Unknown 9: Awakening is the bright beginning of a new franchise that’s already firing on all cylinders. It’s quite an ambitious first video game entry in a refreshing transmedia project that includes books, podcasts, and graphic novels. Unknown 9: Awakening pulls players into a world of mystery and danger. Developed by Reflector Entertainment, the game blends a rich heritage with a cloak-and-dagger narrative of powerful organisations and those who seek to overthrow them. Set against a stunning cultural backdrop spanning Mauritania, India, and Portugal, it follows Haroona, a quaestor with special abilities, on her quest for knowledge – and revenge.
We were able to play a hands-on preview of the early game thanks to Bandai Namco Australia.
It’s sure been a while since that first cryptic teaser at Gamescom Opening Night 2020 but Unknown 9: Awakening is fast approaching release next month. Since that first teaser, a stream of content from this universe has been released and it’s all been building to this first game. With an iconic lead, mysteries and a universe full of lore it feels like this franchise is definitely just getting started.
Its protagonist, Haroona, already has many of the makings of an unstoppable action-adventure heroine, to say the least. Played by the one and only Anya Chalotra – whose performance as Yennefer of Vengerberg in Netflix’s The Witcher has already given her video game acting royalty status – this is her first official game role. In Unknown 9: Awakening Anya brings Haroona to life with ease, though she now wields a new power. Haroona is a Quaestor, capable of harnessing potent energy from an otherworldly realm known as the Fold. Through my time with the preview using these abilities was a fun ride that has me intrigued by all Unknown 9: Awakening has going on.
For clarity, Unknown 9: Awakening is technically the first instalment in this universe, though you’re able to start with any of the material across the transmedia of the franchise. Each instalment centres on The Leap Year Society, a secret group that’s vigilant and determined to obtain secrets and forbidden knowledge. They act as a beacon, warding off those who would use knowledge to control and destroy. Now that’s certainly reminding me of a creed but it’s okay, there are enough secrets and bad guys for all!
“There was something very satisfying about controlling the NPCs too – in one instance I had three enemies take each other out in quick succession.”
Diving into the preview build, we first meet Haroona coming to the rescue of a bar owner in the Indian-inspired fictional city of Chamiri. This is just after the game’s prologue so I didn’t have much context except that Haroona’s mentor has been killed and she’s seeking answers. She’s hunting for Vincent, the leader of a shady splinter organisation called the Ascendants. With the Ascendants occupying the city on the move while searching for her, Haroona has to make her way through the city and to the docks where she can hopefully find a boat to follow the Ascendant’s trail.
Moving through the city allowed Unknown 9: Awakening to really show off how Haroona uses her abilities to manipulate the fold. Not only can she use her power to fight enemies but she can become hidden in the fold thanks to her shrouding ability. As I was moving through the streets I did find her skills enjoyable to put to work. Having her dip into the fold and move past enemies or even reposition for a sneak attack was very satisfying. Other abilities allow her to control enemies and use the fold to her advantage in combat. These Umbric abilities empower her and let you play the game your way. Having access to stealth and combat abilities allows you to move through the world with a versatility that feels empowering to play. So much of this section of the preview felt like a fun opportunity to test Haroona out against the Ascendants. There was something very satisfying about controlling the NPCs too – in one instance later in the preview I had three enemies take each other out in quick succession. Haroona also has access to a skill tree that allows players to gradually earn skill points to unlock more of her abilities and strengthen them. Later we learn a pull ability that allows her to have further control of the enemies in combat.
From moving through the streets to up onto the rooftops, it was impressive to see such a rich setting on full display. Haroona isn’t just moving through the spaces, but interacting with them on a more personal level. It reminded me of playing the early Uncharted games, both Haroona and Nathan Drake are very driven protagonists who feel fun to play and generally be with. Both exist within their respective games, yet aren’t afraid to be personable with players thanks to their boldness. In this sense, the rhythm of the gameplay feels dated.
That said, the game’s cinematics were a standout against the gameplay in comparison from a fidelity perspective. I think given that this is a new IP this makes a lot of sense since so much work has been put into building out this world around the game. I truly appreciate the nostalgic flair that many might not quite expect. I’d like to see the Unknown 9 universe continue to grow given the amount of intrigue it oozes.
After making our way through the city and down to the docks, I reached the boat that would take Haroona away from the city. This entire journey through the city was purely a great dance of stealth and combat as I slid through the fold and controlled enemies to do my bidding. Haroona does feel a little too well equipped this early on, but it matches with the game’s story that she’d know how to use her abilities. I did note though that her abilities definitely weren’t as fine-tuned as one might think. After a few upgrades on the skill tree though I was able to control several enemies in one go. Haroona’s a powerful protagonist so I’m interested to see how her abilities evolve through the game.
On the boat, we meet a mysterious man who’s also keen to get out of the city. It’s on the way out of the bay though that they narrowly avoid capture thanks to this apparent gunslinger, named Luthor, who makes short work of their attackers. While still quite mysterious he seems to like Haroona though she still refuses to trust him right off the bat. I do love how strong her characterisation is, she doesn’t back down from a challenge.
At the end of the boat ride Haroona and Luther arrive further down the coast and begin to venture into one of India’s dark and dangerous jungles – The Suknasari Forest. Despite Luthors attempts to gain Haroona’s trust we see them at odds more which makes it evident that Luthor was going to be sticking around. Luthor reveals he’s seeking an Airship named The Morning Star which has been commandeered by the Ascendants in the area. As we venture deeper into the forest, encountering more enemies to make short work of we finally arrive at the airship. By this stage, it does feel like Haroona is meeting her match with varying enemy types including a brawler that truly packs a punch. Even the easier enemies in larger numbers become tricky to manage.
After dealing with the surrounding Ascendants at the airship it’s time for a boss battle. With Luthor preparing for take-off, Haroona’s cornered by Mia, an Ascendant leader and we see a new side to this game’s combat. Mia is almost a perfect counter for Haroona so this battle was a real test. It was pretty gruelling, probably due to my focus on outwardly attacking her versus using the pull ability to catch her off guard. Truly, this was an ability I hadn’t been using so I had forgotten about it until I was reminded. This still was not an easy battle and I had to end my time with the preview before I could properly win against her.
All in all, I’m considerably excited to learn more about the Unknown 9 transmedia universe as a whole. It feels like I’ve only just scratched the surface of the stories being told, and yet the dedication to breathing life into this universe with a unique blend of diversity and cultural elements feels like something to be excited about. Anya Chalotra plays the role exceptionally, with her power in the leading role becoming an ideal perspective for the new world.
Unknown 9: Awakening has a lot going on, but at its core, it shines with real charm and artistic flair. The fusion of mystical abilities from the Fold into the already rich cultural elements of India creates a captivating and immersive adventure. It’s a bold return to the action-adventure genre that taps into nostalgia while offering something fresh and unique. The depth of its story and the versatility of Haroona’s abilities feel like the real pulls here for me. I’m looking forward to seeing where Haroona’s adventure leads and where the Unknown 9 universe expands next.
Unknown 9: Awakening releases October 18 on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
The journalist was flown to Sydney courtesy of Bandai Namco Australia for this hands-on preview and was gifted a PR copy of Genesis – an Unknown 9 transmedia novel and a hoodie.
About the Author
Alex Beaty
They/Them
Alex gets FOMO for game DLC more than they should ever admit. On the run for being too good at Fortnite, they now work in game development.
