October 17th 2024.
Unknown 9: Awakening is a new action-packed franchise from Bandai Namco that combines the excitement of Uncharted with the added twist of supernatural powers. Developed by Montreal's Reflector Entertainment, this new IP offers a unique mix of magic abilities and stealth gameplay inspired by Splinter Cell.
Unfortunately, the game got off to a rocky start. Being published by Bandai Namco and serving as Reflector Entertainment's debut title, Unknown 9: Awakening was initially marketed as part of a larger transmedia campaign. This meant that the game's universe would expand beyond just the game itself and include comic books, podcasts, novels, and more.
But let's focus on the game itself. The first impressions were not great, thanks to a rough and underwhelming presentation at Gamescom. It felt more like a tech demo than a fully-fledged game, leaving many with low expectations. However, the final product proved to be much better than anticipated, even if the transmedia ambitions seemed a bit ambitious.
Unknown 9: Awakening may not be a modern classic, but it does have its flaws. Yet, it also boasts some imaginative and unique gameplay elements that revolve around magical abilities. Plus, the game benefits from having Anya Chalotra, known for her role as Yennefer in The Witcher TV series, as its protagonist Haroona.
Haroona is the heart of Unknown 9: Awakening. The story begins in 1910 India, with a teenage Haroona being trained in the ways of the Fold by her mentor Reika. The Fold is a mysterious life force that only a few can access, and Haroona soon discovers she has a natural gift for harnessing its power.
The lore and terminology surrounding the Fold are extensive and can be a bit confusing at first. But the gist is that Haroona gains a range of magical abilities, including invisibility and the ability to possess enemies. This gives the gameplay a fantasy twist on the classic Splinter Cell formula, with Haroona relying on her powers rather than traditional weapons.
She can also use an energy shield, manipulate enemies, perform takedowns, and launch ranged energy attacks. Similar to Splinter Cell's tagging system, Haroona can also peek into the Fold to highlight enemies and objects that can be used to her advantage.
As you progress through the game, Haroona's powers continue to evolve, as do the enemies she faces. From fast-moving, semi-invisible ninjas to tanks with their own energy-based attacks, the game keeps you on your toes. And let's not forget the challenging boss battles, although some of the earlier ones can feel unwinnable at times.
The gameplay in Unknown 9: Awakening flows well, with occasional breaks for puzzles and traversal reminiscent of Tomb Raider. The story may feel familiar at times, but the exotic locations and settings add a touch of Uncharted and Indiana Jones vibes, along with some elements from Strange Brigade.
Speaking of Strange Brigade, Haroona and her sidekick Luther eventually acquire an airship that allows them to travel to different locations. Unfortunately, this also highlights one of the game's weaknesses – the writing lacks the quirky humor found in Strange Brigade, which is a shame considering the potential for expansion into other media.
Overall, Unknown 9: Awakening is a fun, unique, and well-polished game. While it may not reach the level of a multimedia empire as initially intended, it is still a solid video game experience. And with the potential for a sequel, it's exciting to think about how the developer can improve upon the already imaginative gameplay.
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