Last September, we got a chance to dive into the first wave of unpainted miniatures from WizKids, based on characters, monsters, and heroes from Critical Role. Now the partnership between Critical Role and WizKids continues on with a brand new wave of minis. Featuring thrilling heroes and dastardly monsters, these unpainted (but primed and ready for paint) miniatures are extremely evocative and engaging. WizKids sent along the full second wave for us to check out, here are our thoughts.
This first batch of miniatures starts the group off strong. In this photo are the Clasp Cutthroat (the little dude with the blades), an Enforcer (the big dude with the hammer), the Westruun Militia Swordsman, the Kraghammer Axeman, and many more. Each of these characters sport dynamic, varied poses, looking ready to spring right into adventure. As before, we love the way WizKids uses clear plastic to emphasize certain aspects of their minis. In this case, that clear plastic really shines through with the Remnant Cultist and Chosen - the two mystics throwing swirls of magic around them.
This next batch of miniatures featured above include the Lizard-like Kuul'tevir Javelineer and Kuul'tevir Assassin, the ever faithful Lyrengorn Holy Priest (that's the woman with flames in her hands), the Verdant Guard Marksman, and a mischievous Satyr, to name a few. These miniatures, like the ones pictured in the section before this, in a way make up the rank and file of the miniatures on display. This run includes much larger minis, which we'll cover in a moment, but even these humanoid-sized (more or less) minis command attention on the table with big personalities that shine through in their sculpts.
One of my favorite miniature sets in Wave 2 of WizKids' Critical Role line are these Skeletal Centaurs, pictured above. Along with a very arresting overall design, the pose of these miniatures makes them look like they truly are mid-gallop, running ferociously to destroy their opponents. Also pictured in the above photo are the Ashari Firetamer, which comes packaged with a Fire Elemental. I love the way the fire elemental, which looks like a bristling serpent wreathed in flames, seems to scream down on its prey with an unbridled fury.
Alright, time to check out the big boy (boys?) of the set. The impressive and hulking Etten. This miniature's pose is absolutely astounding. Look at the way both of its heads seem to be arguing with each other as it holds a barrel high above its head. Imposing, but with an inherent humor infused right into this miniature, this is absolutely one of the standouts of the set. It comes packaged alone, the other mini in this photo just used for scale.
Here's another hulking brute from the second wave Wizkids' unpainted Critical Role miniatures, the incredible Cinderslag Elemental. If you were unfamiliar with Critical Role, or didn't get the clue from the word Cinder, you may think this crystal-clear mini was some sort of ice creature. But the Cinderslag Elemental is a being of pure molten, magma, and slag, and should be painted in glorious blacks, browns, and reds to get the full effect.
Finally, my absolute favorite miniature of the set! Check out this incredible Octopus (which comes packaged together with this Ashari Waverider). Everything about this miniature is hitting the mark for me. The undulating tentacles, the furrowed, angry brow, the way it's designed to look as though it's floating in water. It oozes dread more than any monstrous brute they've yet to sculpt in this line.
What Are Our Final Thoughts On WizKids' Critical Role Unpainted Miniatures Wave 2?
Over, WizKids' Critical Role Unpainted Miniatures Wave 2 provides a huge assortment of options for gamers playing in the realm of Tal'Dorei. With plenty of new heroes to choose from, and many, many foes to place on the battlefield, this line of minis offers variety no matter what campaign setting you're working with. While some of the smaller miniatures are a bit run-of-the-mill, most have a lot of energy infused into their poses, and the larger models are all showstoppers.
Should I Buy WizKids' Critical Role Unpainted Miniatures Wave 2?
If you're looking for new miniatures to add a bit of excitement and variety to your game, or you play in a Critical Role-inspired campaign setting, you're likely to find at least a few miniatures from this line to truly up your game. If you're looking for more absurd, stranger miniatures, you may find this run a bit more down to earth than you're expecting (and should check out the first wave of minis for some wilder choices).
WizKids' Critical Role Unpainted Miniatures Wave 2 is currently up for pre-order, and will ship Q1 2022. Click here to learn more.
The miniatures used in the creation of this review were provided by WizKids.