Critical Encounters - A Marvel Champions Podcast

50
Games #249

Critical Encounters is a podcast about Marvel Champions, a Living Card Game by Fantasy Flight Games. Here we take a good look at that most critical piece of the game, the Encounter Sets. We’ll discuss those poorly understood characters, unfairly labeled Villains, and their various plans to shape humanity and benefit the planet, as well as those so-called heroes intent on thwarting them.

Recent Episodes
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 274 - Secret Dossier - Cyclops - Happy Father's Day
    Jun 10, 2025 – 01:14:17
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 273.5 - "I See You" - Winter Soldier Nemesis Preview
    Jun 6, 2025 – 22:02
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 273 - Dark Riders
    Jun 3, 2025 – 01:00:36
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 272 - Shadow of the Past - Iceman's Nemesis
    May 27, 2025 – 43:30
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 271 - Arcade
    May 20, 2025 – 01:05:09
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 270 - Supervillain Roundtable XV - Con of Heroes 2025 Recap
    May 13, 2025 – 03:11:54
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 269 - Secret Dossier - Mother's Day - Phoenix
    May 6, 2025 – 01:16:49
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 268 - Four Horsemen - Part II
    Apr 29, 2025 – 45:01
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 267 - Four Horsemen - Part I
    Apr 22, 2025 – 28:38
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 266 - Supervillain Roundtable XIV - Con of Heroes Prep 2025
    Apr 15, 2025 – 56:27
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 265 - Secret Dossier - Angel
    Apr 8, 2025 – 01:13:47
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 264 - Crazy Gang
    Apr 1, 2025 – 01:00:36
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 263 - Shadow of the Past - Magiks Nemesis
    Mar 25, 2025 – 01:10:39
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 262 - Hounds
    Mar 18, 2025 – 45:32
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 261 - Unus - Part II
    Mar 11, 2025 – 40:23
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 260 - Unus - Part I
    Mar 4, 2025 – 40:20
  • Critical Encounters - Issue - 259 - Infinites
    Feb 25, 2025 – 01:01:59
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 258 - Interrogation Room - Aaron Haltom
    Feb 18, 2025 – 49:12
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 257 - Shadow of the Past - Bishops Nemesis
    Feb 11, 2025 – 45:42
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 256.5 - "I See You" - Agents of SHIELD Preview
    Feb 7, 2025 – 22:18
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 256 - Dystopian Nightmare
    Feb 4, 2025 – 40:44
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 255 - Standard III
    Jan 28, 2025 – 53:49
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 254 - Supervillain Roundtable - XIII - 5 Year Anniversary
    Jan 21, 2025 – 02:27:02
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 253 - Interrogation Room - Joey Vazquez
    Jan 14, 2025 – 01:15:32
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 252 - NeXt Evolution Campaign
    Jan 7, 2025 – 01:25:05
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 251 - Stryfe - Part II
    Dec 31, 2024 – 01:00:20
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 250 - Stryfe - Part I
    Dec 24, 2024 – 34:36
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 249 - Mutant Insurrection
    Dec 17, 2024 – 47:23
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 248 - Mister Sinister - Part II
    Dec 10, 2024 – 43:56
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 247 - Mister Sinister - Part I
    Dec 3, 2024 – 37:46
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 246.5 - Poolsgivingaway
    Nov 28, 2024 – 36:42
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 246 - Poolsgiving
    Nov 26, 2024 – 03:00:42
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 245 - Secret Dossier - Colossus
    Nov 19, 2024 – 01:27:12
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 244 - Mojo TV - Telepathy
    Nov 12, 2024 – 25:26
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 243 - Extreme Measures
    Nov 5, 2024 – 41:11
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 242 - "I See You" - Magneto Spoiler
    Oct 31, 2024 – 09:25
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 242 - Mojo TV - Super Strength
    Oct 29, 2024 – 34:27
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 241 - Taskmaster's School for Gifted Villains - Zola
