Introduction

As a long-time gamer, I’ve found myself diving deeper into certain games, seeking out every detail and extra story element. Titles like Dark Souls, Silent Hill, and Resident Evil have always compelled me to explore beyond the obvious, whether through books, online discussions, or fan theories. A good storyteller creates a world so compelling that it leaves players wanting more, even outside the game. That’s why when I heard about Amazon’s Secret Level, a series exploring untold stories from popular video game franchises, I was intrigued.

With 15 episodes covering different games, animation styles, and voice actors like Keanu Reeves, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kevin Hart, and more, I expected a high-budget hit. After binge-watching almost the entire series in one day, I was left with mixed feelings. Here’s my review of Secret Level!

Watch the Official Trailer

Story

Secret Level takes on an ambitious premise, featuring stories from a mix of well-known and niche franchises. You’ll find tales from iconic series like Mega Man, Dungeons & Dragons, Armored Core, Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine, and even Pac-Man (though that one is quite different from what you’d expect). The series also delves into smaller IPs like Sifu, Spelunky, and the very short-lived Concord.

The stories provide alternative takes on familiar narratives, with one of the most interesting being the Sifu episode, which reimagines the first level and expands it into a full storyline. The Pac-Man episode was particularly eerie, offering a dark and mature twist on the classic character, with the promise of a new IP called Shadow Labyrinth in the works. This episode intrigued me, and I’m excited to see how this game develops. Secret Level excels at teasing potential future titles, sparking curiosity about what might come next.

However, not every episode hits the mark. Some, like the New World episode (featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger), offered a solid theme but failed to execute. Other episodes, like Crossfire, felt overly simplistic and forgettable. A few choices of franchises, like Concord (a game that barely lasted three weeks), raised eyebrows. Some episodes, like Exodus (a game not even released yet), leaned heavily on visuals and offered little substance. Secret Level took risks with its selection of IPs, but some attempts missed the mark.

Acting & Cast

One area where Secret Level shines is its impressive cast. Featuring voice actors like Keanu Reeves, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Kevin Hart, the series benefited from a star-studded lineup. While some actors are more experienced in voice work than others, the performances were generally strong. That said, some characters (particularly Keanu and Arnold) went a little overboard at times. However, I never felt that their over-the-top performances detracted from the overall enjoyment of the episodes.

Cinematography & Direction

The animation in Secret Level is, without question, one of the series’ strongest points. Even the less engaging episodes benefited from incredible visuals. The Armored Core episode, in particular, blew my mind with animation quality that rivaled some of the best animated games. Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine, Mega Man, and Sifu also featured stunning animation, making their shorter runtimes (some episodes are only 10 minutes long) feel even more impactful. Even the weaker episodes had solid animation, ensuring the series maintained a high level of visual quality throughout. Without these fantastic visuals, the series wouldn’t have been nearly as enjoyable.

Conclusion

Secret Level is a mixed bag. While it boasts some exceptional episodes, others fall flat. I’m sure that if you ask anyone who watched the series, you’ll get a similar response: “Some stories were better than others.” That said, with a second season confirmed, I’m hopeful that they’ll bring in more iconic franchises. Until then, Secret Level is worth watching, but I’d recommend re-watching only a few select episodes. Let’s hope season 2 delivers even better stories. Feel free to share in the comments which stories you’d like to see, and let’s discuss that eerie Pac-Man episode — it was certainly something!

—Aaron