Review of the Year in Fantasy Podcasting

Almost at the end of the year so I thought I'd give a review of the various Warhammer Fantasy Podcasts I've listened to over the course of the year.


Upfront it is important to acknowledge that these guys do this out of love rather than for financial gain. That said, most offer a "premium" service that you can sign-up for getting extra content but in reality it is really just a donation to their costs. I will generally always sign up if I regularly listen as I appreciate their efforts.

So let's see how they've gone:

Podhammer

The grand-daddy of the warhammer podcasts. These guys pretty much gave it away in mid-2010 (around the time 8th Edition came out). They continue spasmodically into this year with Jeff Carroll and a new co-host completing their trip to Adepticon.

The level of fantasy dwindled to pretty much non-existent and the show appears to be in hibernation. That's probably the best place for it as the hosts lost their enthusiasm for the game and the last few episodes appeared a chore.

Jeff deserves enormous credit for launching Fantasy podcasting to the masses back in 2007.

World's End Radio

Another podcast that has been going for a number of years. This year the release schedule slowed to a trickle and the focus changed more to alternative games.

I still listen but it is another one that is showing its age. I don't expect we'll see a much greater output in 2012.
Heelanhammer

Still a very prolific podcast that has its moments. This year I think that its output has suffered in comparison to previous years. The best episodes are where they go outside the three regular hosts for view on the game. In particular, I've found Bryan Carmichael brings a fresh perspective to armies and play that's not always evident from Wayne, Dan or Al.

Given that we had three new Army Books this year I probably expected more from the show than it delivered. While it's always a comfortable listen I believe it does need a refresh and I'd certainly like to hear more from Bryan and believe it would benefit from the return of Russ Veal.

Bad Dice

Still by far the most insightful of all the podcasts though it did suffer a body blow with the loss of one of the co-hosts, Ben Johnson mid-year. Ben Curry is clearly one of the top 2 or 3 players in the UK and has fresh and insightful comments on not only the game but also the tournament scene.

As noted the output is not as strong since Ben Johnson left but the show has added new regulars, Mark Wildman and Gareth Dicks. I think that it works best when Mark is there without Gareth (his partner) as there is more focus on Warhammer and less bickering between the two of them. At times it can sound like a cross between "Are You Being Served?" or "Carry On Camping".

However if you want strong wargaming analysis this is the best podcast to listen to. I hope Mr. Johnson returns soon.
The Black Sun

A new kid on the block, now up to its 15th episode. Irreverent, and at times pretty suspect, where it works is the breadth of its cast and the armies that they use. This means that there is less repetition and it is possible to get a broader perspective. Obviously the delivery might not be to everybody's taste, however I think that lurking beneath the "Jackass" showfront is some pretty good analysis of the game from a group that is progressing on the UK scene……e.g. Dom Hook's recent podium.