Bandai Namco and Reflector Entertainment are gearing up for a major expansion of the Unknown 9 franchise, starting with the release of Unknown 9: Awakening, a third-person, narrative action-adventure game set to launch in Summer 2024.
Jean-François Deschamps, Reflector’s Head of Production, recently presented the game and provided a hands-off gameplay session. Unknown 9: Awakening gave me a solid impression of the game’s potential for strategic action and storytelling with its interdimensional gameplay.
Unknown 9: Awakening is set in a narrative universe that includes an overarching story told across various media formats. Although the game can be played independently, it is recommended to check out the podcast, novel, and comics to better understand the narrative universe. The story includes the rise and fall of civilizations, and it draws inspiration from Indian mythology, with a focus on the concept of knowledge transfer.
The game’s protagonist, Haroona (played by Anya Chalotra), possesses supernatural powers and is motivated by revenge following the death of her mentor. Her quest for retribution leads her into conflict with the Ascendants, a breakaway faction of a secret society known as the Leap Year Society. The main antagonist, Vincent Lichter, is also a former student of the same mentor. As the game progresses, Haroona gains powerful abilities, leading to the gameplay.
Unknown 9: Awakening features traditional linear narrative and set-piece action-adventure, as well as a unique interdimensional “stepping” gameplay feature that allows Haroona to “step into” any enemy and control them for a brief period. This aspect is particularly intriguing because the level design encourages players to make calculated decisions to eliminate foes instead of relying solely on combat. The “peeking” ability, which highlights nearby enemies, is also a useful tool for determining the best path. The game also includes offensive push and pull mechanics, as well as a defensive shield for combat situations.
During the gameplay session, I saw Haroona control two enemies and guide them to a cache of explosives, resulting in an explosive finale. The game’s developers emphasized the importance of creative combinations, whether players choose to engage in combat, use abilities, or go the stealthy route. The game features an escalating number of enemy types, including heavy and machine gunners, as well as a companion named Luther, leading to more challenging situations. Players can also select a difficulty level that suits their playstyle. The game also includes hidden anomalies that Haroona can use to acquire new skills, and players will not be able to max out all skill tree abilities, so it challenges players to be selective with their buildout.
Unknown 9: Awakening promises more exciting reveals in the months leading up to its summer release, and it will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.
