Prime Video’s Secret Level is a new video game anthology show from the brilliant minds behind Netflix’s Love, Death and Robots, and it looks great
Is that Keanu Reeves in Secret Level’s Armored Core episode?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
I’m a big fan ofNetflix’sLove, Death and Robots. I’m also a big fan of videogames. So, when a newPrime Videoanthology series, based on some of the world’s most famous gaming franchises, was announced at gamescom last night (August 20), it not only had my curiosity, but also my attention.
Step forwardSecret Level, the latest adult animated anthology show from Tim Miller and his production company Blur Studio that’s set to debut on Amazon’s primary streaming service on December 10. It’ll comprise 15 episodes, with each installment telling an original short story set in a variety of iconic videogame universes, includingGod of WarandPac-Man. Oh, and we were also treated to a first look at the various art and animation styles that’ll be on display in the series viaSecret Level’s official trailer, which premiered at last night’s gamescom Opening Night Live event.
Miller, who co-createdLove, Death and Robotswith famed film auteur David Fincher, and Blur Studio have led development on the series alongside supervising director Dave Wilson. Speaking toDeadline, Amazon MGM Studios' Head of Television Vernon Sanders explained why Prime Video’s creative team were so eager to work with Miller, Wilson, and Blur to create a show inspired by some of gaming’s most noteworthy franchises.
“Secret Levelweaves a tapestry of iconic games across multiple mediums, to tell a series of unique and captivating stories,” he gushed. “Created and led by Tim Miller, Blur Studio, and Supervising Director Dave Wilson, each episode will take our global Prime Video customers on a brand new journey with breath-taking animation and imaginative storytelling.”
Secret Level won’t focus solely on legendary videogame series, mind you. Indeed, it’ll also contain tales that take place in relatively new game franchises, such as the brand-new team-based shooterConcord, which is available onPlayStation 5and PC. Here’s the full list of games that’ll be part of Secret Level’s 15-strong haul, as confirmed by anAmazon press release:
Pushing the right buttons
In the wake ofSecret Level’s announcement, I’ve seen all kinds of reactions to the R-rated animated anthology series' reveal across social media. Indeed, some people are clearly excited to watch new stories set in their favorite game universes, while other bemused observers have wondered why Prime Video, one of the world’sbest streaming services, has created what’s essentially a show based around glorified videogame cutscenes.
The latter opinion is certainly a valid one, but this isn’t the first time that the entertainment industry has looked to its gaming cousin for narrative and creative inspiration. It hasn’t shied away from adapting some of the world’s most popular game franchises for the big and small screens, either. Just look at the recent explosion of critically-acclaimed and/or money-spinning movie and TV adaptations, includingThe Last of Us,The Super Mario Bros. Movie,Fallout, andSonic the Hedgehogfor proof of that. (Just maybe don’t look in the direction ofBorderlands.)
Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
Heck, videogame studios, such as Riot Games, have even created their own animated short stories that take place in their own franchises. Indeed, its most successful videogame propertyLeague of Legendshas not only received a number of animated tie-ins – music videos and shorts centered around some of its most famous characters – but also spawned its own original seriesArcane, whose first season is available on Netflix.Arcaneseason 2is also set to land on the streamer in November, too.
Why, then, should eyebrows be raised at Amazon for creating an anthology series influenced by other popular games? As long as they don’t contradict the narratives, franchise canon, and/or specific lore in their source material, I don’t see the problem. And, frankly, if any or all ofSecret Level’s episodes introduce their game series to a wider audience, that can only be a good thing. We’ve already seen Amazon’sFalloutTV showsignificantly increase interest in Bethesda’s role-playing first-person shooter games of the same name. I, for one, expectSecret Levelto do likewise with some of its lesser-known titles in due course.
You might also like
As TechRadar’s senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You’ll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.
An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as thisMoon Knight TV spot.
Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across.
Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.
4 spy shows on Prime Video with over 80% on Rotten Tomatoes
Prime Video’s smart new X-Ray feature is finally a good reason to add AI to streaming
Belkin’s Travel Bag for Vision Pro has pockets and is way cheaper than Apple’s own case
