Prepare to be amazed as we delve into the captivating "Secret Level" series on Amazon Prime Video. This animated anthology takes inspiration from a variety of video games, including the beloved Pac-Man. With a star-studded cast and a unique approach to adapting games, it's a must-watch for gaming and entertainment enthusiasts alike.

Uncover the Hidden Gems of "Secret Level"

How "Secret Level" Brings Video Games to Life

Blur, the studio behind "Secret Level," has been deeply involved in the games industry for nearly 30 years. They create captivating cinematics and trailers, making the pairing with video games almost inevitable. The team enjoys exploring different storytelling options based on various video games, ensuring there's something for everyone.Episodes are adapted from both newer titles and classic series, covering different game genres like sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. They also include a diverse range of game types such as adventure games, first-person shooters, and 8-bit games.

The Process of Adapting Games for "Secret Level"

The process of developing each short episode from entire gaming worlds is a complex yet concise one. First, the team sits with the developers and distills their 40-year or new franchise into a creative guide. This includes deciding which characters to use and which areas of the franchise are off-limits. These guides are then shared with the authors who pitch ideas. A winning pitch is turned into a short story and then adapted into a screenplay.The game companies they work with are invaluable resources as they know their games inside out. Many have a Lore Master on staff who provides clear ideas on interesting characters and storylines to explore.

A Different Pac-Man in "Secret Level"

The visual style, tone, and themes of "Secret Level" episodes vary like the games they're based on. Episode 6, "Pac-Man: Circle," takes a horror-tinged twist on the classic character. This terrifying and occasionally gory tale follows a warrior in an unfamiliar environment forced by a floating gold orb to eat enemies and become stronger.Bandai Namco, the developer of the Pac-Man franchise, gave a simple mandate: make people wonder what they did to Pac-Man. After multiple attempts, J.T. Petty, the head writer, came up with the episode. On Thursday, Bandai Namco also announced "Shadow Labyrinth," a darker take on Pac-Man.

Why the Concord Episode Stays

One of the episodes of "Secret Level" is adapted from the troubled video game Concord. PlayStation shut down the online first-person shooter game shortly after its debut, and the developer was closed down. However, the team behind "Secret Level" never considered removing or reworking the Concord episode as it was completed before the game's issues."The worst thing we could do would be to remove the episode. It would be a hole in the series instead of a celebration of the hard work of the artists and animators," said Wilson. Miller added, "You've got to show respect for those who put themselves out there. The episode is fun, and the characters are cool." The Concord-based episode will be released on Prime Video on December 17.