There’s always room for multimedia projects, despite their niche status. After all, they leave plenty of room for storytelling, weaving different threads into a larger narrative web. Unknown 9: Awakening is the latest game to take up the challenge, with Anya Chalotra (who plays Yennefer in Netflix’s The Witcher) fronting the cast.
Hailing from first-time developer Reflector Entertainment, the action-adventure title was first announced during Gamescom 2021 and will serve as a new entry point to an existing interconnected universe. It joins the Unknown 9: Torment comic books, Genesis novel trilogy, and Out of Sight podcast series in expanding the lore, and is set to hit console and PC in Summer 2024.
The update came by the way of a new trailer, which gives a better look at the world, its environments, and combat. Players control Chalotra’s character Haroona, a Queastor who yearns to avenge the death of her mentor by the hand of her former disciple, Vincent Lichter. Within the larger universe, Queastors are part of a elite group that has guided humanity through the ages and masters of The Fold, a mysterious parallel dimension that grants them powers over the physical world.
Known as Umbric Abilities, these make up a core part of combat in Unknown 9: Awakening alongside utility and defensive skills. Haroona is equipped the Stepping ability, allowing her to take control of enemies, position them strategically, and attack other hostiles or the environment. Executing stealthy takedowns and engaging in direct combat both recharges its use count, which can be increased as the story progresses.
From the trailer, Unknown 9: Awakening seems to lean more towards stealth, highlighting a focus on positioning and planning out one’s moves. Apart from Stepping, players are also able to use other abilities like Cloak and Peeking, allowing objects and enemies in the vicinity to be detected. There will be a skill tree system as well, alongside the perfect dodge feature that when pulled off, slows time down.
Reflector Entertainment may be a new studio, but it’s made up of industry veterans that have previously contributed to the Tomb Raider, Watch Dogs, and Far Cry titles. Alexandre Amancio, known for his work with Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise, heads the company, which explains the game’s familiar Assassin’s Creed-esque flair.
Unknown 9: Awakening will release for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC this summer.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
