Question about casting voice actors

[Bludshot]

To start off I thought that certain characters were wonderfully cast, Graham's voice is simply flawless, and Jollo sounds almost exactly like he did in KQ6.  Hassan's voice suits the character well.  And while I liked Robbie Benson's Alexander better, the TSL Alexander is still very well done.

That being said, whether due to personal preference or shameless petty nostalgia, I had found myself disappointed with the voices of Saladin, the Arch druid, Ali, and the Oracle.  This is not to say that the voice actors are not talented. Rather I was baffled that all of these characters sound like they were in there early 30s as opposed their KG6 counterparts, which sounded much older.

This is not a complaint as I realize that this is a volunteer project.  Instead I am just curious about the details of casting the different characters.  Were most of your auditions primarily younger actors?  Did you try to find older voice actors? Did you ever (perhaps unrealistically ) try to get in contact with these characters old voice actors?

Again not a complaint, simply an interest in how the TSL team casted some of these characters.

[shadyparadox]

Alas, Tony Jay, Don Messick, and Linda Gary are no longer with us.

[Rick_Florez]

This is a fan project and though we did have 40 of so people audition for the NY voice auditions the majority of them were in fact younger actors.  So you have to work with what you have.  

However that being said I do find those voices work quite well for the characters even if they are not exactly like the originals.

Saladin's is gruff enough to feel like its coming from a dog and authoritative enough to believe he's in charge.

The Arch Druid's voice is definitely softer than the original but it does have a wisdom to it which is especially great in longer dialogs with him.

Ali sounds like a librarian, a younger one but still fits.  He sounds educated and someone who has book smarts.

The oracle sounds mystical even if she does not sound like an old hag.  And I think that was the most important thing, that it feel like she really was supernatural.


Mike can give you better insight on this since he was the voice director for the project.

[Enchantermon]

Alas, Tony Jay, Don Messick, and Linda Gary are no longer with us.

Buh? Tony Jay died?! Wow.....

[Tolin]

Several years ago now, unfortunately.  He was very talented and prolific.

Rest in peace, Megabyte.

[Enchantermon]

Several years ago now, unfortunately.  He was very talented and prolific.

Indeed.

[kindofdoon]

Excellent video.

[Enchantermon]

Not mine, btw. I just found it.

[Damar]

I've tried not to judge the Arch Druid voice mainly because it was Tony Jay doing the original voice.  I mean, just listen to him quoting poetry in that video and tell me how anyone anyone could compare to that.  He was the voice of the Arch Druid and anything else would fall short.

That said, I keep thinking that the current Arch Druid doesn't sound old enough or, honestly, dangerous enough.  This is the guy who almost burned Alexander alive (and probably did on your first playthrough of KQ6.  Be honest!)  The new voice doesn't have the feeling of danger.  Plus I keep thinking I hear a California accent with him!

Ali's voice bothered me a bit, but I think that's simply me really liking the original voice and missing the old, worn sound of it versus the new one.  The guy doing Ali's voice does fine.  I just miss the original.

Saladin didn't bother me much.  Shamir's not my favorite though.  He has a lilt to his voice that makes me feel like he's whining.  Then again his master's in a coma.  I'd be sad too.

That said, I really liked the Oracle.  The woman who did the voice did a very nice job of sounding otherworldly.  The original sounded old and wise, and the new voice sounds alien and...kind of like an oracle I guess.  So that was a very nice choice.  And of course over all, there's some very good voice acting, better than I would have expected for a free game.  And I'm still in awe of how perfect Graham's voice is.  I mean, it's Graham!

[Rick_Florez]

You're right the Arch Druid does not sound dangerous nor is he supposed to.  In this game he's gotten past his paranoia and is more inviting to strangers.  Alexander already set a precedent for strangers on the Isle of the Mist so even if even they are reclusive they won't burn you to the stake anymore.  Plus its the King's father and is cutting him some slack.  As you saw episode 1 and will see more of in episode 3 the Arch Druid now plays more the role of a wise man communing with nature.

As for Shamir, Todd (who also did a famous evil Wizard) did what he could.  I was there when he recorded those lines, he I will admit it was an octave above his comfort level.  Originally Shamir was not meant to have that many lines.  That got changed in episode 2.  Besides lets be honest, Shamir's voice in the original was bad and irritating as well.

[KatieHal]

True--at least Shamir doesn't sound drunk all the time! (Which I know was intentional, but nonetheless!)

[Bludshot]

  Besides lets be honest, Shamir's voice in the original was bad and irritating as well.

Didn't they make Josh Mandel do it?