The Best Secret Level Episodes, Ranked

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Summary

  • Secret Level is a new Amazon anthology by Tim Miller, featuring different video game properties.
  • Short episodes explore various games like Unreal Tournament, Warhammer 40,000, and Crossfire.
  • Each episode delves into unique aspects of gaming with action, lore, and messages.

As a longtime gamer and storyteller, I must say that this list of “Secret Level” episodes based on iconic video games is simply extraordinary! Each one offers a fresh take on beloved characters while also providing an exciting new narrative for fans to enjoy.

The series titled “Select Level” is a fresh anthology on Amazon. It’s the brainchild of Tim Miller, who is famous for creating the anthology sci-fi series “Love, Death and Robots“. Besides this, Miller is well-known for directing the first “Deadpool” movie, which has earned him a substantial amount of admiration from fans. Notably, Blur Studio, known for creating CG cutscenes for video games for many years, is involved in this project. As a result, each short in “Select Level” showcases various properties, ranging from “Armored Core” to “Unreal Tournament“.

For starters, let’s discuss the initial season, which consists of just eight episodes. A follow-up season is already in the works, promising appearances by gaming icons such as Mega Man. Until that moment arrives, we’ll be comparing and rating each episode from the first season based on entertainment value, disregarding how closely they adhere to the original video game being portrayed. Be aware that there will be spoilers ahead.

8. Unreal Tournament: Xan

Get Ready To Rebel

  • Episode 4

Unreal Tournament, originally a renowned multiplayer shooter game for PCs, dominated the gaming scene during the 90s. In Unreal Tournament: Xan, set far into the future, humans engage in gladiatorial combat against robots. However, after several rounds of human victories, the robots begin to learn and eventually revolt against their biological commanders.

The narrative isn’t particularly complex, but it offers some creatively choreographed fight sequences amidst the backdrop of explosions and gunfire. This is an underappreciated series that hasn’t had a significant update in some time, so it may not resonate strongly with new viewers who tune in for this brief installment.

7. Warhammer 40,000: And They Shall Know No Fear

We’re Done Here

  • Episode 5

Recently, there’s been a boom in games based on Warhammer 40,000, and the newest addition is Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. Interestingly, Warhammer 40,000: And They Shall Know No Fear connects to this game as Titus, a key character from Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, appears in the unit within this storyline.

He’s a side character though not that there is a lot of dialogue exchanged. Most of the short takes place in a dusty canyon wherein the heavily armored Space Marines slaughter heretics by the dozens. The coolest part of the episode is the end wherein the unit becomes transfixed by a demon in a cave who controls time and revels in slaughtering these juggernauts in creative ways.

6. Crossfire: Good Conflict

Score One For The Good Guys

  • Episode 7

Good Conflict,” centers around a single mercenary group tasked with safeguarding a client and his case in a city ravaged by war, amidst pouring rain.

What captivates about this brief piece is the concluding point it presents. It depicts two military groups striving to accomplish their tasks, each believing they are the hero rather than the antagonist. This notion implies that truth can be subjective, a theme often seen in media and yet remains relevant today.

5. Dungeons & Dragons: The Queen’s Cradle

In Need Of A Cleric

  • Episode 1

Dungeons & Dragons, a timeless gem among pen-and-paper role-playing games, has not only left an indelible mark on its genre but also spawned numerous successful video game adaptations. Its narrative flexibility makes it ideal for an anthology series as players frequently create their own campaign tales. “Dungeons & Dragons: The Queen’s Cradle” is a standalone story that follows the journey of a group of four heroes who rescue a young man in the forest.

In this brief movie, a man is tormented by strange symbols etched onto his flesh, suggesting something sinister lurks within. Recognizing this, the knight among our group decides to escort him to seek help from a dragon, hoping it can remove the enchantment. The film offers a mix of witty dialogue, emotional conversations, and energetic action scenes, all enhanced by the swift displays of magic throughout.

4. Sifu: It Takes A Life

Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting

  • Episode 2

As a devoted cinephile, I’d describe Sifu as an engaging martial arts roguelike, where I, a young karate student, experience the heart-wrenching loss of my master at a tender age. What sets this game apart is its unique mechanic: players can die and resurrect, but each demise ages us further, adding a profound layer of challenge and emotional depth to the gameplay.

In one go, players might appear as if they’re aging individuals with silver hair. Essentially, Sifu: It Takes a Life encapsulates all the game’s lore, delving into the student’s past and his quest for vengeance in a condensed manner. The brief duration offers some impressive martial arts moves, culminating in an ending that is both sweet and awkward, which might cause some viewers to furrow their brows.

3. Pac-Man: Circle

You Look Hungry, Eat

  • Episode 6

Pac-Man, a widely recognized character who devours pellets in arcade games, is not connected to the storyline of the original game in any way. Instead, it’s based on a forthcoming spinoff titled “Shadow Labyrinth.” The episode commences with a man emerging from a tube, shrouded in gray tones, and a radiant golden orb welcoming him.

The glowing sphere motivates the survivor to consume food and build strength, so they can escape the labyrinth. However, this montage is harsh, portraying gruesome acts of violence and cannibalism. But here’s the twist: at the end, the orb merges with the gray character, attempting to slip past the exit, yet it fails. Following the man’s demise, the maze resets, and the orb welcomes a new hatchling, leading viewers to ponder if this cycle has repeated countless times in a time loop scenario.

2. Armored Core: Asset Management

Wake Up Samurai

  • Episode 8

Initially, the Armored Core series catered to a specific audience of dedicated mech enthusiasts. However, the release of Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon captured the attention of FromSoftware fans, propelling it into mainstream culture. Given this surge in popularity, it was only fitting to create a short film titled Secret Level inspired by it.

The game titled “Armored Core: Asset Management” boasts a well-known figure, Keanu Reeves, portrayed in a likeness of his leaner, more youthful appearance reminiscent of the Matrix era. He’s recruited for a task, leading to an exhilarating mech combat sequence. Despite its action-packed nature, Keanu’s involvement adds an extra layer of quality, making it stand out among others due to his charismatic presence.

1. New World: The Once And Future King

Live, Die, Repeat

  • Episode 3

The game titled “New World” is an online role-playing action game developed within the Amazon network. Although it may not boast the popularity of “Pac-Man“, it certainly offers a thrilling adventure through “New World: The Once And Future King“. Moreover, it’s backed by a notable figure, Arnold Schwarzenegger, portraying a would-be king who arrives on the shores of new territory.

He thinks it’s his right to rule and the local king entertains this notion through a series of duels ending with Arnold’s death repeatedly. It’s played for laughs as Arnold’s character pathetically tries too hard. As funny as it is, the ending does have a sweet message attached.

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2024-12-15 16:34