Dungeon Crawlers Radio

Step onto the battlefield with creator Shaun Allred as we explore the high-stakes world of Rumors of War, a deck-building game where ancient history meets modern tactics. This episode dives into the heart of the journey, revealing how players recruit powerful armies to uncover the rich narratives while navigating a landscape of shifting alliances. We discuss the thrill of conspiring with trusted friends and the mental gymnastics required to outwit enemies in intense tactical showdowns. From the game-changing power held in every card to the strategic use of relics, you’ll learn exactly what it takes to defeat adversaries and protect your quest from the constant threat of sabotage.

Step into the recording booth with the Dungeon Crawlers crew as we welcome master sound engineer Jordan Rannells to the show! In this episode, we explore the "sound wizardry" behind the scenes of your favorite stories. Jordan dives deep into the technical magic he uses to transform standard audiobooks into rich, cinematic experiences. From crafting atmospheric soundscapes to the precision of high-level audio production, we discuss how he brings a unique brand of enchantment to the spoken word and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring audiophile or a lover of immersive storytelling, you won't want to miss this peek behind the curtain of professional audio alchemy.

In this episode, the Dungeon Crawlers Radio team dives deep into the state of the galaxy far, far away. The hosts debate the intense fan backlash against recent Star Wars projects like The Acolyte and Andor, asking a critical question: Is the problem bad writing or toxic fandom? They challenge the notion that content creators are to blame for recent failures, arguing that the quality of the story and allegiance to the source material are the real culprits. Plus, we analyze George Lucas's original trilogy, discussing why he was a master world-builder but a flawed storyteller, and why the Disney era needs to remember Star Wars' gritty, "Old West" roots to succeed.

The digital age has opened up a whole new realm of tools for gamers, but are they helpful sidekicks or insidious enemies? On this episode of Dungeon Crawlers Radio, hosts Daniel and Krebs dive deep into the world of AI tools and their role in the tabletop and digital gaming space. Do these tools streamline your game prep and enhance your experience, or do they strip away the creativity and camaraderie we cherish? Join us as we explore everything from AI art generators and automated dungeon mapping to NPC creation, and ultimately, discover what Daniel and Krebs decide: is AI your greatest friend or your most cunning foe?

Director Guillermo del Toro, a master of dark fantasy, has finally brought his long-awaited version of Frankenstein to Netflix! This week, Daniel and Krebs dive into the ultimate gothic monster movie. They dissect Oscar Isaac's tormented Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi's deeply empathetic Creature, analyzing del Toro's signature visual flair and how this new adaptation measures up to the 1818 novel and classic film versions. Is this a haunting masterpiece that redefines the source material, or a beautifully flawed gothic epic? Tune in to hear our final verdict on the emotional depth, creature design, and all the horrifying humanity of Del Toro's tragic vision!

Is it all about the loot, or is there more to the crawl? Daniel and Alton tackle a fundamental question this week: How necessary is story in a roleplaying game? While some players are perfectly content with a classic hack-and-slash through a dungeon, the hosts discuss how the element of narrative and plot can improve, detract from, or fundamentally change the gaming experience. They explore the balance between pure mechanics and rich lore, and whether a good story is the key to unlocking the greatest adventure.

In this week's essential episode, Daniel and Alton sit down to discuss the Player's Toolkit! What is truly necessary for a successful tabletop RPG session? From the indispensable dice and notes to the less tangible, but equally vital, qualities of communication and immersion, they break down what's necessary, what's acceptable, and what can significantly increase game play value. Tune in to learn their secrets on how to go from simply participating in a game to creating a truly beyond exceptional session!

Thanksgiving is on the way, a time for delicious food, gratitude, and gathering with your favorite people. But what happens after the turkey coma sets in? Daniel and Krebs are here to help you turn those post-dinner hours into memorable fun! We're discussing our top recommendations for games that are perfect for mixed-age groups, big player counts, and everything from casual laughs to light strategy. Tune in to find out which games you'll want to bring to the table this year, ensuring your holiday is full of laughter and friendly competition. We cover fast-paced party games to get the energy up, cooperative crowd-pleasers, and quick-to-teach classics that even Uncle Joe can master after his second slice of pie!

Daniel and Krebs are teaming up to tackle one of the most exciting innovations in tabletop gaming: the Gamefold by Yarro Studios! This premium folding gaming table promises to deliver both affordability and versatility, aiming to be the ultimate portable solution for your indoor and outdoor activities. But can a folding table truly meet the demanding standards of a dedicated gaming setup? Is it sturdy enough for miniature skirmishes and large enough for complex board games? Tune in as Daniel and Krebs put the Gamefold through its paces. They'll break down the build quality, portability, and overall value to help you decide: Does this revolutionary, all-in-one table make the cut, or does it fold under pressure?

