Prime Video's 'Secret Level': A Disappointing Gaming Anthology

Prime Video's latest adult-animated series, "Secret Level," created by "Deadpool" director Tim Miller, aims to offer a new way for gamers and novices to experience notable gaming properties. However, its monotonous storytelling may not entice hardcore fans or those unfamiliar with the various gaming universes.

Prime Video's "Secret Level": A Gaming Adaptation That Falls Short

Introduction to the Framework

The framework of "Secret Level" is indeed intriguing. Director Tim Miller and game publishers delve into 15 different brands, such as PlayStation's now-canceled "Concord," Capcom's "Mega Man," and Amazon Games' "New World: Aeternum." These 15-episode anthologies provide audiences with short snippets into beloved franchises like "Pac-Man" and "Dungeons & Dragons." But the question remains: does this approach truly bring these gaming worlds to life?Most of these episodes, spanning 7 to 17 minutes, feel more like game trailers than well-defined stories. Many plots only become compelling in the final few minutes, or worse, they are recycled scenarios that viewers have seen countless times.

Exploring "New World: The Once and Future King"

"New World: The Once and Future King" stands out among the episodes. The story follows King Aelstrom (voiced by Arnold Schwarzenegger), an obnoxious monarch who, along with his loyal squire Scaevola, finds himself on the supernatural island of Aeternum after a shipwreck. Despite losing his entire army to the sea, Aelstrom is determined to conquer the island and take the throne. This feat proves to be much more challenging than he expected.The humor in the narrative makes "New World" shine. A buffoonish meathead, Aelstrom struggles to conquer the land. His frustrations are often taken out on Scaevola, who tries repeatedly to persuade the fallen sovereign to let go of his old life. It's a complex dynamic that keeps viewers engaged.

Looking at "PAC-MAN: Circle"

Another standout episode is "PAC-MAN: Circle." Nearly everyone recognizes the timeless maze and its titular protagonist. But the "Secret Level" take on Pac-Man is unlike any previous iteration. In this 10-minute sequence, Miller presents a dark, volatile, and gory version of the ghost-eating circle figure. It must move through the maze by brutally annihilating everything in sight.Though the episode's ending may seem preposterous, it's distinct because it greatly differs from the classic character and the rest of the show. It adds a new dimension to the Pac-Man franchise.

Target Audience and Storyline Issues

"Secret Level" might have worked better if its simplistic storylines were targeted at children instead of adults. The death and gore often feel overdone and unnecessary. Many episodes seem superficial and even bland.For this reviewer, who last played a video game in the 1990s on a yellow Game Boy Color, it's clear that thrusting together different games into one generic umbrella will likely frustrate fans with a deep level of knowledge and affection for these interactive experiences.

Star Power vs. Storytelling

"Secret Level" has star power with names like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Keanu Reeves, and Kevin Hart. But dazzling animation and thrilling storylines are few and far between.Prime Video's "Fallout" allowed gamers to linger in an intensely fun macrocosm filled with rich details, unique characters, and an original story. In contrast, "Secret Level" presents as a jumble of gaming commercials.For viewers who have never entered the gaming world, the show dissolves into disorienting snippets of stories that never reveal their true purpose or meaning. And for those who know these worlds well, it acts as poorly written AI summaries of massive tales.The first eight episodes of "Secret Level" premiere on Dec. 10 on Prime Video, with additional episodes dropping on Dec. 17.