simple audio drama into an immersive sensory experience. Listeners aren’t just passive observers; they’re transported into the world of the story, experiencing every twist and turn as if they were there.
The Impact
Since its launch in 2018, “Dark Dice” has made a significant impact on the world of podcasting and RPGs. It’s not just that it has a dedicated fan base (though it certainly does); it’s that it has expanded the possibilities of what an RPG podcast can be. “Dark Dice” demonstrates that with creativity, dedication, and a focus on quality, an RPG podcast can be more than just a game. It can be a compelling, immersive story that engages listeners on multiple levels.
The podcast has also inspired others in the genre, pushing the boundaries of audio drama and storytelling. It’s a testament to the power of imagination and the endless possibilities of the RPG format.
Conclusion
“Dark Dice” is more than just a podcast; it’s an experience. It combines the thrill of an RPG with the depth and emotion of a well-crafted story, all set against a backdrop of rich sound design and music. Whether you’re a fan of horror, fantasy, RPGs, or just great storytelling, “Dark Dice” offers something unique and captivating.
It’s a reminder of the power of storytelling and the magic of imagination. In a world where so much entertainment is visual, “Dark Dice” proves that sometimes, the most compelling stories are the ones we listen to, the ones that unfold in the theater of our minds. So, if you’re looking for something that will transport you to another world, challenge your perceptions, and maybe even scare you a little, give “Dark Dice” a listen. You won’t be disappointed.