“Blue Dawn is an actual play podcast about relationships, adventure and stories assisted by games. Telling stories is fun, and telling stories with friends is better. Five people telling stories over the internet is apparently a valid hobby too. Follow the cast of Blue Dawn through fantastic worlds-flourishing life atop ruins, horrors untold, and hidden magic just on the other side of familiar. Journey with them as they venture to strange lands, meet interesting people, and maybe crack a few goofs. Who knows? Stay a while and listen.”
Average Length: Medium (45-90 minutes)
RPG Casts Review
YES. Amazing.
TL;DR: Blue Dawn: Manic is fantastic, horrifying, and engaging. If you’re looking for a place to start Blue Dawn, Manic is a great place to do so!
The first thing that stood out for me about Blue Dawn: Manic, was the acknowledgement that they were switching campaigns to a horror campaign from the old campaign, and provided content warnings for listeners. They stole my heart simply with the phrase “No one has a right to take away anyone else’s fun”. Being aware of player comfort level is so important, and immediately I adored them for this. This alone made me want to continue listening, because they are clearly passionate about telling stories in a fun but respectful/safe way together.
The GM, Ben, does a beautiful job setting the scene for the beginning of this campaign. The story is immediately irresistible and is a perfect balance of apprehension, dread, comedy, and excitement. Frankly, the whole story basis of a tent city (Manic) that encompases the fears of all humanity is fascinating and terrifying. The players have created interesting characters who have fun and unique bonds and characteristics, and whose relationships and stories I’m excited for them to delve more into. This group has great chemistry and is one with very talented role players!
And a final note: the audio quality and editing is high quality, and the music is perfectly placed and adds so much to the anticipation of the story!
Date reviewed: February 24, 2018
Episodes reviewed: Manic Episodes 1-9