In October 2024, Bandai Namco launched “Unknown 9: Awakening“, a new single-player action adventure developed by Canadian studio Reflector Entertainment Ltd.
You take on the role of Quaestor Haroona, who travels the world equipped with supernatural abilities.
The game is set in a rich universe filled with supernatural elements and intriguing lore.
The story
You play Quaestor Haroona, who was born with the gift of traveling to “The Fold”, a mysterious dimension that overlaps with ours. Haroona must master her unique connection to “The Fold”, which gives her the ability to channel its powers into our world. But such power also arouses desire, and so Haroona becomes the target of the “Ascendants”, a splinter group of the LYS (Leap Year Society), which wants to use the power of “The Fold” to change the fate of humanity.
In the tutorial, you and Haroona’s teacher Reika search for one of her old students – Vincent Lichter, who is digging for ancient knowledge in the Richat structure in the west of the Sahara with an army of mercenaries that can help him in his fight against the LYS.
Reika teaches Haroona a few very useful combat skills, including taking over opponents for a short moment and thus attacking other enemies, for example.
Haroona is not to be underestimated in close combat either, she can dish out pretty good damage with her fists and feet.
The skill list covers three areas: Stealth, Combat and Umbric. The latter includes the special combat skills that Quaestors can use. Some of these abilities are limited in their usability, for example, you need a token to take over an opponent (stepping), which you can refill if you defeat opponents.
Graphics
The graphics are OK, but seem a little outdated. The landscapes are quite nicely designed, and it is exciting to experience India at the beginning of the 20th century. A few graphic errors here and there spoiled the gaming experience a little, but not too much.
Unknown 9: Awakening uses Unreal Engine 5 and supports ultra-wide displays. The game includes ray tracing, though its implementation is limited to shadows cast by the player’s bracers in dark areas. While the graphics may not push the boundaries of next-gen visuals, the game offers solid performance on high-end systems.
Sound
The soundtrack for “Unknown 9: Awakening” is a rich musical experience that captures the game’s narrative and protagonist’s journey. The game features an original soundtrack composed by Yuichiro Oku, with a special highlight being the official theme song “A Light Lies Within”, co-composed and performed by American singer BANKS.
The theme song “A Light Lies Within” is particularly significant, as it reflects the protagonist Haroona’s journey. The track is designed to capture her inner strength and quest for truth through powerful lyrics. A music video accompanying the song traces Haroona’s steps across different world locations.
The soundtrack will be available on various music streaming platforms and is also being released as a vinyl album by Bandai Namco.
Gameplay
The gameplay is nothing surprising, you run, sneak, crawl and squeeze your way through the game world. You can hide in the tall grass and defeat the enemy from behind. The fighting is also kept simple, short left click for a quick attack with your fists, long left click for a kick that can interrupt the enemy’s blockade.
The use of special abilities is clearly displayed to the opponent, and since there aren’t too many of them, you shouldn’t get too confused.
Players take on the role of Haroona, a young woman who possesses supernatural abilities as a Quaestor. Haroona can interact with a mysterious dimension called “The Fold”, which grants her unique powers known as Umbric Abilities. The gameplay combines elements of exploration, combat, and stealth:
- Combat: Haroona can use melee attacks and Umbric abilities like “push” to defeat enemies.
- Stealth: Players can sneak up on enemies and take them down silently.
- Exploration: The game features semi-linear areas with collectibles and skill points hidden off the beaten path.
- The Fold: Haroona can use “The Fold” to highlight interactive objects and detect enemies
The game’s structure involves moving through corridors and transitioning between arena-like combat areas, reminiscent of older action-adventure titles.
Trivia
There are really great comics, two web series and books about the game and the game universe that can be found on the homepage.
Anya Chalotra plays the protagonist Haroona in “Unknown 9: Awakening”. She is a British actress best known for her role in Netflix’s The Witcher, and was described as an “obvious choice” for the role of Haroona.
Recommendation
The game didn’t blow me away, but it’s fun to play and entertaining, that’s all it needs. Definitely good for a first work. I recommend all the additional material that you can find on the website, it’s nice and elaborately made, and should be rewarded accordingly.
System Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
◦ Requires 64-bit processor and operating system
◦ Operating System: Windows 10
◦ Processor: 4 or 6 cores / 8 threads / 3.6 Ghz Base clock speed
◦ Memory: 12 GB RAM
◦ Graphics: 8 GB VRAM / AMD RX 580
◦ DirectX: Version 12
◦ Disk Space: 55 GB available disk space
◦ Additional Notes: SSD Required
RECOMMENDED:
◦ Requires 64-bit processor and operating system
◦ Operating System: Windows 10
◦ Processor: 6 cores / 12 threads / 3.4 Ghz Base clock speed
◦ Memory: 16 GB RAM
◦ Graphics: 8 GB VRAM / AMD RX 5700 XT
◦ DirectX: Version 12
◦ Storage: 55 GB available space
◦ Additional Notes: SSD Required