REVIEW: Secret Level Warhammer 40,000: And They Shall Know No Fear
Let’s review the Secret Level episode/ short titled “Warhammer 40,000: And They Shall Know No Fear“.
First let’s talk about Secret Level. Secret Level is an animated anthology on Prime Video that’s based on popular video games. So you’ll see short films featuring popular game characters like Megaman and the aforementioned Space Marines/ Ultramarines from Space Marines 2. The series will be done by the top animation companies from around the world and also features A-List Hollywood actors.
Secret Level Official Trailer
The short focusing on the Warhammer 40k franchise ties in heavily with the tabletop game’s lore and is packed to the brim with so much action. It felt like it was an extension or a special DLC of Space Marine 2 which was released earlier this year and that’s not a bad thing. In this, four Ultramarines are sent by the Imperium to destroy a relic in a planet filled with Chaos Cult members. The team dispatches the enemies quickly but are slowly picked apart one by one by the sorcerer protecting the relic. It’s only through sheer badassery of the Ultramarine named Titus that they win and yet continue to fight hordes upon hordes of monsters and beasties.
I did some reading online and there were a lot of fans who compared this with the something called “Astartes” which also plays in heavily on Warhammer 40,000.
If anything, this episode sort of introduces viewers to the world of Warhammer 40,000, the key players for the Empire aka the Space Marines and their mandate of clearing worlds of threats real or perceived. As an added bonus, we also get to witness more of Space Marines 2 star Titus in all his violent glory as the four (yes its just four space marines against an entire army) hack and slash their way to accomplish their mission.
“They Shall Know No Fear” is also one of the really mature video game themed episodes in the series. So if you want to watch this with kids, you have been warned.
The episode also explains how Space Marines are created which is very brutal to be honest. The selection begins at childhood with kids so if you’re new to the franchise, this will be added lore to digest for you.
Overall, I thought this was a fun romp. A nice reminder for Warhammer fans who have forgotten the excitement and adventure of the game and new players who want to have a taste of the action. Oh and also for the new fans that Space Marines 2 won over.
Secret Level is now playing on Prime Video! Download and subscribe to Prime Video today!
