So Secret Level's Pac-Man Episode Was Weird, Huh?

Much like any good game's journalist, I'm a little behind, and unfortunately, I have only just got around to watching Amazon's new show: Secret Level. The aforementioned is an animated anthology series helmed by creator Tim Miller, and true to its premise, focuses on a different videogame property, each and every episode. However, with this article, I wish to draw your attention to episode six specifically: PAC-MAN: Circle.

Just so that we're clear, this isn't a review. But spoiler warning for the ten-minute short anyway, I guess. Read on, at your own risk!

Now, to begin with: I liked this installment in the series; the animation was solid and the story was well-written with great pacing (especially when you consider the bare-bones source material and the episode's restricted length). Additionally, the episode also manages to introduce enough that's new, as well as delivering satisfying twists on the already known, to create a world that is very intriguing. All things that I never thought I would ever say regarding a damn Pac-Man tie-in, of all things. However, with all that said, PAC-MAN: Circle is also something akin to true nightmare fuel. Which I suppose is something else that I never thought I would mention when discussing a Pac-Man-related thing either. And in this interpretation the Spanish studio really didn't hold back.

The episode opens with the introduction of our protagonist — a grey humanoid figure (Swordsman number: unknown) — who falls from some sort of stasis tube. Immediately, said nameless and lost protagonist is greeted by Puck (who is basically Pac-man), who conversely appears to be familiar with the planet. In little time, the ominous Puck informs our protagonist that the world is very dangerous, and expresses that it is “kill or be killed” and that the protagonist must “eat”. We're then given a short montage detailing our protagonist’s travels across the world's varied biomes, watching him cut down larger and larger prey, and witnessing his fall into madness. His hunger soon reaches insatiable levels, and no longer does he spare any time to cook what he kills.

At the end of the episode, the protagonist is led by Puck to an ancient ruin. Before them lies a monument and a sealed door. But before much of anything can be discussed, a ginormous gorilla-esque beast leaps down from the ruins to confront our protagonist. On the brute’s forehead emanates a glow, one in the loose shape of a ghost (wink, wink). These creatures are also seen earlier in the short, unbeknownst to the viewer; although, only their forehead lights appear as floating spirits in the thick, black darkness.

Our dwarfed protagonist rushes the waiting beast, only to be beaten and broken down with ease. However, this is when Puck reveals his true and sinister self; he buries his small, metal body in the spine of the dying protagonist, and the two of them warp into a single being! Puck is now in total control. This larger Puck quickly devours his way through the once-powerful beast, and drives forward, towards the door. He repeatedly expresses his intent to finally leave the maze in which he has been seemingly imprisoned. Our protagonist, though, manages to separate the pair — tearing the little Puck from his chest with his final breath. And he condemns Puck to remain trapped. A mildly irked Puck, however, following a small pep talk, repeats the cycle and sets free another humanoid protagonist.

So, yes, this episode was a very weird thing. And I still cannot really believe that it exists, even if it is related to the recently announced Shadow Labyrinth. As previously mentioned: I do indeed like this short. It manages (with apparent ease) to say a lot with only a little, and does successfully make something out of the otherwise stripped-back and family-friendly videogame property. (Here’s hoping the videogame-to-be can manage the same.) I particularly like how Pac-Man was twisted to be the villain. That was a nice touch, and manages to feel very natural in the setting. My only gripe is the removal of the Inky, Pinky, Blinky, and Clyde; the Ghost Gang is a huge aspect of the original Pac-Man titles, and so it was a genuine shame to see them cast aside so frivolously in favour of other more tangible enemies. Perhaps (and once again hopefully), Shadow Labyrinth goes into more details regarding their replacement.

So I hope that I haven't discouraged you from seeing the episode yourself, with my little article. And I do recommend that you go and check out this episode (and the rest of the series) over on Amazon Prime, as soon as you get the chance.