One ofSecret Level’s episodes is a tribute to PlayStation, which subtly calls out negative trends in modern gaming.Secret Level’s episode rankingsmay be different for everyone, but the messages each one tells are difficult to lose in translation. For example,Secret Levelepisode 12’s endingtook the video gameSpelunkyand conveyed the message that its audience should live every day to the full. Focusing on monotony and futility will rob people of the wonders they can experience, proving just how thematically resonantSecret Levelcan be.

Secret Levelepisode 15is no different, though its messaging comes across uniquely in comparison to the preceding 14 installments. The reason for this is that the episode is not based on any one individualgame remake likeSecret Level’s other stories, instead being an original tale that is a tribute to PlayStation. Via this tribute,Secret Levelincludes some commentary on the state of modern gaming, likely resonating with anyone who is well-versed in the realm of video games.

The main character looking forward next to her riding a bike in Secret Level’s PlayStation episode

Secret Level’s PlayStation Tribute Calls Out Mobile Gaming

Secret Levelepisode 15 tells the story of O, a courier who is tasked with delivering inconsequential things to clients, having limited time and risking her life to do so. With every delivery, O gets an upgrade that she hopes will make her job easier. However, her first delivery inSecret Levelepisode 15 sees her dangerous route rewarded with a slightly more orange coloring for her bike. This is a commentary on the status of many modern games, specifically in the world of mobile gaming.

Modern mobile games often require a great deal of “grinding,” in which players have to dedicate hours upon hours of their time to something to get little reward. This has been a criticism that is often levied against games in recent years, as they are time-consuming and difficult, and do not reward the player in any meaningful way. Overall, this creates a disconnect between the player and the game, making the latter feel like a monotonous, joyless occupation for the former just as O discovers inSecret Levelepisode 15.

A composite image featuring an extreme closeup of Kratos looking at the camera with Kratos standing triumphantly atop a snowy mountain in God of War Ragnarok

Secret Level’s Love Letter To PlayStation Is About Gaming With Imagination

Secret Levelepisode 15 takes a turning point after showing O in this state, with the character receiving a package that contains “a conduit.” The Conduit is described as incredibly valuable for those who have a strong imagination, allowing O to dream up incredibly fast motorbikes, planes, and vehicles to help her reach a new destination. This destination is blocked by iconic PlayStation characters likeGod of War’s Kratos or the titular kaiju fromShadow of the Colossusuntil O reaches her childhood home.

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After doing so, she steps back outside to see the world has changed to one of unlimited imagination and freedom. Gone are the constrains of her old life, with this change beingSecret Level’s allegory for gaming a different way. The episode is directly going against the negativity of modern gaming and proving how freeing and rewarding the medium can be if done correctly with imagination and with others to play with. In a world that continues to create media akin to O’s original job inSecret Level, episode 15’s message is a timely one.

Secret Level - Poster

Secret Level

Cast

Secret Level is an adult animated series exploring original short stories set within the worlds of popular video games. Each episode introduces new adventures, delving into iconic gaming classics and forthcoming titles to unlock captivating narratives and immersive experiences. Created by Tim Miller, the series celebrates gaming culture.