Prime Video’s Secret Level has successfully transitioned celebrated and lesser-known video game franchises into the animated realm, culminating in an exciting finale dedicated to PlayStation. Following the acclaim received by Love, Death & Robots, Tim Miller has once again employed his brilliant anthology format to bring 15 distinct episodes to life, each delving into notable gaming titles. While the initial 14 episodes were firmly rooted in single games, the 15th episode took a refreshing twist by celebrating PlayStation as a whole, generously peppering the narrative with enticing Easter Eggs.
The episode titled “Playtime: Fulfillment”chronicles the journey of a girl named O as she undertakes various mundane tasks with little reward. Her adventure takes an exhilarating turn when she is assigned to deliver a package, navigating a series of challenges along the way—many of which feature mascots from some of the most iconic PlayStation games. While “Fulfillment”may not have fully capitalized on its cameo appearances, it was still a joy for fans to see beloved characters rendered in this unique format, sparking hopes for inclusions in potential Season 2 episodes.
6 Ghost of Tsushima
The Game’s Protagonist Makes A Hidden Appearance During Playtime’s Closing Moments
Among the varied cameos, Ghost of Tsushima delivered the most understated appearance in “Playtime: Fulfillment,”featuring Jin Sakai in a brief yet memorable moment. Although Jin’s presence was anticipated—having appeared in promotional materials—his role remained minor, as he was spotted in the background only after O completed her task. This subtlety may leave some fans wishing for a more prominent scene focused on the beloved samurai, causing frustration as they expected a full-fledged showcase of his character. Regardless, his inclusion ignites hope for more substantial appearances in future seasons.
5 Journey
The Highly Acclaimed Indie Game Received Some Love From Secret Level
Journey, a defining indie title, fittingly found its place in the PlayStation-centric episode. This innovative game emphasizes creativity and exploration, diverging from typical shooter mechanics. Players embark on a awe-inspiring adventure toward a distant mountain, relying on visual storytelling and community interaction rather than dialogue. Within the episode, after O’s delivery, a robed figure from Journey traverses the vibrant city, alongside a poster of the game, bringing nostalgic joy to long-time fans.
By featuring Journey, Secret Level highlights its importance in the gaming landscape, demonstrating that games from all eras merit recognition. Despite its age, Journey‘s cameo serves as a heartwarming tribute, inviting audiences to reminisce about one of the defining games of the last decade.
4 Little Big Planet
One Of PlayStation’s Best Mascots Made A Fun Cameo
Back in 2008, Little Big Planet made waves in the platforming genre, and its vibrant spirit was lovingly represented when Sackboy made a brief appearance in “Fulfillment.”O encounters Sackboy smiling from within a playful propeller basket during a daring escape, adding a delightful touch to her adventure. This wasn’t the only nod to the franchise; a poster featuring Sackboy was prominently displayed near the Journey reference, and he even makes another appearance beside Johnny in a climactic scene—ensuring a whimsical atmosphere throughout.
Sackboy’s playful spirit enriches the episode, drawing nostalgia from fans of the Little Big Planet series. As Secret Level gears up for a second season, the potential for a dedicated episode focusing on Sackboy remains a tantalizing prospect.
3 Shadow Of The Colossus
The Colossus Has A Big Presence In “Playtime: Fulfillment”
Shadow of the Colossus, another monumental title in PlayStation’s portfolio, cast a considerable shadow—quite literally—in the finale. The fearsome presence of the Colossus leaves a profound impact as it appears before O, symbolizing the significant challenges she faces. Besides its initial impactful reveal, the Colossus resurfaces towards the episode’s end, transforming into Johnny just as O contemplates her next move.
In addition to these appearances, a Shadow of the Colossus poster enhances the homage within O’s delivery destination, solidifying the game’s legacy in this anthology. Its inclusion serves as a reminder of the artistry and innovation that digital storytelling can achieve.
2 Helldivers II
Helldivers II Featured Heavily In The Episode After Its 2024 Success
Among all featured franchises, Helldivers II commanded significant airtime in “Fulfillment.”O’s encounter with a group of Helldivers ignites a high-stakes chase sequence, propelling the narrative forward as soldiers implore her to return a conduit. They make several appearances, emphasizing their role in the episode, ultimately culminating in a climactic finale. Notably, the game also received poster recognition and even featured creatures alongside its notable characters, leaving a vibrant mark on the storytelling.
With substantial representations throughout the episode, hopes are high that Secret Level may consider a dedicated episode for Helldivers II in the next season, showcasing its unique gameplay and narrative capabilities.
1 God Of War
Kratos Was Given One Of The Episode’s Most Memorable Moments
Undoubtedly, Kratos’ involvement in this Episode, although brief, delivered stunning moments deserving of recognition. The iconic warrior dramatically descends from above, wielding his legendary axe to carve an ice path, hinting at the epic clashes awaiting O. Though he later sits inconspicuously on a bench next to characters from Helldivers II, it feels like a missed opportunity for further development of this fan-favorite character.
The general sentiment surrounding Kratos’ appearance might not align with audience expectations—especially given the marketing hype—yet his involvement fosters excitement for a possible God of War feature in the upcoming season. Even a less significant cameo helps underscore the enduring legacy of this franchise, which has captivated audiences for nearly two decades.
While “Fulfillment”didn’t garner the same universal accolades as other episodes in Secret Level‘s impressive inaugural season, it presented a valuable platform for underappreciated titles. With projects for God of War already in development and potential adaptations for Ghost of Tsushima, it becomes clear how this anthology aims to celebrate the breadth of PlayStation history, fostering appreciation for games like Journey, Shadow of the Colossus, and Little Big Planet amidst hopeful prospects for future narratives.