Key Highlights
- Unknown 9: Awakening is a new action-adventure video game from Reflector Entertainment and Bandai Namco Entertainment that serves as an entry point into a vast transmedia universe.
- You play as Haroona, a powerful Quaestor voiced by Anya Chalotra, who can tap into a mysterious dimension known as The Fold.
- The gameplay blends stealth, third-person combat, and unique Umbric abilities, including the power to possess your enemies.
- Explore some of the most mysterious locations on Earth, from the perilous Indian jungles to the sands of Mauritania.
- While rich in lore and creative ideas, the game is hampered by dated graphics, repetitive combat, and some technical issues.
- It tells the story of Haroona’s quest for revenge against secret societies vying for powerful hidden knowledge.
Introduction
Welcome to the ambitious world of Unknown 9: Awakening, a third-person action-adventure video game that throws you into a secret war that has shaped human history. Published by Bandai Namco, this title from developer Reflector invites you into a sprawling universe filled with mystery, ancient power, and clandestine conflict. It’s a journey that feels both familiar and refreshingly new, blending cinematic storytelling with reality-bending gameplay. Are you ready to uncover the secrets hidden just beyond our sight?
Stepping Into the World of Unknown 9: Awakening
The game immediately immerses you in its unique setting, taking place in an alternate version of the early 20th century. This era provides a fascinating backdrop for a story about ancient conspiracies and supernatural abilities. You are not just playing a game; you are stepping into a hidden chapter of history.
As you begin your awakening, you’ll discover that our world is intertwined with a mysterious dimension known as The Fold. This connection is the source of incredible power and the central conflict between warring secret societies. We’ll introduce you to the protagonist who stands at the center of it all and explore how the game’s narrative uses time and memory to craft its compelling tale.
Introducing Haroona and Her Mysterious Powers
The story centers on Haroona, a young woman from India who finds herself with an extraordinary gift. As a Quaestor, she can perceive and interact with The Fold, a strange parallel dimension that exists alongside our own. This unique connection grants her abilities that defy conventional understanding, making her a target for those who seek to control such power. Voiced by the talented Anya Chalotra, known for her role in The Witcher series, Haroona is a compelling protagonist driven by loss and a thirst for justice.
Her powers are not just for show; they are integral to the very fabric of the story. Haroona’s journey of awakening is a process of learning to control her abilities, from seeing hidden truths in the world to extracting energy from The Fold for combat. This mastery is what makes her a formidable force and the key to unraveling the secrets of the Unknown 9.
Initially, her quest is a personal one, fueled by revenge after her mentor is struck down. However, as she learns more about the world’s hidden history and the factions fighting over powerful hidden knowledge, her personal mission evolves into something much larger, placing her at the heart of a global conflict.
The Allure of Time and Memory in Storytelling
Unknown 9: Awakening uses the concepts of time and memory to weave a narrative that feels both ancient and immediate. The story is built on the idea of cycles—that the world has died before and will die again. This cyclical nature of history is a core theme, suggesting that the past is never truly gone and continues to influence the present. Your journey will take you to historical locations like the vast sands of Mauritania, where the echoes of the past are almost tangible.
The game’s lore delves into an ancient race and the Unknown 9, powerful beings who tried to break this cycle of destruction. This deep history shapes the motivations of the game’s factions, who are all vying to control the course of human history. The narrative doesn’t just tell you about the past; it makes you feel its weight through exploration, collectibles, and character dialogue that references events long gone.
Memory plays a crucial role through Haroona’s connection to The Fold, a parallel dimension that seems to hold the imprints of what has been. As you play, you’ll uncover fragments of lost knowledge and witness events that blur the lines between past and present. This focus on history and memory gives the story a sense of depth, making your adventure feel like a true journey through time.
Exploring the Narrative Depths
While the action is thrilling, the narrative of Unknown 9: Awakening is where the game truly attempts to build a lasting world. The lore is incredibly rich, drawing from an ambitious transmedia project that includes comic books, novels, and podcasts. Developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment, this universe is designed for you to explore as deeply as you wish.
Each piece of media tells a standalone story, but together they paint a picture of a world filled with conspiracies and ancient power. We will look closer at the mysterious alternate reality of The Fold and the secret societies that fight for its control, as well as the emotional journey of the game’s characters.
The Fold, Lore, and the Leap Year Society
At the heart of the game’s lore is The Fold, an unseen dimension that coexists with our reality. Only a select few, known as Quaestors, can access it. The Fold is the source of all Umbric abilities and the key to unlocking powerful secrets. The entire plot revolves around the struggle for mastery of The Fold, as it grants the ability to manipulate reality itself. This makes it the ultimate prize for the story’s warring factions.
