Introduction

“Unknown 9: Awakening” is a bold attempt to combine action, adventure, and storytelling while offering support for multiple Arabic dialects. Developed by Reflector Entertainment and published by Bandai Namco, this debut project attracted attention with its trailer during Gamescom 2020. However, the game faced delays—was it worth the wait?

Story

The game follows “Haruna,” a young woman living in the slums of India. She discovers a mysterious power called “The Fold,” allowing her to manipulate reality. Guided by a mentor, she learns to control her abilities and uncovers secrets about alternate dimensions. However, she faces a shadowy group, “The Leap Year Society,” aiming to exploit her powers for their gain. While the premise is intriguing, the execution feels fragmented, and character development is shallow.

Gameplay

Haruna’s unique ability, “The Fold,” lets her manipulate reality in creative ways. For example, she can control enemies, use environmental elements to her advantage, or even vanish temporarily. While these mechanics offer variety, they lack depth and become repetitive. Combat is basic, relying on simple attacks and “The Fold” abilities. Overall, the gameplay feels underwhelming.

Graphics and Technical Performance

Graphics were below expectations, even for previous-generation consoles. Comparatively, other games like “God of War Ragnarok” showcased far superior visuals. Technically, the game suffered from frame drops and stuttering, disrupting the experience. These issues significantly impacted enjoyment.

Voice Acting

Voice acting was inconsistent, with characters failing to convey emotions effectively. Facial animations lacked detail, and lip-syncing issues were noticeable. Haruna’s expressions, in particular, appeared lifeless, detracting from immersion.

Arabic Dubbing

The game supports multiple Arabic dialects, including Palestinian, Egyptian, and Syrian. While ambitious, this approach lacked consistency, with characters from the same background using different dialects. However, the Arabic translation was grammatically flawless.

Final Rating

5/10

“Unknown 9: Awakening” falls short of its potential. With a disjointed story, repetitive gameplay, and technical issues, the game fails to deliver the groundbreaking experience it promised. Despite its intriguing premise, it leaves players disappointed.