    Oct 22, 2024 – 53:30
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 240 - Mojo TV - Flight
    Oct 15, 2024 – 36:01
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 239 - Shadow of the Past - X-23 Nemesis
    Oct 8, 2024 – 55:19
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 238 - Juggernaut - Part II
    Oct 1, 2024 – 42:44
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 237 - Juggernaut - Part I
    Sep 24, 2024 – 36:10
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 236 - Black Tom Cassidy
    Sep 17, 2024 – 34:46
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 235 - Shadow of the Past - Dominos Nemesis
    Sep 10, 2024 – 43:20
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 234.5 - "I See You" - Nightcrawler Spoiler
    Sep 4, 2024 – 15:22
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 234 - Nasty Boys
    Sep 3, 2024 – 01:11:58
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 233 - Marauder Champions Monthly - On The Run - Part II
    Aug 27, 2024 – 33:31
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 232 - Marauder Champions Monthly - On the Run - Part I
    Aug 20, 2024 – 32:18
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 231 - Supervillain Roundtable - XII - RRG 1.6 and More
    Aug 13, 2024 – 01:31:12
  • Critical Encounters - Issue 230 - Marauder Champions Monthly - Shadow of the Past - Angels Nemesis
    Aug 6, 2024 – 41:10
Recent Reviews
  • Iskander4000
    Yay
    Good job
  • Josh -The Hills Have Nerds
    Great show, great info, great people
    Awesome show. I've been a listener for years and recently even had the pleasure of being a guest on one of the episodes. Love these guys and their villainous ways. Even if you're not a fan of Marvel Champions, theres enough pure Super Villain lore in this show to entertain you. I'm just sorry its taken me this long to leave a review!
  • wood_jasond
    It only took 200 episodes for their true colors to be exposed!
    For 199 episodes, I listened to this villainous podcast. Supposedly, Daniel, Mike, and Steve help you to better appreciate the villains and modular sets in FFG’s Marvel Champions LCG. But in episode 200.1, their true colors were exposed! I heard praise of HEROES! I was sickened to hear these hosts praising characters like Black Widow, sp//DR, and Nebula. What next, IRON MAN??? How far the mighty have fallen! I’m starting to think that Mustafa was the only real villain in the lair. Well, back to my own plotting. I’ll have to keep listening, if I’m to overthrow these heroes-in-disguise…
  • jamman39
    Congratulations on 200 episodes
    Not only the best Marvel Champions podcast but the best podcast for any of the LCGs. I genuinely don’t know how you guys manage to do so much high concept, scripted comedy with the relentless weekly release schedule that you keep. I really appreciate your continued enthusiasm for MC, and I’ll stick around and keep listening “while” you guys keep making new episodes. -Kevin
  • Jimmy Pops
    If these guys are villains I guess I’m bad
    I’ll admit when I first started playing this game I tried listening to this podcast and couldn’t get into it. I liked the game a lot but didn’t care too much about the backstories for the villains. After playing the game for a few years now though I have gone deep into the marvel universe and came back to this show. I’m listening from the beginning and I have to say this is the best marvel champions podcast out there. The hosts all genuinely seem to enjoy talking to each other and are effortlessly funny in their banter, skits, etc. It’s also one of the only marvel champions podcasts that comes out on a regular schedule, an impressive feat for any podcaster. Listening to this podcast has just made me appreciate and love the game even more. Keep the episodes coming!
  • 1L
    The Best Champions Podcast
    Insightful. Fun. Lots of regular content!
  • TS_45
    Evil deeds beget excellent podcasts!
    Good (or should I say bad?) work on the pod. Love the interaction you all have with each other. The chemistry really shines, and I love the focus on the part of the game most people tend to overlook.
  • Rouryboryalis
    Truly Villainous
    Good stuff guys, keep up the evil work
  • Floopyplooper
    I used to want to punch these guys
    When I first found this podcast these guys really got on my nerves. As the grains of sand passed through the hourglass I began to look forward to the heartwarming humor and genuine love for this game shown by everyone on this show. I firmly recommend this podcast. Fantastic content every time. Keep up the good work. VILLAINS CONGREGATE!!!!!
