Amazon Prime Video's new animated series 'Secret Level' creatively adapts various video game worlds into 15 unique episodes, stirring both acclaim and controversy. The series includes a dark retelling of 'Pac-Man' and features episodes on lesser-known games like 'Concord', which was canceled shortly after its release. With a blend of familiar and new games, 'Secret Level' navigates the challenges of meeting fan expectations and the complexities of adapting interactive game narratives into a television format.
Amazon Prime Video has launched a bold new venture with 'Secret Level', a 15-episode animated anthology series that dives into the universes of various video games, from iconic classics like 'Pac-Man' to modern titles and even some that never saw commercial success, like 'Concord'. Each episode offers a unique narrative, reinterpreting the original game worlds in surprising ways, which has sparked discussions among fans and critics alike.
One of the most talked-about episodes of 'Secret Level' is 'Pac-Man: Circle', a haunting reinterpretation of the classic arcade game. In this episode, the simple gameplay of Pac-Man is transformed into a dark narrative about a character named Puck who manipulates another character to consume everything in a never-ending maze. This creative liberty has not only surprised audiences but also left them questioning the essence of the original game. The episode reflects a broader trend in the series of taking significant creative risks, which has been a point of contention among hardcore fans.
The inclusion of 'Concord' in 'Secret Level' is particularly poignant, given the game's cancellation just two weeks after its launch and the subsequent closure of its developer, Firewalk Studios. Despite the game's failure, the creators decided to feature its episode in the series, showcasing the efforts of the artists and animators involved. This decision highlights the complexities of developing series content in parallel with video games, which can have unpredictable outcomes.
The creators of 'Secret Level' are acutely aware of the high expectations from gaming fans, which can be both a blessing and a curse. The series aims to honor the original material while bringing something new to the table, a balancing act that has been met with mixed reactions. Episodes like the one based on 'Warhammer 40,000' showcase the challenge of adapting complex game lore into a short narrative format, requiring a delicate handling of fan-beloved material.
Amazon's 'Secret Level' represents a new frontier in the adaptation of video game content into series format, blending innovation with reverence for the original games. While the series has sparked debate among fans, it also demonstrates the potential for narrative depth and creative storytelling within the framework of existing game universes. As the series continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how it balances these elements and what new interpretations it will bring to the screen.
"I’d love to take sole credit for why the ‘Pac-Man’ episode is as troubling as it is, but we got on a call with Bandai early on, and the literal mission statement from them translated was: We would like audiences to wonder what the fuck we did to Pac-Man." - Dave Wilson
"We're not afraid of the companies. We're afraid of the fans." - Tim Miller