Among the highlights of Summer Game Fest 2024 was the unveiling of Unknown 9: Awakening, an ambitious action RPG from Reflector Entertainment and Bandai Namco. This highly anticipated title has been steadily building anticipation since its initial reveal at Gamescom 2020, and the recent hands-off preview provided a tantalizing glimpse into its captivating world and gameplay mechanics.
At the heart of Unknown 9: Awakening lies a compelling narrative that blends elements of the supernatural and the occult. Players take on the role of Haroona, a young woman gifted with the rare ability to access a mysterious realm known as The Fold. This realm holds profound power, and Haroona finds herself embroiled in a conflict against the malevolent Ascendants, led by the enigmatic Vincent, who seeks to harness the power of The Fold for their own selfish desires.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Unknown 9: Awakening is the concept of “Stepping,” a unique ability that allows Haroona to project her spirit into The Fold and manipulate her surroundings in extraordinary ways. Through Stepping, she can possess and control enemies, freeze time, and unleash devastating area-of-effect attacks, adding a strategic layer to the combat and encouraging players to experiment with creative tactics.
The gameplay preview showcased the game’s impressive graphics, with breathtaking environments spanning continents and a diverse cast of characters and companions. The ethereal glow of Haroona’s mystical abilities further enhances the game’s visual allure, creating a captivating and immersive world that beckons exploration.
Reflector Entertainment has thoughtfully designed Unknown 9: Awakening with player choice in mind, offering four difficulty levels to cater to varying skill levels, as well as three distinct skill trees: Close Combat, Stealth, and Umbric Abilities. This level of customization allows players to tailor their experience to their preferred playstyle, whether they prefer up-close melee combat, stealthy approaches, or the mastery of supernatural powers.
One intriguing feature of Unknown 9: Awakening is the inclusion of a Level Select option, enabling players to revisit individual levels to collect lore-enriching collectibles and achieve 100% completion. However, the chosen difficulty level remains locked throughout the playthrough, a design choice that may encourage some players to tackle the entire game on a higher difficulty for added challenge.
Drawing comparisons to recent action RPG hits like Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden and Forspoken, Unknown 9: Awakening promises to deliver a captivating blend of supernatural elements and intense combat. The game’s narrative delves into the mysteries surrounding the titular Unknown 9, immortal beings with a profound connection to The Fold, while Haroona’s journey unfolds amidst a rich multimedia universe spanning podcasts, novels, and comic books.
With its Fall 2024 release window rapidly approaching, Unknown 9: Awakening has positioned itself as a highly anticipated title, offering an enticing mix of mystical powers, gripping action, and a deep narrative steeped in occult lore. As players eagerly await the opportunity to step into Haroona’s shoes and unravel the secrets of The Fold, Unknown 9: Awakening stands poised to deliver an unforgettable supernatural adventure.