Secret Level Season 1 Review: Another Visually Astounding Anthology Series

The video game industry is comprised of so many unique worlds and characters. Unlike film or television, the interactivity of games allows players to fully immerse themselves unlike any other cinematic universe. This year has already brought us exciting adaptations, from Arcane to Sonic the Hedgehog 3. However, Prime Video has brought something new to the table: Secret Level.

Some may already be familiar with the anthological format in shows like American Horror Story and Black Mirror. While those shows were based in originality, Secret Level is comprised of established game franchises.

Yet, Tim Miller and Dave Wilson, the minds behind Love, Death & Robots, manage to bring intriguing stories out of them here.

Due to the fact that each episode is isolated narratively, it’s somewhat hard to look at it overall. Every episode has its own positives and negatives, but each are visually beautiful to behold nonetheless.

Secret Level Season 1 begins with two episodes: “The Queen’s Cradle” (Dungeons & Dragons) and “It Takes A Life” (Sifu).

“The Queen’s Cradle” sees a group of adventurers trying to heal a boy’s curse as they face their own demons, both personal and physical. As the stakes get higher, everyone tries to stand their ground. It’s got its emotional moments, yet its tone is more of an action-focused adventure-thriller. It tries to emulate that table-top experience of excitement and chaos, which it almost does a bit too perfectly, save for that quick ending.

On the other hand, “It Takes A Life” focuses on a fighter’s persistence to track down those who killed his father. With each beating he takes, he gets back up again, albeit with a heavy price. While it’s definitely an eye-catcher, its central element feels connected to “The Queen’s Cradle”.

Sure, that narrative element is made clear through their curses to carry, yet it also shows this idea of perseverance in these interesting ways. These episodes also tease the two visual styles that each following episode bears: either hard-wired realism or exaggerated cel-shading aesthetics. 

In fact, each creative style presented in these episodes aligns with the perspective of the story in each world. Yet, there are certain pairings of episodes whose ideas intertwine while having distinct visual designs.

This crossing recurrence of ideas happens with several other episodes within Secret Level. For example, the thematic message of “Start” (Mega Man) and “Tally” (Spelunky) revolves around understanding and embracing the calling in a familial way. Though these two episodes are very different, the focus of their main characters makes them similar, and thus, more enjoyable.

Other episodes, like “Good Conflict” (Crossfire) and “And They Shall Know No Fear” (Warhammer 40,000), tackle more mature ideas than other stories here. Both involve the harsh realities that come with warfare and the consequences one must face with the resulting trauma. Their longer runtimes prove to be their benefit since it allows for a more introspective view through its lead character.

Though “And They Shall Know No Fear” is more fantastical, and thus more darker visually, its able to intensify the tension through its familial lens confidently. On the other hand, “Good Conflict”, though having a lead to focus on, translates multiple perspectives of war in a way that creates an intriguing debate.

These two sides, both in these two episodes, are firmly rooted in their beliefs of defending themselves. Yet, the actions they do to each other really make them question that fact. The cinematography of both episodes reinforces that, with close-up shots making that impact even more harrowing.

Outside of these episodes, there was one that really caught my eye: “Circle”, the Pac-Man-centric episode. While I initially thought it would be a bit cartoony, I didn’t think it’d be truly grim. The concept of having this weakling survive like a barbarian almost reminded me of Gorr the God Butcher’s journey from the Thor comics.

Its Darwinistic ideas, influenced heavily by the shady, yet artful, environment, make this episode’s story very compelling. Plus, that mysteriously shocking ending grips your attention in a way that unlike any other episode in Secret Level will.

Of course, there are some episodes that are weaker than others. Notably, the comedic tones of “The Company We Keep” (The Outer Worlds) and “The Once And Future King” (New World) made them feel more abrasive. In addition, they fell into that cliche of being too satirical, whether in pacing or dialogue respectively.

Given how they’re based around traditional narratives, like being separated lovers or a hero repeating his steps, there are really only a few ways to develop those story.

Lastly, the one episode whose game got shut down, “Tale of the Implacable” (Concord), gives you a whole picture of what it’d be. It’s a ragtag misfit adventure that blends between Guardians of the Galaxy and Borderlands. While it’s not perfect as it could be, with its heist-based first act, it’s still an entertaining ride in its second.

Overall, Secret Level is a visually astounding series with a diverse collection of stories, some working better than others. Although it has yet to reach the acclaim that Love, Death & Robots has, it has incredible potential to utilize for franchise-based storytelling. Should this be renewed, there are still so many games to explore (hearing The Sims could be a fun one!)

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

—

Secret Level begins streaming on Prime Video on Tuesday, December 10. Two new episodes release weekly.

Follow us on X and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!