The Grid is back online! Join the Dungeon Crawlers crew as we dive deep into Disney’s latest entry in the Tron universe, Tron: Ares. From stunning visuals and digital intrigue to character arcs and story choices, we’re breaking down what worked, what glitched, and what left us wanting more.  Spoiler alert!  We’re talking full plot details, favorite moments, and the highs and lows of this long-awaited sequel. Tune in and find out if Tron: Ares leveled up the legacy or crashed the system.

This week on Dungeon Crawlers Radio, we’re joined by longtime friend of the show and talented author Jared Nathan Garrett! We dive into his incredible worlds within The Finding Home series, The Beat series, and more. Jared opens up about his creative process, the inspiration behind his stories, and the authors who first sparked his love of storytelling. Whether you’re a writer, reader, or just love a great conversation about imagination and craft, this episode is one you won’t want to miss!

Grab your dice and join the Dungeon Crawlers crew as we dive deep into the world of Dungeons & Dragons. From our favorite in-game moments to the epic quests we’ve always wanted to try but never have. What’s the one thing every player wishes they could pull off? What drives us crazy at the table? And do we prefer sprawling, world-shaking campaigns or tight, episodic adventures full of surprises? Tune in for laughs, confessions, and maybe a few critical hits as we talk all things D&D, passion, frustration, and imagination at its best!

He's done it again! The legendary David J. West joins us for a deep dive into the cosmic weird West. We talk about the terrifying new adventures in the 6th book of his Cowboys & Cthulhu series, releasing later this month. But that's not all—David also gives us a sneak peek into the future, detailing London Calling, the third book in his intriguing Savant series, coming in December 2025. Tune in for tales of tentacled terrors and thrilling Savant mysteries!

You know those players who hear a critical clue but decide to investigate that suspicious squirrel instead? This is their show. Join our perpetually sidetracked heroes as they turn epic quests into absurd errands, ignore world-ending prophecies to open a tavern, or spend three episodes haggling over a rusty spoon. If you love the chaos and comedy that happens when the Dungeon Master’s hard work meets player ADHD, this is the podcast for you. The adventure is out there... but we’ll probably end up in the gift shop first.

Want to trade your typical dinner-and-a-movie for a night of competitive fun? Alton and Krebs and their wonderful wives open up their playbook for planning the perfect game date night or party. Hear their secrets to balancing gameplay, keeping the evening romantic, and making sure all guests (or just your partner) have a blast. You'll never struggle with game night logistics again!

It's a power-couples special! Alton and Krebs are here with their wives for an honest, hilarious conversation about being gamers in a relationship. Hear from all four on the highs, the lows, and the unique challenges of keeping a controller in one hand and your partner's hand in the other. If you've ever tried to balance a raid with a romantic night in, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Dungeon Crawlers Radio, we tackle a hot topic in tabletop gaming — digital tools. Do apps, virtual tabletops, and online generators make running and playing games smoother, or do they get in the way of imagination and human connection? Join the Dungeon Crawlers team as we weigh the pros, cons, and future of digital gaming aids, sharing our own experiences and insights from the community.

On this episode of Dungeon Crawlers Radio, we dive into the exciting world where creativity meets technology. 3D printing in tabletop gaming! From custom miniatures to terrain that brings campaigns to life, we explore how 3D printing is changing the way players and game masters build their worlds. Whether you’re a seasoned printer or just curious about how this tech can enhance your gaming table, join us as we talk tips, tools, and the future of game crafting.

With James Gunn’s Superman flying into theaters, the Dungeon Crawler crew dives deep into the legacy of the Last Son of Krypton. From comic book pages to blockbuster screens, we explore why Superman remains the ultimate hero nearly a century after his debut—and why he still inspires fans to believe in Truth, Justice, and a brighter tomorrow. Critical Hit Soda Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/criticalhitsoda/art-soda-crits?ref=8vf5ep

Join us as we dive into all the excitement from this year’s GenCon! From the hottest new game releases and epic panels to unforgettable con-floor moments, we break down the highlights, surprises, and stories that made the convention special. Whether you attended in person or are catching up from home, this recap will give you the inside scoop on the biggest weekend in gaming. Critical Hit Soda Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/criticalhitsoda/art-soda-crits?ref=8vf5ep