David Bridges
Since the phenomenal success of Castlevania on Netflix, numerous game developers are eager to adapt their titles into streaming series, hoping to replicate that magic. Prime Video has already secured adaptations for popular franchises like Fallout and the anticipated Mass Effect series. Meanwhile, Secret Level aims to differentiate itself by presenting an anthology format that spans multiple decades of gaming history rather than focusing on a single narrative. The result is reminiscent of the early entries in a franchise that clearly aspires for growth: promising yet requiring further refinement and sharper narrative focus for maximum impact.
Although there is minimal cohesive storytelling across episodes, Secret Level’s fifteen episodes can be categorized into three distinct eras of gaming: the classics that laid the groundwork, contemporary titles shaping the current landscape, and future releases poised for success. The majority of the episodes focus on current games, showcasing major titles such as Armored Core and Space Marine II, alongside genre-specific gems. The retrospective segments highlight franchises that have been dormant, while the forward-looking segments spotlight upcoming titles that developers hope will capture audience attention in the coming years.
What unites the episodes of Secret Level is their ability to immerse viewers in the respective universes of the games they depict. Each episode succeeds in either narrating a compelling story within that game’s universe or skillfully setting up significant events that resonate with its lore. As a result, most episodes function well as standalone experiences, though they resonate more powerfully for viewers who possess prior knowledge of the games. This design choice is intentional, as many of these adaptations might be the last opportunity for these titles to engage a broader audience. For instance, unless there are major changes at Epic Games, Unreal Tournament may be receiving its final showcase through this series, at least for the foreseeable future.
However, a significant drawback of the series is that many episodes exhibit visual similarities. Blur Studio opted for a CG, photorealistic aesthetic reminiscent of the cinematic trailers it initially developed, which gives much of the show a uniform energy akin to watching an extended presentation from the Game Awards or E3 during its peak. Notably, the episodes dedicated to Sifu and Spelunky stand out as the most visually distinctive and engaging, offering a refreshing change of pace through their unique stylistic approaches that reflect the distinct aesthetics of their respective games.
Ultimately, your preferred episode of Secret Level will likely hinge on your connection to a particular game, character, or franchise. The series primarily focuses on contemporary titles like Armored Core and Amazon Games’ New World: Aeturnum, with varying degrees of success in piquing interest for their source material. The episodes shine brightest when they invite viewers into their immersive worlds or showcase delightful visuals, exemplified by Spelunky’s charming humor and reflections on the increasing popularity of the roguelike genre over the past decade.
At its lowest point, an episode may come across as overly promotional, serving more as a vehicle for brand exposure than an engaging narrative. The Concord episode, for instance, attracted attention following the game’s shutdown and the studio’s closure, ultimately presenting a lukewarm experience for what was a lackluster shooter that didn’t receive the recognition it deserved. While not completely lacking merit, it provides a glimpse into its sci-fi universe but falls short of delivering meaningful backstory. Additionally, the singular PlayStation episode feels like a blatant corporate effort to recapture the nostalgic essence of old PlayStation 3 and 4 commercials but fails to resonate, especially given its troubled history throughout the year.
These two episodes encapsulate the essence of Secret Level: there are moments where the series demonstrates its potential to stand alongside acclaimed works like Star Wars Visions. While it serves as a commendable initial offering, for Secret Level to evolve and transcend its promotional roots, it must distance itself from overtly corporate influences. Gamers will readily attest that the joy of gaming diminishes significantly when corporate interests overshadow the experience.
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Daniel Mercer
Ethan Carter
