Game News Inspired by Uncharted and A Plague Tale, this adventure video game could be the nice surprise of 2024. We played Unknown 9 Awakening for 2 hours
In the shadow of the giants that are shamelessly occupying the media space this fall, other video games that are more modest but ambitious in their own way could prove to be a good surprise. The JV editorial team was able to play 2 hours of Unknow 9: Awakening. Here are our first impressions of this supernatural title led by the actress from the Netflix series “The Witcher” Anya Chalotra.
The trend is towards cross-media universes that dare to leave the beaten path of video games and venture into other media. In 2024 The Japanese publisher Bandai Namco is betting on a brand new franchise that travels through space and time. In fact, Unknown 9 opens the doors to a huge lore, including the video game “Awakening,” the comics “Torment,” the podcast “Out of Sight,” the novel trilogy “Genesis,” and much more, but not yet announced at the moment.
Unknown 9 pictured an alternate world where certain individuals are able to connect with the opposite, a dimensional realm that contains immense powers and knowledge of all desires. In this universe, two factions face each other in search of truth and power. The Leap Year Society, founded in 1888, aims to advance humanity. The Ascendants, a splinter group, believe in the enlightenment of humanity. Finally, the Quaestors, curious minds with supernatural abilities, explore the world to find ancient wisdom that can change things.
Developed by Reflector Entertainment, Unknown 9: Awakening is an adventure video game that focuses on the story of Haroona, a young and powerful quaestor who seeks to avenge her mentor after he is murdered by one of his former students named Vincent Lichter. His quest, which began in India at the beginning of the 20th century, encouraged him to embark on an initiatory journey to channel his powers and understand the dangers of doing the opposite. Along the way, she meets powerful allies and enemies and uncovers secret societies. Bandai Namco can also count on actress Anya Chalotra – internationally known for the role of Yennefer in the Netflix series The Witcher – to play Haroona.
A supernatural stealth adventure game
Unknown 9: Awakening est an adventure game with a strong emphasis on infiltration and the use of supernatural powers. Reflector Entertainment draws primarily on popular culture and video games to create a playful experience with a special touch. Bandai Namco’s title is reminiscent to varying degrees of Uncharted and, more broadly, Indiana Jones and A Plague Tale. The adventure is intended to be linear and exploration is limited to small areas. The studios therefore rely on precise level design that invites players to be creative and use the heroine’s powers wisely to survive.
Haroona knows how to defend herself, but is no match for armed and warlike ascendants. Awakening promotes a stealthy approach to eliminating as many enemies as possible without being detected using backhand abilities. As the adventure progresses, the protagonist reveals the extent of her powers, which range from possessing individuals to telekinesis, including invisibility and distraction. And this will not be too much to cross atypical locations (an early 20th century Indian town, a lush jungle, a temple, etc.) and continue our vengeful quest.
Unknown 9 est a sophisticated video game both in its narrative and in its artistic direction, both of which are meticulous. The cutscenes perfectly illustrate the plot, while the graphics fully contribute to immersing us in a little-known universe that is, however, just waiting to reveal its deepest secrets. To vary the pleasure, the exploration of this world is punctuated by puzzles and boss battles that will test our deduction skills and our mastery of Haroona’s powers.
The first two hours we spent with Unknown 9: Awakening have made us curious. This adventure video game that intrigues and asks questions could well be the pleasant surprise of this fall. Bandai Namco’s esoteric creation will be released on October 18, 2024 on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
