Secret Level Review: Hit Games, Miss Games

Secret Level: A Hit-or-Miss Anthology

Amazon Prime Video’s animated anthology series, Secret Level, attempts a unique approach to video game adaptations. Instead of focusing on a single IP, it offers a diverse range of episodes, each tackling a different franchise. While some, like Mega Man and Warhammer 40K, are highly anticipated, others feel less relevant.

The series’ biggest challenge is its short episode length (5-17 minutes). This brevity limits the exploration of richer game narratives. Some episodes deliver stunning visuals and compelling character moments, while others feel superficial, like extended gameplay trailers.

Episode Reviews: Hits and Misses

Hits: Sifu, New World, Unreal Tournament, Warhammer 40,000, Pac-Man, Armored Core, The Outer Worlds, Mega Man, Spelunky, Honor of Kings. These episodes effectively capture the spirit of their source material, offering engaging stories and visuals.

Misses: Dungeons & Dragons, Crossfire, Exodus, Concord, Playtime. These episodes either fail to capture the essence of their games or offer underwhelming narratives. Some feel like missed opportunities or underdeveloped concepts.

Overall, Secret Level is an inconsistent but intriguing series. While not every episode hits the mark, the strong visuals and unique approach make it worth watching, especially for fans of Tim Miller’s other work.