The Stray Gods Team On Being Directed By Troy Baker, Dragon Age & The Perfect Gaming Musical

broke the mold for narrative gaming when it first released last summer, taking typical choice-based mechanics and giving them a brilliant twist in the form of interactive songs. It was the debut release from Summerfall Studios, which was founded in part by creator David Gaider, and received widespread critical acclaim for its storytelling and soundtrack. A year later, players are finally able to return to the mythical world of Greek gods with the new DLC, which focuses on the titular character looking for love with the help of messenger god Hermes.

One of the biggest things that makes so special is its interactive soundtrack, where — depending on player choices — a song can change in an instant from a sad ballad to a powerful rock number. The system was pioneered by Gaider, an expert at branching paths, and composer Austin Wintory, known for his work on games like. The innovative system was further enhanced by a talented cast, with performances from actors like ' Troy Baker and Laura Bailey, ' Erika Ishii, and Anthony Rapp, known for his extensive Broadway career and.

The new Orpheus DLC for Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical has a much more comedic slant than the original while continuing the same great mechanics.

spoke to David Gaider, Anthony Rapp, and Erika Ishii across a series of interviews to discuss the inception of the DLC, the recording process, other exciting projects, and what video games they'd like to see take a musical turn.

In terms of the role of Hermes, what drew you to that role in the first place, and what was your initial reaction when you heard that they wanted you to come back for the DLC for an even bigger part in it?

Erika Ishii: Well, I was sort of relieved I didn't have to sing, first and foremost, but it's funny because I was really excited about the game, even back when it was in the Kickstarter phase. I'm friends with Liam [Esler], and I'm friends and/or a fan of everybody that was announced as part of the project, and so I was