I am so grateful to all of the participants of our inaugural Intrepid Web Fest for taking the time to sit with each others' artistry and write thoughtful reviews of Actual Play. The guidelines for this year's reviewers were fairly simple: reviews needed to be 300 words minimum, abide by Fest values, exhibit entirely original work (no generative AI used), be focused on the screeners assigned, and balance thoughtful critique with a positive approach to peers' work. Each show was guaranteed to receive at least two peer reviews as part of the Fest.
The reviews I'll be sharing this week vary in style, theme, and approach, but each of them show a dedication to thoughtfully considering Actual Play as an art form worthy of critical engagement. I hope that these reviews will inspire us as readers to think about the ways that we might be able to further critically engage with the art form of Actual Play as public thinkers and artists.
Reviews for the seven inaugural Intrepid Web Fest shows will be linked here and accessible from the dropdown menu at the top of the site. Reviews will be posted once per day until Saturday, Feburary 28th, 2026.
-Esther (@dungeonminister)
February 22nd: The Ballad of the Silver Spectres
February 23rd: Beneath the Surface
February 24th: GODKILLER: Qismat
February 25th: Intarotgation
February 26th: Midnight Rush
February 27th: Soul Operator
February 28th: Tales Yet Told: Our Lives In The Wood