Warhammer 40,000 is the current hobby of choice in my household, rekindling a passion that began in the 1990s when the game was first released. Back then, I was captivated by the intricate miniatures, deep strategy and rich lore, but I had to set it aside during my college years as studies and other priorities took over.

A few years ago, everything changed when a new local gaming store, The Rogue and Raven, opened nearby. Stepping into that store reignited my interest in the grim darkness of the 41st millennium, and I quickly dove back into the hobby with enthusiasm. Before long, I found myself buying models at a rapid pace, building an ever-growing “Pile of Shame,” or as I prefer to call it, my “Pile of Potential” — a testament to the creative possibilities and countless battles still to come.

Warhammer 40,000 has since become a centerpiece of my free time, blending creativity, strategy and camaraderie in ways I cherish.

Before Games Workshop came along and stole my free time, I had a deep love for video games that shaped much of my early enthusiasm for storytelling and strategy. From the adventures of The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Bros. to the immersive narratives of Final Fantasy and the adrenaline-pumping action of Doom, video games were my gateway to new worlds. I spent countless hours exploring digital landscapes, solving puzzles and battling enemies big and small, often losing track of time as I became fully absorbed in the experiences these games offered.

Whether it was the satisfaction of leveling up a character, uncovering hidden secrets or the camaraderie of multiplayer sessions with friends, video games were not just entertainment but a source of creativity and connection. While Warhammer 40,000 has since claimed the spotlight in my hobbies, those formative gaming years laid the foundation for my love of complex, immersive universes.

With that in mind, the new series, Secret Level, feels like a perfect rekindling of all my previous loves, seamlessly blending my nostalgia for video games with the storytelling depth I now cherish in Warhammer 40,000. Created by Tim Miller, Secret Level is an animated anthology series comprised of 15 episodes, each delving into a distinct video game universe, offering viewers a blend of action, adventure and introspection. The show features an impressive voice cast, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Keanu Reeves and Kevin Hart, bringing to life characters from various gaming franchises.

I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t had the chance to play all of the games featured in Secret Level. There are some titles, like Sifu, Crossfire and Concord, that I’ve never even heard of, let alone experienced myself. Despite this, one thing is clear: Secret Level does an exceptional job at bringing each of these unique, expansive universes to life. The series has a real talent for making each game’s world seem both visually captivating and conceptually intriguing, whether you’re familiar with the games or not. It’s an art form in itself, how they manage to showcase each universe’s potential, making you want to explore them even if you haven’t had the chance to play them yet.

When it comes to gaming franchises that I’m familiar with, Secret Level offers a fresh perspective that shines a whole new light on their worlds. In the very first episode, the show introduces us to an eclectic band of raiders on a daring quest to hunt down a dragon, setting the stage for a thrilling exploration of the Dungeons & Dragons universe.

The episode’s dedication to the iconic tabletop game adds layers of depth to its rich lore, making it even more compelling. Fast forward six episodes and we’re transported into the vibrant, fast-paced world of Pac-Man, where only the strongest can hope to survive. It’s an unexpected, yet fascinating take on this classic arcade game, offering a gritty and survivalist spin on the familiar chase between Pac-Man and the ghosts. And then, in Episode 10, we’re treated to a beautifully rendered retelling of the Mega Man saga.

The episode delves into the origin story of this legendary robot hero, highlighting the moment Dr. Light finally allows Mega Man to step up and face off against the nefarious Dr. Wily. This reimagining of Mega Man’s journey not only brings the game’s visuals to life in a stunning way, but also deepens our connection to the characters and their motives. Each episode does a remarkable job of taking beloved gaming worlds and reinterpreting them, showing us new facets we may never have considered before.

For me, the true highlight came in Episode 5, which takes us deep into the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000. The episode revolves around the Ultramarines, led by the iconic Lt. Titus, a character well-known to fans of the Warhammer video game series, adding a sense of familiarity and connection to the narrative.

The plot is straightforward yet intense: the Ultramarines are tasked with destroying a powerful relic, only to be ambushed by the forces of Tzeentch, setting the stage for a fierce, relentless battle. But what truly makes this episode stand out is the breathtaking visuals. The hyper-realistic, gritty animation is everything fans of the franchise could hope for, capturing the dark, war-torn aesthetic of the Warhammer 40,000 universe perfectly.

The attention to detail and the raw intensity of the action scenes make it feel as though you’ve stepped right into the middle of the warzone, where every moment is a struggle for survival in a universe where hope is a distant memory. It’s a stunning visual and narrative achievement that showcases the franchise in its full, brutal glory.

Secret Level is an easy five out of five for me. This ambitious series set out to honor video games with top-tier animation and compelling storytelling. It reignited a nostalgic love for franchises from my childhood, while also shining a light on games that were previously underappreciated. In short, Secret Level is an immersive experience that has something to offer for every type of gamer.

Secret Level could very well be the spark that attracts more players to the gaming world. Personally, I’m always eager for new challengers to join me in the grimdark universe of Warhammer.