Surprisingly, Secret Level’s episode of Concord manages to capture a lot of fun and charm with its characters. If this had been released well before the game’s initial release, rather than two months after it unexpectedly shut down, it might have genuinely boosted the odds for this sci-fi shooter.
In “Tale of the Implacable,” Secret Level has packed quite a punch. Crafted by the talented Rachael K. Jones, known for her work in sci-fi and fantasy, this episode delivers a classic heist narrative brimming with unexpected twists. Interestingly, it shines a spotlight on a group of mercenaries, the Freegunners, who don’t even make an appearance in the original Concord game. This story acts as a prelude, setting the stage for space exploration’s future, the perils of faster-than-light travel, and the misfit crew that managed to swipe a cosmic map the universe’s powers. This map, which charts routes through interstellar highways, is central to Concord’s storyline. Here, though, it’s merely a prize for these daring marauders to chase, carving out their place in the galaxy.
When it comes to introducing the sci-fi world of Concord, “Tale of the Implacable” achieves it with flair, showcasing its bizarre inhabitants better than the game itself ever did. Back then, players had to wait patiently for weekly animated scenes or navigate an in-game map to uncover pieces of its lore. Secret Level’s episode acts as the perfect appetizer for Firewalk’s game, leaving us to lament why we didn’t experience it sooner.
Concord’s journey to success was fraught with challenges. Its pricing, lackluster mechanics, and character designs failed to strike a chord with players. Meanwhile, the Freegunners in “Tale of the Implacable” come across as far more endearing than the game’s actual lineup. They avoid the overused snark and tired comparisons to Guardians of the Galaxy, offering a breath of fresh air.
Interestingly, “Tale of the Implacable” also sheds light on another issue within Concord. The intrigue, camaraderie, and dynamic escapades of the Implacable crew’s heist were never part of the game’s offering. Concord tried to be a bit innovative but fell into the trap of being just another formulaic shooter, missing the mark with its audience. The exhilarating, cinematic action showcased in the episode was something players could have only dreamed of experiencing in the game itself.
Despite Concord’s shortcomings as a game, it did give us a fantastic slice of television entertainment. All Secret Level episodes can now be streamed on Prime Video.
