Secret Level: A Bold Reimagining of Video Game Worlds
Amazon Prime Video's new adult animated anthology series, Secret Level, takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the worlds of various video games, from retro classics to modern complex titles. Each 15-minute episode offers a unique and often surprising interpretation of its source material, pushing creative boundaries and challenging audience expectations. The series' creators, Tim Miller (director of Deadpool and Terminator: Dark Fate) and executive producer Dave Wilson, have successfully navigated the complex landscape of adapting beloved gaming IPs for a new audience. The show's impressive cast, which includes Keanu Reeves, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Kevin Hart, alongside prominent video game voice actors like Laura Bailey, only adds to its appeal.
The Pac-Man Episode: A Haunting Twist on a Classic
One of the most talked-about episodes, “Pac-Man: Circle,” reimagines the iconic arcade game as a chilling tale of survival. The episode follows Puck, a sentient golden orb voiced by Emily Swallow, as it influences the Swordsman (Aleks Le) in a haunting and disturbing adaptation of the classic eat-or-be-eaten mechanic. This interpretation, a far cry from the original's cheerful aesthetic, reflects the creators' intent to explore the game's underlying themes of relentless pursuit and inescapable conflict, a philosophical interpretation that even surprised Bandai themselves. As Tim Miller aptly states, "'Pac-Man,' on its philosophical basis, is a really disturbing game. It’s eat or be eaten; it’s in the DNA." Dave Wilson, describing their initial attempts to adapt the game as 'sitting in a room trying to come up with ideas', reveals their unexpected inspiration: 'You can eat them, but just never their eyes.' This detail perfectly encapsulates the dark, unsettling atmosphere of the final product. The episode showcases a level of creative freedom that successfully translates the core essence of the game while creating a completely original narrative, an approach that successfully deviates from expected adaptations.
Adapting a Cancelled Game: The Concord Episode
The inclusion of a segment based on the short-lived PlayStation game Concord adds another layer of intrigue to Secret Level. The game, shut down by Sony just two weeks after its launch, provides a unique opportunity to explore a gaming IP's short life and legacy. Tim Miller emphasizes that the decision to include this episode wasn't driven by a desire to exploit its failure but by a respect for the hundreds of artists involved in its creation and a desire to showcase their remarkable work. The episode, titled "Concord: Tale of the Implacable", serves as a prequel and a tribute to the game's potential, offering a self-contained story that isn't bound by the game's canceled future, demonstrating the show's ability to handle the sensitive subject with care and respect, showing the hard work of the developers and artists involved. Wilson points out how this prequel nature allowed the team to create characters and a storyline outside of the game's initial constraints, creating a narrative that could be interpreted as a free-gunner myth or canon within the Concord universe, demonstrating respect for the game’s developers, while still allowing for narrative freedom.
Armored Core: A Mecha Masterpiece
The eighth episode, “Asset Management,” starring Keanu Reeves, provides a decent adaptation of the Armored Core series, which is another prominent example of Secret Level's diverse range of video game properties. It draws heavily from Armored Core VI, incorporating elements from the game's setting and weapons, though the mecha designs appear less inspired than the original game’s. The episode showcases exciting mecha combat sequences reminiscent of older Armored Core games' CG openings, particularly Armored Core: Last Raven. The inclusion of a character similar to Ayre from Armored Core VI further emphasizes the episode's connection to the latest installment in the franchise. The episode offers a unique, albeit slightly icky ending, according to the reviewer. Even though it includes references to existing lore, it also provides a unique perspective and storyline which makes the episode interesting. The episode serves as a noteworthy testament to the series' adaptability, successfully incorporating aspects from both recent and older entries in the franchise. This episode is a creative interpretation, yet stays true to the core of the franchise, bringing a familiar feel to a new medium.
A Balancing Act: Honoring the Source Material and Pushing Boundaries
Secret Level achieves a delicate balance between faithfulness to source material and creative freedom. While some episodes may closely mirror the gameplay and style of their respective games, others like the Pac-Man episode showcase a radical reinterpretation. This approach ensures that each segment offers a unique viewing experience, avoiding the pitfalls of formulaic adaptations. The show's unique style allows the audience to experience a familiar video game in a completely unexpected way and makes every episode a unique cinematic experience, demonstrating creativity and originality.
This innovative approach has resonated with viewers and critics alike, though reviews have been mixed. While some have praised the show's originality and boldness, others have expressed concern over certain interpretations. Despite the mixed reception, Secret Level undoubtedly marks a significant moment in video game adaptation, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and creativity. The producers expressed interest in expanding the anthology in the future, with consideration for episodes based on iconic titles like Pong and even Fortnite, opening up the possibility of even more creative and bold reinterpretations.
The show's success, however, lies not just in its high-profile cast or its visual appeal, but in its ability to capture the essence of each game while forging its own unique narrative identity. It is a testament to both the richness of video game storytelling and the potential for innovative cross-media adaptations. The diversity of video games adapted, along with creative flexibility and unique interpretation ensures that viewers can explore a plethora of games and storylines, which all adds to the show's overall appeal. The show has already proven to be a massive success, marking an exciting new era of video game adaptations for streaming platforms and opening the door for future seasons filled with more exciting projects.
