'Secret Level' delivers an acceptable transformation of 'Armored Core'
The animated series compilation titled Undercover Level has now been released on Prime Video, showcasing its segment on Battle Fortress.
Particularly, the tenth episode titled Resource Allocation, featuring none other than Keanu Reeves as the leading pilot.
The narrative takes heavy inspiration from the setting of Battle Fortress VII, considering it's the latest installment in the sequence. Furthermore, numerous weapons hail from the same source, as is expected given the connection (illustrated above). These weapons likely precede the events depicted in the game.
Notable exceptions to this rule are elements like the Vanguard Overdrive Boost (pictured below) and the highly-potent laser sabers. While the latter does resemble certain weaponries found in the opening cutscenes of older Battle Fortress games, the former is a unique innovation in this particular series.
The opening movie for Battle Fortress Last Swan appears to have influenced several combat and layout scenes within this segment. Additionally, the scarab/roach sequence pays homage to the original series in a clever manner.
A female character communicating with Keanu in his subconscious bears a striking resemblance to Aria from Battle Fortress VII, contributing to the overall feeling of association with the latest game.
I found the mecha combat to be admirable, and the finale served as a nod to the climax of the first Battle Fortress. While the actual conclusion may be a touch disturbing, that might just be my personal preference.
The primary flaw lies in the rather uninspired appearance of the mechas, which seemed to have been designed by a collective rather than a single talent. I fail to understand why they couldn't recruit someone like Shoji Kawamori, whose mecha design aesthetic has already laid the foundation for the Battle Fortress series.
In spite of this, I must admit that this endeavor stands out as a commendable attempt at crafting a Battle Fortress narrative beyond the games, however unconventional and oddly delightful the concept may be.
As someone who has dabbled in and completed every title in the canon, beginning with the 1997 premiere, I am still stunned by the existence of such a production and that Keanu Reeves features as the protagonist.
Secret Level can now be streamed on Prime Video, and Battle Fortress VII is available for play on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.
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- I've always been a fan of Shoji Kawamori's mecha design in the original Battle Fortress games, especially in the highly acclaimed Armored Core series.
- The opening levels of this season's Undercover Level on Prime Video give a nostalgic feel, with its mecha designs reminiscent of the classic video games like Armored Core.
- In the upcoming Xbox release of Battle Fortress Seven, the secret level features complex puzzles and challenging mecha battles inspired by Shoji Kawamori's intricate designs.
- Keanu Reeves' character in Undercover Level often uses advanced weaponry, including a mecha equivalent to the iconic laser sabers seen in Armored Core titles, created by Shoji Kawamori.
- The latest PC version of Battle Fortress Last Swan includes a tribute to the classic anime series, which features mecha designs reminiscent of anime masterpieces like Shoji Kawamori's Escaflowne.
