Created by the same studio behindLove, Death and RobotscomesSecret Level; a new video game anthology series coming to Amazon Prime Video that aims to be a revolutionary set of video game adaptation vignettes. The series is set to feature 15 different games across the same number of episodes,including IPs likeArmored Core,Dungeons and Dragons, andWarhammer 40,000.
Many of the anthology’s episodes are rather faithful to the franchise being featured, with theSpelunkyepisode turning its cave mechanics into a great story about perseverance andSifuputting the entire title’s themes into one short episode that lays itself bare in a fantastic way.Warhammer 40kis no different, as it builds off the recently releasedSpace Marine 2. Out of all the episodes, though,Warhammer 40k’s is actually rather unique as it serves as a “sequel” of sorts toSpace Marine 2in the sense that it takes place after the main campaign, but remains watchable for regularSecret Levelviewers by simoltaneously serving as a standalone adventure.
Secret Level’s Warhammer 40k Episode Bridges a Gap Most Adaptations Fall Through
Secret Level’s Warhammer 40,000 Episode is a Continuation, But Keeps Things Simple
It was revealed leading up to the release ofSecret Levelthat theW40Kepisodeaims to useWarhammer 40,000K: Space Marine 2as part of its story. Just as the game ends, the episode “And They Shall Know No Fear” picks up the story and sees Titus going on a special mission, with the small vignette following him and his other three comrades to the objective’s very end, with a few surprises included forWarhammerfans. If players go intoSecret Levelhoping that theWarhammerepisode will focus solely on whereSpace Marine 2left off, though, they may be disappointed since something else takes a far bigger focus.
TheSecret Levelepisode dealing with the mission Titus was invited to at the end of the latestWarhammergame is as far as the continuation goes, but there’s plenty of action to excite viewers that rings true to the series' usual style, andfans of Demetrian Tituswill most certainly be happy that the sequel aspect of the episode takes a backseat to explore the famousWarhammercharacter’s origins.
An Audience Surrogate is Used to Not Only Bring in New Fans, But Excite Older Ones with Secret Level’s Warhammer Episode
One important aspect that’s shared in almost everySecret Levelepisode is the thesis statement that these stories have to stand on their own, both respectful of source material but not so reliant on it that newer viewers would feel alienated just by watching.Secret Levelmanages to get around this withWarhammerby introducing Bladeguard Sergeant Metarus, a new character played by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje who has a longstanding connection with Titus - one that may fill in a few gapsinWarhammerloresome fans have been wanting to see addressed. Those unfamiliar with the series will get to see the story through Metarus' eyes, but those who are familiar will have plenty of Easter eggs to celebrate and new information about Titus to digest by taking the time to watch the 15-minute episode.
Manyvideo game adaptationstypically fall into the traps of either making things confusing for a casual audience (such asRatchet and Clank) or making things too general to keep those who adore the source material entertained (a common complaint aboutUncharted), so the fact thatSecret Levelmanaged to find its own niche and pull off a sequel and standalone hybrid is worthy of praise. While it remains to be seen just howWarhammer 40k’s presence inSecret Level’s all-star line-up will resonate with die-hard fans, it’ll surely stick the landing with at least some viewers and could possibly inspire new players all on its own.
Secret Level
Cast
Amazon Prime Video’s Secret Level is an animated series that explores different gaming worlds, telling short stories within them. Some of the featured games include Armored Core, Sifu, Unreal Tournament, Concord, Ghost of Tsushima, Pac-Man, and The Outer Worlds.