The primary conflict is between two secret societies. The first is the Leap Year Society, an ancient sect dedicated to protecting humanity by keeping the knowledge of The Fold hidden. They believe that widespread access to such power would only lead to destruction. Their primary goal is to maintain the balance and prevent history from repeating its most devastating cycles.
Opposing them are the Ascendants, a splinter group led by the game’s antagonist, Vincent. The Ascendants believe that the knowledge of the Unknown 9 should be used to reshape destiny and alter the course of humanity, no matter the cost. This ideological clash drives the narrative forward, forcing Haroona to navigate a complex web of alliances and betrayals as she is caught between these two powerful groups.
Character Development and Emotional Arcs
The story of Unknown 9: Awakening is largely driven by the character development of its protagonist, Haroona. Her journey begins as a straightforward quest for revenge, but it gradually evolves into a more noble calling. As she learns more about The Fold and the stakes of the hidden war she’s been thrust into, her motivations shift. This transformation is central to the game’s narrative, though some critics have found her emotional arcs to be a bit uneven and her characterization lacking nuance at times.
While Haroona’s personal journey is the main focus, the game also introduces a cast of supporting characters who join her cause. Many of these characters are encountered aboard the Morning Star, a giant blimp that serves as a mobile hub. Reviewers have praised the dialogue and interactions with this crew, noting that their personal stories and witty banter are a highlight of the experience. As Matthew Carmosino of GamingBolt writes, “Conversing with your crewmates aboard the the airship displays some of the game’s best writing and characterization.” [1]
These personal journeys add layers to the greater story, providing context and emotional grounding to the high-stakes conflict. The rich backstories of your companions help flesh out the world and its history. The game lays a strong foundation for its characters, leaving plenty of room for their stories to continue in potential sequels or other transmedia projects within the Unknown 9 universe.
Gameplay Mechanics That Define the Adventure
The adventure in Unknown 9: Awakening is defined by its unique blend of action, stealth, and supernatural powers. The core gameplay loop will feel familiar to fans of third-person action titles but comes with its own reality-bending twist. You’ll switch between sneaking through enemy territory and engaging in open combat, all while using Haroona’s special abilities.
You’ll face off against the forces of the Ascendants, whose soldiers are equipped to detect a Quaestor like you. This makes for dynamic encounters that challenge you to think strategically. Let’s examine how the game combines its various mechanics to create a distinct experience and how puzzles play a role in your progression. The FPS (frames per second) can be unstable at times, but the core mechanics of this video game remain engaging.
Blending Stealth, Combat, and Umbric Abilities
Unknown 9: Awakening encourages a mix of playstyles by blending stealth, direct combat, and Haroona’s special Umbric abilities. Most encounters take place in semi-linear arenas where you can choose your approach. You can methodically take down enemies from the shadows, using silent takedowns and distracting them with energy waves. However, if you’re discovered, you’ll need to rely on the game’s fast-paced combat system.
The combat itself is a mix of melee attacks, dodges, and parries, all augmented by your powers. The most unique aspect of the gameplay is your connection to The Fold. According to Travis Northup’s review for IGN, “you can leap out of your body and into others with the press of a button, then use those dim meat puppets to carry out your twisted designs.” [2] This “Step” ability allows you to possess enemies, turn them against their allies, or force them to interact with environmental hazards.
This integration of powers is key to achieving mastery in every encounter. You can use your abilities to:
- Go invisible for a short time to escape danger or reposition for a stealth attack.
- Push and pull enemies and objects, creating chaos on the battlefield.
- Step into enemies to control them, creating a domino effect of destruction.
Environmental Puzzles and Progression
Beyond combat and stealth, your journey is punctuated by environmental puzzles that test your observational skills and use of Haroona’s powers. These puzzles are woven into the level design and are essential for progression. Using her ability to peek into The Fold, you can reveal hidden interactive objects, climbable surfaces, and the paths you need to take to move forward.
These puzzles break up the pace of the action and encourage you to explore your surroundings more carefully. While many are straightforward, they effectively use the game’s core mechanics to create engaging challenges. The puzzles often require you to manipulate the environment using your Umbric abilities, such as pulling a distant lever or activating an ancient mechanism. Solving them often leads to hidden collectibles, skill points, or opens the path to the next story sequence, which is often delivered through cinematic cutscenes.
Progression is also tied to a simple three-pronged skill tree, allowing you to enhance your combat, stealth, or Umbric abilities by collecting Gnosis Points. This system lets you tailor Haroona’s skills to your preferred playstyle. The role of puzzles in your progression includes:
- Unlocking new pathways to advance the story.
- Revealing collectibles that expand the lore.
- Providing skill points to upgrade your abilities via the Reflector-developed skill tree.
Visuals, Atmosphere, and Sound Design
The presentation of Unknown 9: Awakening is a tale of two halves. On one hand, the game excels at creating a thick, compelling atmosphere. The journey takes you to some of the most mysterious locations on the planet, from the perilous Indian jungles to ancient ruins, all rendered with a strong artistic vision that feels both historical and otherworldly. The experience is often cinematic, especially on powerful hardware like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.