  • Berg04
    Don’t be like me. Listen now!
    I slept on this podcast for far too long. If you are asking yourself how could there be a whole podcast episode about a marvel champions modular set, just take a listen. Charming, informative and just plain fun.
  • Great action
    Best Villains in the Biz
    I’ve been a long time listener and just realized I have not left a 5-star review yet. I may need a bit more minion training. Anyway, this is my favorite MC podcast. As far as I know, it’s the only one to really drill into the encounter cards. Looking for any fun modular/villain combos, well you’ve come to the right place. I also highly recommend the discord channel. So, if you haven’t started listening yet, what are you waiting for?! Don’t take too long either, you don’t want to be on the wrong side when these scheming villains unleash their super evil, sure to fail villainous plan that the “heroes” will most assuredly disrupt.
  • Jedko27
    My Encounter with this Podcast is a Critical Hit!
    I recently got into Marvel Champions and I immediately looked for a podcast to listen to while I was working. I found this one and Marvel Champions Monthly and they are both fantastic shows. Critical Encounters is the best niche game podcast I’ve listened to. The hosts are hilarious and I love listening to them banter about the crazy bananas topics and stories that occur in Marvel Comics. Great listen and keep up the awesome shows.
  • Frenchy1120
    Is it the MCU of Marvel Champions podcast?
    Maybe.
  • EDUBMora74
    Must Listen Marvel Champions Podcast
    They really are great. They do such a great job from the perspective of the villain and breathes a lot of life into the villains. They are goofy as well and I always enjoy the bananas.
  • Henry Kritikos
    Unique and Engaging
    This is, I think, the most engaging and unique Marvel Champions podcast. The direction of the content to highlight the encounter deck and villains, the humor and persona of the hosts, and even the editing and additions in post to augment the discussion are so good! Plus, they do little skits and bits from time to time to shake-up the routine, which add so much to the listener’s experience. I am genuinely grateful to have these guys making weekly content of this caliber for the game I love. Thank you so much!
  • gjscott25
    Great podcast about Marvel Champions Villains
    This is my favorite marvel champions podcast, you guys get the best behind the screen guests plus focus on the villains, great combo
  • KalEl1976
    Good show with room to improve
    This show is a pretty good look at Marvel Champions. They focus on the villain side of things and their humor grows on you, annoys you, and then grows on you again. They do have some annoying audio issues throughout the series but it is digestible in the end. I hope the original host returns more often as he really brought some constructive criticism to the game.
  • jje mcm
    An enjoyable show
    I’ll be looking forward to the coverage of the new hero’s and expansions.
  • W ///
    Not all Villains are Bad
    If anyone asks, “Who is you favorite Villain?” I respond it’s a tie between Vardaen, WanderingTook, bigfomlof, and TheTruth. Thank You all for making an otherwise boring Tuesday into An all out fun Villain Day. And, for breathing so much life into the game I love - Marvel Champions. Please keep creating the content! -Board Game Lawyer
  • MacTheIdol
    Great Insight into the Game
    Good pacing and information!
  • For7una70
    Trash Night
    The Critical Encounter gang is funny and knowledgeable. In addition, episodes tend to drop on Tuesday. Trash night. Thanks for making trash night fun.
  • Pechwdvjerx
    Fun
    You guys are so much fun. Love every episode.
  • BWhit87
    Has SOOOO much potential
    Would be the best podcast hands down if......they just talked about everything. Limiting discussion to less than half the game and frankly, the less interesting half is a bad move. Such a good show that is hamstrung by an odd decision.
  • BetterOffTedder
    Nice show
    I like the concept of taking things from the villains side.
  • RayXfan1982
    Nice show premise - sound quality issues
    Great show premise and fun hosts. Have some sound quality issues in their first episode.
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.