It’s quite unexpected how enjoyable the Secret Level episode “Concord” turned out to be, with its charming characters and engaging storyline. If this episode had been released well before the game debuted—rather than two months after its abrupt end—it might have significantly boosted the sci-fi shooter’s prospects.
One of the standout episodes, “Tale of the Implacable,” truly shines. Written by the talented sci-fi and fantasy author Rachael K. Jones, this episode weaves a simple yet intriguing heist narrative filled with surprising twists. The story focuses on the Freegunners, a band of mercenaries who, interestingly enough, never actually made an appearance in the game Concord. Serving as a prologue, it outlines the future of space exploration, highlights the potential dangers of faster-than-light travel, and thrillingly recounts how these rogues managed to swipe a map of the universe from those in power. This map becomes the linchpin for Concord’s overarching storyline, but here it’s merely an exciting objective, a catalyst for the marauders’ adventures and self-establishment.
As a prelude to Concord, “Tale of the Implacable” does an exemplary job of introducing its sci-fi universe and the quirky characters within, arguably better than the game ever did. Players often had to wait patiently for weekly animated cutscenes or explore the in-game map meticulously to uncover the lore. However, Concord’s Secret Level episode perfectly sets the stage for Firewalk’s game, making it a missed opportunity that we didn’t get it sooner.
Concord encountered numerous challenges from the outset: its high price, lackluster game mechanics, and character designs that failed to capture players’ imaginations. The Freegunners in “Tale of the Implacable” are far more endearing than their in-game counterparts. They bring a refreshing change from the predictable, often snarky characters in Concord, lacking easy comparisons to existing iconographies like the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Nevertheless, “Tale of the Implacable” highlights another fundamental issue with Concord. Despite the episode’s engaging subterfuge, dynamic action, humor, camaraderie, and the thrilling heist by the Implacable crew, none of this energy translated into the actual game. Concord was a rather formulaic shooter that dabbled in new ideas that players largely ignored. The episode’s captivating, blockbuster action sequences were sadly absent from the gaming experience.
While Concord may have struggled as a game, it successfully provided us with a noteworthy piece of television.
For those interested, all episodes of Secret Level are available for streaming on Prime Video.
