Prime Video’s Gaming Series Is Dull

From HBO’s “The Final of Us” to Prime Video‘s “Fallout,” networks and streamers have been on a run of efficiently adapting video video games into tv sequence. With its newest adult-animated sequence, “Secret Stage,” created by “Deadpool” director Tim Miller, Prime Video affords players and novices a brand new approach to expertise some notable gaming properties. The 15-episode anthology offers audiences a brief snippet into a number of beloved franchises, together with “Pac-Man” and the fantasy role-playing recreation “Dungeons & Dragons.” However regardless of the vastly totally different titles, its monotonous storytelling will do little to entice hardcore followers or viewers who know little in regards to the numerous universes. 

The framework of “Secret Stage” is actually fascinating. Miller and recreation publishers dive into 15 totally different manufacturers, together with PlayStation’s now-canceled “Harmony,” Capcom’s “Mega Man” and Amazon Video games’ “New World: Aeternum” (the final of which is likely one of the better of the mediocre bunch). Nonetheless, spanning seven to 17 minutes, most of those episodes really feel like recreation trailers as a substitute of well-defined tales. Most of the plots get compelling solely within the remaining couple of minutes. Or worse, they’re recycled variations of situations the viewers has seen quite a few occasions. 

Whereas having a certain quantity of lives and always dying is a major factor of many video video games, this theme is exhaustively explored in “Secret Stage.” Episode 2, “Sifu: It Takes A Life,” Episode 3, “New World: The As soon as and Future King” and Episode 12, “Spelunky: Tally,” all revolve round dying and resurrection. Although “Sifu” has beautiful visuals, “New World: The As soon as and Future King” shines brightest. The story follows King Aelstrom (voiced by Arnold Schwarzenegger), an obnoxious monarch who, alongside together with his loyal squire Scaevola, finally ends up on the supernatural island of Aeternum after being shipwrecked. Even after dropping his total military to the ocean, Aelstrom is decided to overcome the island and take the throne, a feat he shortly learns is far more difficult than anticipated. “New World” stands out due to the humor within the narrative. A buffoonish meathead, Aelstrom struggles to overcome the land. As a substitute, he takes his frustrations out on Scaevola, who tries time and time once more to influence the fallen sovereign to let go of his previous life. Sadly, Aelstrom can’t fairly conceive of an existence with out ruling over others. 

One other standout is the ultraviolent Episode 6, “PAC-MAN: Circle.” Almost all viewers will acknowledge the timeless maze and its titular protagonist, however the “Secret Stage” tackle the ghost-eating circle determine is not like any earlier iteration. Within the 10-minute sequence, Miller presents a darkish, risky and gory sequence of creepy humanoid-like Pac-Man who should transfer by a maze by brutally annihilating every thing in sight. Although the episode’s ending is admittedly preposterous, it’s distinctive because it vastly differs from the traditional character and the remainder of the present. 

“Secret Stage” could have labored higher if its simplistic storylines focused kids as a substitute of adults. In any case, the dying and gore typically really feel overdone and pointless.  Additionally, since many episodes really feel so superficial and even bland, this reviewer (who final performed a online game within the Nineteen Nineties on a yellow Recreation Boy Shade) assumes that thrusting collectively totally different video games into one generic broad umbrella will doubtless frustrate followers who possess a deep degree of data and affection for these interactive experiences. 

“Secret Stage” has star energy (becoming a member of Schwarzenegger are Keanu Reeves, Kevin Hart and a number of other different notable names), however dazzling animation and thrilling storylines are few and much between. Prime Video’s “Fallout” allowed players to linger in an intensely enjoyable macrocosm crammed with wealthy particulars, distinctive characters and an unique story. Sadly, “Secret Stage” presents the alternative. The sequence appears like a jumble of gaming commercials. For viewers who’ve by no means entered the gaming world, the present dissolves into disorienting snippets of tales that by no means reveal their true function or which means.  For individuals who know these worlds nicely, the present acts as poorly written AI summaries of large tales, all of which might have been higher positioned in a gap or closing credit score sequence of their respective video games. 

The primary eight episodes of “Secret Stage” premiere Dec. 10 on Prime Video. Further episodes drop Dec. 17.