Unknown 9: Awakening gives off a vibe similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It ticks off all the boxes – a hero with a deceased mentor figure, superpowers, and shady organizations with nefarious intentions.
Leading the way is Haroona, a woman who taps into psychic abilities from a parallel dimension known as the Fold. Despite the clichés, what stood out to me in the 60-minute PAX West demo of Unknown 9 was its intricate world-building and the freedom it offered to experiment with Haroona’s powers. Admittedly, I struggled initially to juggle the powers, but once I got the hang of it, seamlessly switching between abilities became second nature, even if I missed a hit or two by accident.
The preview I experienced was split into two parts. The first part introduced Haroona through a bar fight in a humble village, complete with plenty of tutorials. The second part delves deeper into the story after Haroona loses her mentor, teaming up with a companion to seek revenge. Their pursuit leads them to a jungle teeming with adversaries, ready to defend their base from intruders.
The world of Unknown 9 is intricately crafted, drawing inspiration from real-world locations spanning India to Portugal. I had the opportunity to explore two distinct settings during the demo. The first part showcased a quaint town with blocky, clay-colored structures and robed NPCs, while the second part transported me to a mysterious jungle with abandoned machinery and ancient ruins. In both environments, I propelled Haroona’s narrative forward using the core abilities of Unknown 9.
Haroona’s initial ability, showcased in the introductory bar brawl, allows her to briefly possess the bodies of her adversaries. I utilized this power to incapacitate one enemy with their comrade’s stun weapon before delivering the finishing blow with Haroona herself. This skill became a crucial part of my gameplay, especially in densely populated areas where facing numerous foes alone was a challenge. It served as a strategic advantage, preventing Haroona from being overwhelmed.
Another ability allows Haroona to temporarily conceal herself and strike from behind, providing a stealthy advantage. When facing two enemies in close proximity, I could swiftly dispatch one before dealing with the other in a one-on-one encounter. Precision in timing and positioning was crucial, as I risked exposure if I executed the attack slightly out of range. These abilities, along with others, challenged me to adapt to my surroundings.
Unknown 9 ensures that each ability serves a practical purpose rather than being mere spectacle. Strategic planning before engaging in combat was essential, setting it apart from games that promote a brute force approach. This added layer of depth made every triumph truly gratifying, interspersed with engaging storytelling elements that I hope will continue in the final release.
Unknown 9: Awakening will be available on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, and PS5 starting October 18.
