Different.......

Its very different to the books. Struggled to get through the first hour due to there being a lot going on and the audio quality suffering as a result. Music, sound effects and dialogue at times clashing. Had it not been integral the Expeditionary Force series i may well have given up. It got better in parts but some passages had me pulling the headphones off due to extremely loud sound effects.
All in all the story is good. Smythe would not last 5 mins iin the SAS with that accent and im not sure he was well supported with his STAR team. Skippy was ........Skippy Joe was Joe. RC Bray was Mag MF'in nificent as always. Margaret Adams was not as I had immagined her to sound but Nagatha was almost spot on.
As an experiment it kind of works in the end. It was better than i expected it to be, but you have to concentrate and i was rewinding a lot to catch missed dialogue.
Looking forward to a return to normal in book 8 Armageddon and just one voice and having second thoughts about a TV series being a good idea.

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20 people found this helpful

RC Bray Rules but production is imperfect

RC Bray as skippy and joe is beyond reproach, Kate Mugrew as Nagatha warmed on me although it was not how she was described in the books (I read the books before listing to R C Bray, that way I enjoy them twice) Her acting was great as was Zachary Quinto but most of the other cast, especially the guy playing Smythe felt forced and well not natural, they just don’t flow. Although this is subjective. What is not, is the music, the choice and use of the music in this is poor. I hear a lot of audio dramas (forced to listen to bbc radio 4) and this series was begging for it, but the over use of music especially the tone and Disney like parts really don’t work and take you out of the drama. Should tusted your cast more, sometimes there silly comical music playing when it is not needed as the cast are doing a great job without it . It’s shame because I think exforce should span out into other things, but you will always need R C Bray as skippy and some how joe. Keeping them being played by Mr Bray in this, was wise. Craig I love you man and I love this series and whilst I am slightly dumping on this, I don’t think it’s your fault as the story and script are good, it’s let down by bad directing, production and in some parts acting. Don’t be put off though because every time you hear skippy it’s totally worth putting up with the rest. Please don’t stop experimenting with this series as it deserves it and whilst this is slightly negative if you a big time Tv producer, this totally could be the next Expanse.

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9 people found this helpful

Great direction for the series

I was really excited when the audio drama was announced, and it did not disappoint. Overall, the production was of an extremely high quality, however there are a few little gripes with the series but nothing that makes this not worth buying.

My main issue is that sometimes during the action parts, the voices aren't boosted enough above the background to properly decipher what the characters are saying - this doesn't happen too much.

Secondly I am somewhat disappointed in the way the new STAR team is portrayed. Throughout the books the special forces have been described as extremely disciplined, however the new characters sounded more like rookies fresh into the military, I would have preferred writing these characters as a bit more series and more sure of themselves.

My last gripe is that some of the scenes with Nagatha are a little bit drawn out (especially her "battle") and in general the AI scenes were a bit too long to listen to. Also she seemed a bit too AI and unlike Skippy but this isn't really an issue.

Usually, RC Brays performance of Skippy is flawless and what I look forward to in the ExForce audiobooks, however, I believe he really shines playing Joe in this; I really liked the way he was shown. (Skippy was magnificent as always)

I also have to say that the casting for this was excellent. The use of RC Bray for both Skippy and Joe was an excellent idea, along with picking up Zachary too. Loved most people's performance (not so keen on the new STAR team though). Adam's voice actor was also really good.

As for the story, it was a good fit for the audio drama style and was paced much better than the audiobooks, and was exciting start to finish. Unfortunately it does not really progress the story beyond Renegades but that was sort of expected. I'd like to see less of the "new threat discovered, neutralise new threat" and more of the forward thinking, planning and exploring the elders and Skippy's origin in the new few bits of the series. Saving the world is getting a bit old now.

Would I recommend this? Yes definitely, especially if you have a free credit. Despite only being 6 hours, it is done at a much faster pace than the audiobooks so there isn't much less story. For the amount of money invested into this project it is definitely worth the price.

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5 people found this helpful

it's different but I liked it

I really like listening to audiobooks. This is much more and tbh it took me 30 min to get used to it. it's so much more sounds then just one voice. But after a bit I liked all performers.

The story is great and Skippy is Skippy he sings.

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3 people found this helpful

I would have preferred a classic RC Bray solo read.

It’s a difficult job taking a much loved book and making it into a play or a movie. This is a new story but the departure from the excellent solo narration of RC Bray to a slightly messy and loud radio play makes the story feel intrusive if you listen on the move. The style has slipped from light hearted and amusing to childish. I hope one day an attempt is made to make a movie of their series but it may be that like hitch hikers guide to the galaxy it’s very hard to love any dramatisation after reading the original book or the original RC Bray readings.

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2 people found this helpful

Brilliant, but helps if you're an exforce fan :)

I'm really enjoying it.. half way through and will update once finished if anything changes.

I think the way this is written and delivered is brave. The tongue in cheek delivery and nods to the audience are perhaps more direct and challenging in this audio drama format, and for any exforce fans like me it takes a while to become comfortable that well loved characters don't all sound like different voices of the unbelievably brilliant RC Bray.

But it's exforce! With sound effects! And it fits in the continuity and treats fans with references and nods, and stays true to the tone that Craig Alanson gets so brilliantly right.

Trust the awesomeness.

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2 people found this helpful

Trust the awsumness

For all lovers of Craig’s work and joe and skippy this is a true must listen event wow it’s brilliant

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1 person found this helpful

Takes me back to the HHGTTG.

Some good stuff. Took a while to get going and get used to the new voices, and a nice break from the usual story line. Reminded me of the silliness of the hitch hikers audio drama. But seriously, a car chase?? As if that makes any sense!

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1 person found this helpful

Fantastic performance by all involved.

I was slightly apprehensive about listening to one of these books performed in this manner, however, what a treat. I may well have enjoyed this one the most!!! Thoroughly enjoyed this!

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Incredible story as ever - wtf on the effects

Craig Alanson has created some of the most lovable characters of modern science fiction, period.

You assholes who produced this shit, what the fuck guys? The effects were wayyyy too loud and over the top - distracting from the narration and at times made the performances that were exceptional incomprehensible.

An incredible story as ever, ruined by the production team. Do me a favour you guys and please of mighty fuck nuggets don't sign on to the tv adaptation!

Craig you're awesome as ever, Captain Bray - phenominal job.

Production team..... Fuck you guys!

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