Secret Level review: "An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"

GamesRadar+ Verdict GamesRadar+ Verdict Pros+Some surprising, unexpected standout adaptations+Largely beautiful animation throughout+A clear love for games Some surprising, unexpected standout adaptations Largely beautiful animation throughout A clear love for games Cons-Uneven mix of adaptations-Too many safe, brand-appropriate stories-Awkward roster of source material Uneven mix of adaptations Too many safe, brand-appropriate stories Awkward roster of source material Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. Secret Level ultimately suffers from the same problem that so frequently troubles all other anthology series regardless of whether they’re animated and regardless of whether they’re game adaptations. There are some truly stellar episodes, some real clunkers, and a fair amount of middling ones. Taken as a whole, it makes for an uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses more often than not. Advancing the plot (Image credit: Prime Video) Fast Facts A good, well-paced TV episode can absolutely fit into those parameters, and animation specifically has frequently been able to turn 11-minute episodes into something special, but it’s no easy task. Being succinct, compelling, and clear all while juggling the requirements of trying to introduce well-established settings to potentially unfamiliar viewers – I do not envy any of the creators involved; it sounds impossible. And yet, somehow, the team does actually achieve the impossible in more episodes than I might have initially expected. The Armored Core episode, ‘Asset Management,’ is a well-executed entry from the jump, and not just because the voice and likeness of Keanu Reeves happens to grace the visage and vocal chords of the main character. The mech combat, movement, and general tone all really work together for a cohesive whole, and while I won’t spoil the ending here, it’s easily the conclusion that impressed me the most. Adapt or die (Image credit: Prime Video) The most successful entries actually do seem to have one thing in common if nothing else: a distinct lack of intention to skew particularly close to whatever they’re adapting. The Pac-Man episode is absolutely wild, and as the teasers that have released ahead of the actual series indicate, the team really went in a completely unexpected direction that nevertheless has a number of the classic game’s hallmarks. It’s not a one-to-one adaptation, and neither does it play it safe, and it stands out in large part because of it. But for every Armored Core or Pac-Man episode, there is an episode that falls into the aforementioned pitfalls. A major trap of adapting video games into any other medium is becoming enamored with the idea of somehow fictionalizing the mechanics into whatever story you’re telling. It’s far too easy to delve too greedily, too deep, and end up at a place that’s more clever than interesting. (I’m looking at you, Spelunky episode.) I do not envy any of the creators involved; it sounds impossible I do not envy any of the creators involved; it sounds impossible I won’t speculate as to how, exactly, the various stakeholders influenced the creation of the episodes, but it’s not hard to imagine that they, well,did. It would certainly go a long way toward explaining why a few of the adaptations feel more toothless than others. Certain episodes show a real desire to lean in and get weird and wild while others are more content to be a brand-specific TV version of the poorly received 2015 film Pixels. One particularly frustrating episode feels like a series of cameo nods and reference winks that seem designed around the core mission statement of something like, “Isn’t this cool? Don’t you love this? How fun!” This is all juxtaposed against what I would personally consider to be a fictional hypercapitalist hellscape filled with exactly the kind of technology I dread coming into popularity in real life. I won’t go so far as to say this wasn’t intentional – the people making this thing absolutely put a lot of thought into it and stared at all its moving parts far longer than I – but the end result is puzzling to say the least. Graphics modes (Image credit: Prime Video) Secret Level releases a batch of episodes on December 10 and then again on December 17, and is available on Amazon’s Prime Video. For more, check out our guide to thebest shows on Amazon Prime Videoto stream right now. CATEGORIESGamesTabletop Gaming CATEGORIES More about secret levelSecret Level will keep adapting games like Armored Core and Pac-Man as Amazon’s Prime Video renews for season 2Secret Level’s Pac-Man episode had one big request from developers: “We would like the audiences to wonder, ‘What the f*ck did they do to Pac-Man?'“LatestI can’t lie - my Christmas plans including using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speedsSee more latest► More about secret levelSecret Level will keep adapting games like Armored Core and Pac-Man as Amazon’s Prime Video renews for season 2Secret Level’s Pac-Man episode had one big request from developers: “We would like the audiences to wonder, ‘What the f*ck did they do to Pac-Man?'“LatestI can’t lie - my Christmas plans including using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speedsSee more latest► More about secret levelSecret Level will keep adapting games like Armored Core and Pac-Man as Amazon’s Prime Video renews for season 2Secret Level’s Pac-Man episode had one big request from developers: “We would like the audiences to wonder, ‘What the f*ck did they do to Pac-Man?'” More about secret level Secret Level will keep adapting games like Armored Core and Pac-Man as Amazon’s Prime Video renews for season 2Secret Level’s Pac-Man episode had one big request from developers: “We would like the audiences to wonder, ‘What the f*ck did they do to Pac-Man?'” Secret Level will keep adapting games like Armored Core and Pac-Man as Amazon’s Prime Video renews for season 2 Secret Level will keep adapting games like Armored Core and Pac-Man as Amazon’s Prime Video renews for season 2 Secret Level’s Pac-Man episode had one big request from developers: “We would like the audiences to wonder, ‘What the f*ck did they do to Pac-Man?'” Secret Level’s Pac-Man episode had one big request from developers: “We would like the audiences to wonder, ‘What the f*ck did they do to Pac-Man?'” LatestI can’t lie - my Christmas plans including using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speedsSee more latest► Latest I can’t lie - my Christmas plans including using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speeds I can’t lie - my Christmas plans including using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speeds I can’t lie - my Christmas plans including using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speeds See more latest► Most PopularAnbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket”Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up"Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”Arcs review: “A 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“The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became"Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids”Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” Most PopularAnbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket”Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up"Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became"Azeron 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insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams’ disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams’ disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams’ disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams’ disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5 Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”