The following contains spoilers for Secret Level season 1 episode 10, “Mega Man: Start,” now streaming on Prime VideoSecret Level’s Mega Man episode is a perfect indicator of how much the Blue Bomber deserves his own new show.Mega Manis a long-standing success story in the world of video games. The original game, which debuted in 1987, quickly became a worldwide smash that’s resulted in over a dozen titles and several spin-off series. The underlying story about a heroic young robot who faces off with hordes of corrupted machines is one that can be remixed and reimagined in plenty of ways, including in other media. However, there’s never been a truly great on-screen version of the story.
Secret Levelhas been Prime Video’s newest video game adaptation, bringing audiences into over a dozen different worlds through self-contained adventure storylines. This includes a new take on Mega Man, which introduces a young version of the titular hero as he realizes his full potential to protect his creator, Dr. Light. While other episodes ofSecret Levelwere darkly subversive, the anthology’s take on Mega Man is true to the spirit of the original games.Secret Level’s Mega Man episodeis a pitch-perfect reimagining that proves the character deserves a new show, and I hope Prime Video embraces that potential.
Secret Level’s Mega Man Is A Perfect Introduction To The Blue Bomber
Secret LevelGives Mega Man A Great New Origin Story
Secret Level’sMega Manepisode functions perfectly as an introduction to the character, and now I really want a full series focused on his adventures. “Start” introduces audiences to Dr. Light and his lab assistant Rock, amid the efforts of the villainous Dr. Wily to corrupt robots around their city. The pair are established with a father-son dynamic, especially when one of Dr. Light’s other creations goes wild and attacks the inventory.This forces Rock into action, despite Dr. Light’s efforts to keep Mega Man from fighting. The result is an exciting adventure that quickly establishes Rock’s personality and abilities.
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As a lifelong fan ofMega Man, I love how quickly the episode understands the key emotional connection between Rock and Dr. Light. In essence,the short is a perfect pilot episode for a larger story, teasing the scope of Rock’s mission and the kind of threats he’ll need to overcome. I love how the episode places emphasis on why Rocm is willing to fight though. By grounding Rock’s mission in an effort to protect his father from a direct corruption of his work, the episode gives the potentially one-note “good robots vs. bad robots” storyline a greater emotional hook.
Secret Level’s Mega Man Is Only Getting Started
Secret LevelIntroduces Rock First, Mega Man Second
What makes theMega Manepisode so exciting is the way it is very much geared towards setting up the character’s world. The episode ends with Rock fully suited up for the first time, ready to jump into adventure. Having proven his combat skills and capability to duplicate other robot abilities,the short ends effectively where the firstMega Mangame begins. This was an ideal way to establish the character as a likable protagonist, the kind of hero who could drive an entire series without feeling like the episode spends too much time explaining the character and his world.
It’s a perfect pilot episode, setting up a clear episodic narrative where each entry is focused on Rock facing another robot.
I love how the episode sets up the danger of Dr. Wily without feeling too much like an extended explanation. The danger he poses Rock’s world and way of life is clear, even though Wily himself is nowhere to be seen. Instead, his corrupting influence on robots means there’s no limit to the fresh foes and new enemies that Mega Man can encounter. The premise is quickly established, and ends with Mega Man suited up and ready for battle. It’s a perfect pilot episode, setting up a clear episodic narrative where each entry is focused on Rock facing another robot.
A New Mega Man Show Could Fix The Mistakes Of The Past
Mega Man Deserves A Show That Truly Realizes The Franchise’s Potential
Mega Manhas proven to be a deceptively tricky character to bring to television or film, makingSecret Level’s success with the character all the more impressive. In North America, Mega Man made his debut as a cast member inCaptain N: The Game Master, a show whose potentially expansive premise was undercut by bizarre takes on the characters. After that, theMega Mananimated series felt more authentic to the source material but was also hindered by a stilted execution.Mega Man: Fully Chargedwas a recent attempt geared primarily to younger audiences and reflected that in the execution.
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Secret Level
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By contrast,Secret Levelpresents a more dramatic and action-centric Mega Man without making him weirdly violent or mature.Mega Manfeels like an action hero that all audiences could appreciate, with plenty of danger to overcome but an inherently innocent element that makes him quickly likable and relatable. It’s everything I’ve always liked about the character and quickly established through action instead of explanation. The previousMega Manshows may have had their strengths, but this new version feels authentic to the original games but with enough compelling elements that I’d love to see expanded into a full show.
Prime Video Should Make A Full Mega Man Show
Recent Video Game Success Stories Prove The Time Is Right For Mega Man
Video game adaptations have been doing better than ever, highlighting how there’s natural room for a new take on Mega Man. Prime Video may even be the ideal place to do it. Secret Level proves they’re willing to give creatives like Tim Miller license to experiment with IP and play with it in unexpected ways, all while remaining true to the spirit of the originals. Shows like Fallout highlight how new takes on IP can feel true to the original. The success of the Mario and Sonic movies prove there’s an audience for a family-friendly adventures based on video games.
The sheer visual variety and versatility of action inherent toMega Manand his larger world makes it an ideal subject to adapt into a show, with lots of potential for good action.I’ve always wanted to see aMega Manshow that realized the true potential of the original games, andSecret Levelproves that the right creative team can keep the spirit of Rock alive while showcasing some really impressive action.Secret Leveldoes a great job teasing what aMega Manseries could look like, and now Prime Video is perfectly positioned to expand on that potential.
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.
Mega Man
TheMega Manfranchise, originating as a video game series developed by Capcom, has expanded into various media, including animated TV shows and an upcoming live-action movie. The franchise is known for its iconic blue protagonist, Mega Man, who battles rogue robots and their creators to protect humanity. Over the years,Mega Manhas become a significant cultural icon in gaming and animation.
