Bandai Namco and Reflector Studio released the cinematic launch trailer for Unknown 9: Awakening, an action-adventure game set to launch on October 18th for PC and consoles. In the game's story, players assume the role of Haroona (Anya Chalotra), a Quaestor. She was born with the ability to access a mysterious dimension that overlaps with our reality, known as the Umbral, and uses her supernatural powers for a vital mission.
In her quest for powerful secret knowledge about the origin of humanity, Haroona must learn to master her unique connection to this other dimension, allowing her to harness these powers to fulfill her mission. Haroona quickly becomes a target of the Ascendants, a faction that seeks to use the Umbral to alter the course of human history forever.
The cinematic trailer showcases Haroona using her Fold powers to possess enemies, triggering a chain effect where each enemy strikes another, similar to what players can expect in gameplay. The combat in Unknown 9: Awakening promises to be dynamic with various mechanics. Haroona can engage in melee combat, landing punches on enemies, using stealth to take down unaware opponents, or employing possession to strike from a safe distance.
Some players are comparing Bandai Namco's Unknown 9: Awakening to the equivalent of Forspoken from Square Enix. Both games feature a prominent actress in the lead role, utilizing motion capture to portray them authentically in the game world, presenting cutting-edge trailers, and more surprisingly, receiving significant investments despite uncertain returns. Fans are hoping Unknown 9: Awakening will fare better in sales and critical acclaim than Forspoken.
What's most impressive is Bandai Namco's substantial investment in Unknown 9: Awakening. The publisher has previously announced a multimedia project surrounding the game, including comic books, podcasts, and web series. The first issue of the comic series is titled Unknown 9: Torment, while the debut season of the podcast is named Unknown 9: Out of Sight. The upcoming web series Unknown 9: Passage and Unknown 9: The Taylor Files will dive deeper into the Unknown. All multimedia projects will be part of the same narrative universe.
Unknown 9: Awakening will be released on October 18th for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Xbox Series X|S. If you're interested in diving into a new IP promising expansive lore throughout its universe, check out our comparator for the cheapest deals on Unknown 9: Awakening and secure your pre-order to receive bonus content when the game launches.
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