However, the technical execution doesn’t always match its ambition. While the environments are a highlight, the game’s visuals can feel dated in other areas. We’ll explore the highs and lows of the game’s visual design and discuss how its sound and music contribute to the overall immersion.
From Ancient Ruins to Futuristic Landscapes
One of the game’s greatest strengths is its diverse and atmospheric environments. You will travel the globe, exploring everything from lush jungles to desolate deserts and grand manors. The art direction successfully creates a sense of place, whether you are navigating the claustrophobic corridors of an ancient temple or the sprawling decks of a steampunk-inspired airship. These locations feel like characters in their own right, filled with details that enrich the world’s lore.
The visual design is at its best when showcasing these large-scale environments. The lighting and weather effects help build a cinematic mood, making locations like the sands of Mauritania feel vast and mysterious. However, the game’s cross-generational development is apparent in other areas. Character models and facial animations often look stiff and lack the polish of contemporary titles. This contrast can be jarring, with stunning landscapes giving way to uncanny-looking characters during cutscenes.
Despite these technical shortcomings, the journey through these ancient ruins and imaginative settings is a highlight. The variety of locales keeps the adventure fresh and exciting. Here are some of the key environments you’ll explore:
|
Location |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Indian Jungles |
Dense, damp forests filled with hidden paths and ancient secrets. |
|
Mauritanian Desert |
Vast, sun-scorched landscapes hiding the remnants of a forgotten history. |
|
Portuguese Mansion |
An opulent estate that serves as a base for one of the secret societies. |
|
The Morning Star |
A massive airship that acts as your mobile hub between missions. |
|
Subterranean Caves |
Mysterious underground networks that hold clues to the Unknown 9. |
Immersive Music and Voice Performances
The audio design in Unknown 9: Awakening plays a significant role in elevating the game’s atmosphere. The immersive music dynamically shifts to match the on-screen action, swelling during tense combat encounters and fading into subtle, ambient tracks during moments of exploration. This atmospheric sound helps to ground you in the world, whether you’re hearing the sounds of a bustling market or the eerie silence of an ancient tomb.
A major highlight is the quality of the voice performances. Anya Chalotra delivers a strong performance as Haroona, bringing a sense of conviction and vulnerability to the character. Her delivery helps to sell Haroona’s emotional journey, even when the script or animations fall short. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with a particular emphasis on the well-written and organically delivered dialogue aboard the Morning Star airship.
These conversations feel natural and add significant depth to the characters, making them more than just quest-givers. The combination of a compelling score and high-quality voice acting works to enhance the emotional impact of the story. It helps to smooth over some of the game’s rougher edges, ensuring that the narrative moments land with the intended weight and keeping you invested in the fate of Haroona and her allies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Unknown 9: Awakening” is not just a game; it’s an immersive experience that encourages players to explore the complexities of time, memory, and identity through its rich narrative and captivating gameplay. The developers have skillfully blended engaging character arcs with innovative mechanics, ensuring that each moment spent in the game world feels purposeful and thrilling. As you traverse the beautifully crafted environments and solve intricate puzzles, you’ll find yourself deeply invested in Haroona’s journey. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary adventure that promises to leave a lasting impression. If you’re eager to start your own journey, consider booking a free trial/demo to delve into the enigmatic world of “Unknown 9: Awakening.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to finish Unknown 9: Awakening?
The main campaign of Unknown 9: Awakening takes approximately 15 hours to complete on normal difficulty. This can be extended if you take the time to find all collectibles and explore every corner of the world. The Deluxe Edition may include extra content, and the game is available on Xbox and PlayStation platforms.
Is Unknown 9: Awakening connected to other media or games?
Yes, Unknown 9: Awakening is a central part of a larger transmedia universe created by Bandai Namco Entertainment. The story connects to a series of comic books, novels, and podcasts that expand on the lore and characters. While this new game is a standalone experience, it lays the groundwork for future sequels and stories.
What makes Unknown 9: Awakening unique among action-adventure titles?
The game’s most unique feature is its concept of The Fold and the mastery of The Fold. Haroona’s unique connection to this dimension grants her abilities like possessing enemies, which creates distinct gameplay opportunities. This, combined with its deep lore about powerful hidden knowledge, sets it apart from more traditional action-adventure games with its cinematic flair.
Citations: [1] Carmosino, M. (2024). Unknown 9: Awakening Review – The Force Awakens. GamingBolt. Retrieved from https://gamingbolt.com/unknown-9-awakening-review-the-force-awakens [2] Northup, T. (2024). Unknown 9: Awakening Review. IGN. Retrieved from https://www.ign.com/articles/unknown-9-awakening-review