However, one of the project’s biggest disappointments was God of War‘s Kratos. The iconic character featured in Secret Level episode 15, which involved a mash-up of multiple PlayStation characters. Unfortunately, most of their roles were restricted to brief cameos that didn’t have a massive impact on the story, which came as a huge disappointment after Kratos featured in the trailer. With fans understandably frustrated that one of their favorite characters didn’t get a proper opportunity to shine, there’s no doubt which gaming franchise Secret Level should prioritize when it comes to their season 2 line-up.
God Of War Deserves An Episode In Secret Level Season 2 After Kratos’ Disappointing Playtime Cameo
Kratos Seemed Like He Would Have A Much Bigger Role In Secret Level’s First Season
The confirmation that Secret Level season 2 is happening means God of War has to feature in the next installment after Kratos’ underwhelming cameo. Although there were other popular franchises involved in the project, God of War was arguably the biggest game teased for Prime Video’s new show, making the failure to give Kratos a meaningful role even more devestating. In fairness, the series never suggested there would be a God of War story and always advertised Kratos as part of the PlayStation episode, but people still expected more since the character was a key part of Secret Level‘s marketing.
The series has already proved there is a good working relationship with Sony as there was an episode on PlayStation itself, meaning it wouldn’t be difficult to make a God of War episode happen.
Sadly, he only appeared momentarily and had a minimal impact on the plot. Therefore, this being God of War‘s only involvement in such a promising show is a huge missed opportunity, and the game needs a dedicated episode in season 2. The series has already proved there is a good working relationship with Sony as there was an episode on PlayStation itself – alongside some exclusive titles like Concord – meaning it wouldn’t be difficult to make a God of War episode happen. With the franchise also having plenty to offer story wise, season 2 is the perfect time for Kratos’ return.
God Of War Has Plenty Of Adaptation Potential
The Franchise Has A TV Show In Development & Can Tell Stories Beyond Kratos
Although Secret Level‘s episodes are short, God of War has plenty of adaptation potential that would make the franchise’s appearance perfect for the anthology series. Creating a story centering around Kratos’ early life, perhaps set during one of the earlier God of War installments, could make for a fun setting. Likewise, an adventure with him and his son that doesn’t feature in the games may also be just as entertaining. Even focusing on Kratos fighting another God has the potential to be a visual masterpiece, as showcasing violence and brutality is one of Secret Level‘s biggest strengths.
On the other hand, the mythology and detailed world-building of the franchise means a Secret Level episode on one of the other Gods would also work well. Rather than keeping the focus on Kratos, crafting a story about one of the series’ countless other interesting characters could still deliver, as there is plenty to unpack in this universe. With Amazon already developing a God of War TV show, giving another character the spotlight in Secret Level could be refreshing, but regardless of who the story focuses on, the sky is clearly the limit for Naughty Dog’s hit IP on Prime Video.
Prime Video Shouldn’t Have Teased Kratos In Secret Level’s Trailer
His Appearance Would Have Been Better Received If It Was A Genuine Surprise
Despite Kratos being great for marketing, Secret Level would have been better off leaving him out of the trailer. His presence certainly helped entice viewers, but his forgettable role is undoubtedly a major factor in why “Playtime: Fulfillment” is currently the show’s worst performing episode. Although Jin Sakai’s tease offered a similar level of disappointment, God of War is still a much bigger franchise than Ghost of Tsushima, meaning Kratos’ limited screen time was more damaging. To make matters worse, his cameo would have gone over much better if his appearance was a genuine surprise.
All 15 episodes of Secret Level are currently available to stream on Prime Video.
Watching Kratos appear and swing his ax would have been a much cooler moment had it not been advertised, and it would have made people more hyped about a potential role in season 2. Instead, he did very little in the show that the trailer didn’t already reveal, making viewers frustrated that he wasn’t given a bigger part. Considering it was the show’s first outing, this mistake is understandable, and if Secret Level can learn their lesson for season 2, they could have some huge unexpected cameos alongside a compelling God of War episode, which would be the perfect redemption.
