prime video fails to deliver with its video game anthology series

In the months leading up to December 2024, Prime Video launched 'Secret Level,' an anthology series dedicated to video games that spans multiple decades. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by Prime Video to diversify its offerings in the realm of video game adaptations, already boasting titles such as 'Fallout' and the upcoming 'Mass Effect.' Unlike traditional narrative-focused series, 'Secret Level' presents a collection of episodes that highlight different phases in video game history: ‘the games that were,’ ‘games that are,’ and ‘games that will be.’ Each episode collectively makes up a 15-episode season that strives to present viewers with a unique experience centered around various titles and their associated lore. Throughout the series, the production has focused primarily on contemporary games, featuring both well-known franchises like 'Armored Core' and 'Space Marine II' and smaller, niche titles anticipated to gain popularity in upcoming years. Despite its ambitious scope, the series struggles with a lack of cohesive narrative linking the episodes, which can detract from the overall viewing experience. However, each installment typically resonates with its respective game, contributing rich context and settings from the gaming universes they represent. While many episodes function well independently, providing valuable insights into their stories, some fall flat by coming across as promotional tools rather than genuine explorations of their subjects. Particular episodes, such as those for 'Sifu' and 'Spelunky,' stand out as creative highlights due to their unique art style, contrasting the more homogeneous visual approach taken by Blur Studio for the bulk of the series. This lack of visual diversity creates a feeling of redundancy, reminiscent of long cinematic sequences from major gaming events like E3 or the Game Awards. The series also highlights moments of lost potential, such as the episode focusing on 'Concord,’ a game that was shuttered before it could establish a following. Although it demonstrates interesting elements of a planned sci-fi world, it ultimately feels more like an afterthought rather than a successful representation of its subject. Overall, while 'Secret Level' shows promise and lays the groundwork for future explorations of video game narratives, it must refine its approaches to stand out and avoid being viewed merely as a marketing endeavor. The success of the series hinges on its ability to shift away from overt corporate influences and cultivate a genuinely engaging relationship with the game-playing audience, essential for any future expansions or iterations of the franchise.