Unknown 9: Awakening Review – Xbox Series X

Montreal-based studio Reflector Entertainment has set out to make its mark with Unknown 9: Awakening, an ambitious first chapter in what they envision as a larger transmedia universe, spanning books, podcasts, and more.

With an emphasis on supernatural mystery and immersive lore, the game incarnation of Unknown 9: Awakening offers a distinct narrative experience focused on unravelling ancient secrets. But does this title offer a complete journey or leave players grappling in the dark? Here’s a closer look.

 

 

Story

Unknown 9 presents players with a character-driven narrative centering around Haroona, a young woman with the unique ability to access “The Fold,” a hidden dimension that allows her to glimpse truths beyond the physical realm.

Raised on the streets of Kolkata, Haroona is far from the typical hero. She navigates a reality woven with mystical powers, dark secrets, and powerful organisations like the Ascendants, who seek control over the ancient and dangerous knowledge of the “Unknown 9.” The story is built on lore-heavy foundations, creating a universe filled with ancient rivalries, hidden realms, and philosophical intrigue.

Reflector’s approach to storytelling is commendable, as they focus on Haroona’s self-discovery and relationship with her powers while also hinting at the grander schemes of her world. However, as the game progresses, the storyline occasionally feels patchy, leaving gaps that could benefit from deeper exploration.

Key details about Haroona’s abilities and her connection to the Fold remain vague, with only hints offered instead of complete insights. Reflector’s focus on establishing a narrative across multiple media is evident; while the in-game story stands on its own, it does feel like the game is designed to push players toward the extended lore in other places, potentially leaving some players feeling that the story is a bit incomplete.

The universe itself is compelling enough to draw in players who enjoy mysterious and supernatural settings, yet it occasionally feels as if Reflector has sacrificed story clarity for future storytelling opportunities.

Haroona’s character is likeable and relatable, particularly as an outsider in her own world, and players can empathise with her journey of self-discovery. Still, for a game that delves into the mysteries of existence and the supernatural, some elements are handled superficially, which could have been avoided with more narrative focus within the game itself.

 

 

Graphics / Audio

Reflector Entertainment has crafted a game that’s visually impressive, especially in its environmental design. From lush, chaotic jungles to hauntingly atmospheric Gothic estates, each area is meticulously designed to evoke a sense of mystery and wonder. One of the game’s standout elements is “The Fold” itself—an alternate dimension accessible only to Haroona.

When she peeks into The Fold, the world transforms into an ethereal, spectral version of itself, with hidden objects and paths revealed in shimmering, surreal colours. This mechanic adds a unique visual flavour to the exploration and problem-solving elements, creating a clear distinction between the seen and unseen worlds.

However, the game’s overall polish is inconsistent. While the environments are richly detailed and enhanced by dynamic lighting, certain graphical flaws, like stiff facial animations and occasional lighting glitches, can detract from the immersion. These issues don’t ruin the experience, but they do pull players out of the moment from time to time, especially in scenes where Haroona’s emotional journey is central. Reflector’s art team deserves recognition for the creativity and detail in their world-building, but these technical flaws keep the game from reaching its full visual potential.

The sound design, in contrast, is one of the strongest elements of the game. Anya Chalotra’s voice acting for Haroona is superb, adding depth and nuance to her character and giving weight to her journey. The background score, an eerie mix of world music and ambient tones, further enhances the atmosphere, making every scene feel steeped in mystery and tension.

Reflector’s audio team has gone above and beyond in capturing the ambient sounds of each location, whether it’s the bustle of Kolkata or the whispers in an ancient ruin. This attention to detail in sound design helps immerse players in Haroona’s world, even during the game’s slower narrative beats.

 

 

Gameplay

Reflector’s Stepping mechanic is perhaps the most unique and innovative feature of Unknown 9.

Haroona can “Step” into the minds of enemies, taking control of their actions to distract, manipulate, or attack others. This mechanic offers a strategic layer to combat, allowing players to tackle encounters in varied, creative ways. Stepping is limited by “Umbral tokens,” a resource that players must manage carefully to avoid running out during combat. As a tool, Stepping brings a fresh and thrilling element to gameplay, letting players turn the tide of battle by cleverly using enemy resources to their advantage.

Despite its potential, Stepping’s usage is somewhat constrained by design. While the mechanic is effective for individual takedowns or crowd control, it’s less helpful in larger encounters against tougher enemies like Gearheads, who are immune to Haroona’s supernatural powers. These encounters force players to fall back on melee combat, which can feel clunky and less satisfying. This limitation in Stepping’s versatility somewhat restricts players from fully engaging with the game’s core supernatural themes, especially as more combat sequences rely on direct fighting.

Combat in Unknown 9 is an uneven mix of stealth, supernatural abilities, and melee. Reflector’s design initially encourages a stealth approach, with Haroona able to sneak through tall grass and perform silent takedowns. She can use her psychic abilities, like “Peek,” to view enemies and hidden paths, making stealth encounters strategic and engaging.

 

 

As combat progresses, however, the game shifts towards melee battles, where Haroona is often outnumbered and forced into hand-to-hand confrontations. This shift can feel disjointed, as the melee mechanics lack the fluidity and responsiveness that would make these sequences enjoyable.

Reflector attempts to keep combat dynamic by introducing enemy types that counter Haroona’s abilities, such as the aforementioned Gearheads. These enemies add challenge but also limit player options, forcing a play style that doesn’t always fit with Haroona’s supernatural powers. The hand-to-hand combat can become repetitive, with limited move sets and basic combos that make fights feel less dynamic over time. Additionally, some technical issues, like unresponsive controls and imprecise hit detection exacerbate the combat’s limitations, turning encounters that should feel intense into a bit of a chore.

Beyond combat, Unknown 9 includes a strong exploration component, with Reflector utilising The Fold as a tool for discovery. Players can “peek” into this alternate dimension to uncover hidden paths, puzzles, and collectables. The Fold adds an engaging layer to puzzle-solving, requiring players to switch between the visible world and The Fold to unlock hidden passages or find clues. These sequences are a refreshing break from combat and help to reinforce the game’s supernatural themes.

While The Fold offers a unique perspective on exploration, the puzzles themselves are relatively straightforward, focusing more on spatial awareness than complex problem-solving. Reflector’s approach here works well within the story’s framework, but those seeking intricate or challenging puzzles might find the gameplay a bit too simple. That said, the blend of exploration and puzzle-solving is a strength, keeping players engaged even during slower narrative moments.

Verdict

Reflector Entertainment has laid a strong foundation with Unknown 9: Awakening, offering players a tantalising glimpse into a world brimming with mystery and supernatural intrigue. The Stepping mechanic and The Fold both bring fresh ideas to the gameplay, creating a unique experience that blends stealth, strategy, and exploration. Reflector’s dedication to world-building and atmosphere shines through, making the game’s lore-rich universe an enticing setting for future expansions.

However, Unknown 9 is not without its shortcomings. The story, while ambitious, occasionally lacks depth in its exploration of characters and themes, leaving certain elements feeling incomplete. Combat’s reliance on melee encounters, coupled with occasional technical issues, can detract from the game’s otherwise immersive experience. Reflector’s desire to craft a larger transmedia narrative is clear, but it would have benefited from a bit more polish within the game itself, giving players a fully satisfying stand-alone experience.

For players drawn to supernatural mysteries and rich, lore-driven universes, Unknown 9: Awakening is worth exploring. With some refinement in future entries, Reflector’s universe has the potential to grow into something truly captivating. As it stands, this first chapter is an intriguing, if occasionally rough, journey into the unknown.