Unknown 9: Awakening
Reviews
Unknown 9: Awakening is a generic and underwhelming action-adventure game with a predictable story, shallow combat and stealth, and numerous performance issues, but it has some fun mind-control powers. - IGN
A classic, story-focused single-player adventure with unique mechanics, held back by technical issues and repetitiveness. - TheGamer
A third-person action-adventure game set in the Unknown 9 universe, featuring a rich lore and unique abilities, but with uneven execution and derivative gameplay ideas. - Xbox Era
Unknown 9: Awakening feels like a throwback to linear, narrative-driven action games of the Xbox 360 era, with stealth and mind-control mechanics. - PC Gamer
Unknown 9: Awakening builds intrigue and sets up the worldbuilding quite nicely while acting as a standalone game experience, blending swashbuckling escapades with conspiratorial aspects. - GamingBolt
Overview
Unknown 9: Awakening is a story-focused single-player action-adventure game set in an alternate-reality version of the early 20th century where you play as Haroona, a woman imbued with the power to tap into an unseen dimension called the Fold. The game features mind-control powers, but suffers from a formulaic story, shallow combat and stealth, and numerous performance issues. However, its strong story and unique mechanics make it a journey worth taking, and it is part of a rich and ambitious cross-media lore. The game feels like a throwback to linear, narrative-driven action games of the Xbox 360 era. As an intro to the wider Unknown 9 universe, Awakening builds intrigue and sets up the worldbuilding quite nicely while acting as a standalone game experience in its own right. The general vibe and genre of Unknown 9 is a blend of the swashbuckling escapades of something like Uncharted with the more conspiratorial aspects of Assassin’s Creed.
Pros
- ✓ The mind-controlling abilities offer some fun and allow for clever sabotage of enemies. [0] [1] [2] [4]
- ✓ Heartfelt story with excellent characters, particularly Haroona, portrayed by Anya Chalotra. [1] [2] [4]
- ✓ Refreshingly linear and contained, reminiscent of classic solo campaigns. [1] [2] [4]
- ✓ Part of a rich and ambitious cross-media lore. [2] [4]
- ✓ Plenty of original ideas. [2] [4]
- ✓ A solid campaign length without too much padding. [2] [4]
- ✓ Budget pricing helps. [2] [4]
- ✓ Conversing with your crewmates aboard the the airship displays some of the game’s best writing and characterization. [4]
Cons
- ✗ The game suffers from various performance issues, bugs, and general jankiness, including framerate dips, characters getting stuck on objects, and abrupt cutscene transitions. [0] [1] [2] [4]
- ✗ The story is formulaic and full of cliches, with unremarkable characters and convoluted references. [0] [2] [4]
- ✗ Combat and stealth mechanics are shallow and dull, falling below the standard set by genre peers. [0] [1] [2] [4]
- ✗ Leaping into enemies can sometimes feel limited. [1] [2] [4]
- ✗ Technically unimpressive. [2] [4]
- ✗ Narrative is a bit uneven. [2] [4]
- ✗ Many gameplay ideas are a bit derivative. [2] [4]
- ✗ Nothing much to do after the end credits. [2] [4]
- ✗ The game has some awkward transitions that gave scripting whiplash. [4]
- ✗ The number of bugs increases as more opponents get thrown at you. [4]
- ✗ You cannot change difficulty after you start up a new game. [4]
Gameplay
Stealth
The stealth gameplay involves using a ghostly rock to distract enemies and hiding in tall grass. The AI is generally weak, making it easy to remain undetected even when making noise or leaving bodies in plain sight. Successfully clearing an area without being spotted is still rewarding, and companions may comment on your stealthiness. [0] [1] [2] [4]
Combat
Combat encounters involve fighting the same handful of enemy soldiers with guns and melee weapons. The combat system consists of dodging, light attacks, and heavy attacks, but it is less polished than in other games. The AI is unintelligent, making it possible to win battles by spamming attacks and dodging telegraphed moves, even on the hardest difficulty. [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]
Story & Setting
The game is set in an alternate-reality version of the early 20th century, where mystical secrets and hidden histories exist, including a mysterious cycle of extinction, a race of immortal beings, and secret societies vying for paranormal knowledge. [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]
Visuals & Audio
Beyond some stunning environments, Unknown 9 also isn’t much of a looker thanks to its dated character models and blurry textures. [1] [2] [4]
Technical Details
The game suffers from performance issues, including framerate dips, characters getting stuck on objects, and abrupt cutscene transitions. [0] [1] [2] [4]
Gallery
Unknown 9: Awakening Review Screenshots
A collage showing a picture of the real Anya Chalotra and her video game counterpart from Unknown 9 in the background.
Haroona in Unknown 9: Awakening,
Haroona using her spirit power in Unknown 9: Awakening.
Haroona using an enemy to shoot in Unknown 9: Awakening.
Haroona in the jungle in Unknown 9: Awakening,
mixcollage-12-feb-2025-08-17-pm-2651.jpg
The Gamer rate
Leon Kennedy looking at a 9 that is actually the 6 from the Resident Evil 6 logo turned upside down
unknown 9 awakening review
unknown 9 awakening review
unknown 9 awakening review
unknown 9 awakening review
unknown 9 awakening review
unknown 9 awakening review
Image from Xbox Era
Unknown9: Awakening
Unknown 9: Awakening – Narrative Universe Trailer - YouTube
Unknown9: Awakening
You journey through a number of diverse environments from Indian jungles to Portuguese mansions, all housing numerous collectables.
The Step ability grants you control of an enemy’s body until your Umbral meter drains, giving you the upper hand in most encounters
Gearhead enemies restrict your Step ability. Many other machines and enemies restrict other Umbral abilities as well, although you can overcome some restrictions by advancing in the skill tree
Overwhelming combat encounters featuring a dozen-plus opponents are common mid-way through the game, unfortunately
Despite its flaws, _Unknown 9_ delivers some wonderful story moments and fun gameplay when it wants you to explore