Unpacking the highs and lows of Tim Miller’s animated anthology Secret Level

*Secret Level* offers a visually captivating but uneven anthology of video game adaptations, celebrating diverse titles while struggling with narrative depth.

Hollywood’s fascination with video game adaptations is on the rise, and the trend echoes the explosive success of Marvel films.

Each year brings a slew of new adaptations, fueling discussions about how these beloved properties are portrayed.

Enter Tim Miller, the creative mind behind hits like *Deadpool* and *Love, Death & Robots*, who is shifting gears with his animated anthology series *Secret Level*.

This show isn’t limited to one franchise; instead, it curates a variety of often unexpected game-based stories, aiming to honor the industry in its entirety. Exploring the Episodes Now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, *Secret Level* presents a series of stand-alone episodes, each exploring different video game universes.

While some episodes shine a spotlight on well-known titles such as *Mega Man*, *Pac-Man*, and *Warhammer 40K*, others take a deep dive into lesser-known properties.

This shift sometimes leaves audiences puzzled about their significance, particularly with the inclusion of games like *Exodus* and *Concord*, which aren’t even playable.

Such choices create a disconnect, as the series aims to celebrate video game storytelling yet veers into the obscure. Anthology formats often grapple with inconsistency, and *Secret Level* is no exception.

Though Tim Miller’s unique visual flair is prominently showcased throughout, the short runtimes—ranging from 5 to 17 minutes, excluding credits—present a formidable challenge.

Such brief segments struggle to fully capture the intricate narratives inherent in many video games.

Some episodes succeed in engaging viewers with breathtaking visuals, thrilling action, and memorable characters.

Others, however, may come across as shallow, akin to flashy game trailers that impress with graphics but lack substantive gameplay.

Fans of video game narratives should approach this series with reasonable expectations, recognizing that most episodes serve more as quick homages than as deep storytelling experiences. Overview of Each Episode

  • Dungeons & Dragons: The Queen’s Cradle – While it dives into familiar fantasy elements, it struggles to embody the spirit of D&D.
  • Sifu: It Takes a Life – This episode shines by beautifully integrating the game’s resurrection feature, boasting impressive animation and engaging character interactions.
  • New World: The Once and Future King – Featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger in a light-hearted role, this episode humorously explores themes of death and respawning.
  • Unreal Tournament: Xan – A delightful homage that captures the essence of Unreal Tournament through dynamic gameplay elements.
  • Warhammer 40,000: And They Shall Know No Fear – A standout segment, it excels with exceptional sound design and an electrifying atmosphere.
  • Pac-Man: Circle – This segment offers a bold reinterpretation of Pac-Man, feeling more like a teaser for a forthcoming adventure.
  • Crossfire: Good Conflict – This episode presents a conventional military shooter narrative, ultimately fading into the background.
  • Armored Core: Asset Management – Effectively conveys the thrills and horrors of the Armored Core universe with compelling storytelling.
  • The Outer Worlds: The Company We Keep – Surprisingly, this episode unveils a touching tragic romance that adds unexpected depth.
  • Mega Man: Start – A nostalgic treat for fans, though its brief format leaves many craving more content.
  • Exodus: Odyssey – Unfortunately, this one falters, failing to deliver a compelling story that resonates with viewers.
  • Spelunky: Tally – A fitting homage to the roguelike genre, it encapsulates the delightful mix of frustration and reward in the gameplay.
  • Concord: Tale of the Implacable – Despite its visual appeal, this episode feels somewhat unnecessary, given the lesser relevance of Concord.
  • Honor of Kings: The Way of All Things – It presents an engaging depiction of MOBA gameplay, encapsulated in a captivating cinematic format.
  • Playtime: Fulfillment – This installment feels more like an advertisement than a heartfelt tribute to its PlayStation heritage.

In conclusion, *Secret Level* showcases a variety of stories, many of which dazzle with their artistic expression and creativity.

Yet, not every episode fully delivers in the narrative department.

Source: GameSpot