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Unknown 9: Awakening

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Unknown 9: Awakening
Item: Unknown 9: Awakening
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, Single Player

AvailableOct 18, 2024

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperReflector

Overview

Unknown9: Awakening is your entry point into a new Storyworld.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Praise for rich cultural depth, immersive world-building, and Haroona’s revenge quest. Criticism of clichéd storytelling, shallow execution, and confusing terminology. Verdict: Ambitious but uneven—transmedia universe charms fans but baffles newcomers, with pacing and clarity issues undermining its potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

52%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

28%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The overall sentiment toward Unknown 9: Awakening is mixed, with several critics highlighting its narrative strengths. TheXboxHub notes that while the story starts slowly and feels confusing initially, it improves as it progresses, praising the well-written supporting characters for adding depth. Checkpoint Gaming commends the plot and cast for their charm and likability, emphasizing the period setting reminiscent of pulpy adventure tales, while Digital Trends applauds the rich cultural depth and character development centered on Haroona, a South Asian heroine on a revenge quest. Push Square and XGN also appreciate the immersive universe, with Push Square specifically praising the "well-written" story and "excellent" voice acting by Anya Chalotra, and XGN highlighting the central conflict against The Ascendants and the grand scale of the narrative. These reviews suggest that the game’s story has potential, particularly in its world-building and thematic elements, which resonate with fans of adventure and transmedia storytelling. However, numerous critics express significant dissatisfaction with the narrative’s execution. Atomix and Eurogamer Germany both describe the story as "boring," "flat," and "shallow," criticizing its reliance on clichés and lack of emotional engagement. Gameliner and Games.cz point to a disconnect between players and characters, with the latter noting "irrelevant dialogue" and "inconsistent world-building." GamingBolt and Noisy Pixel criticize the rushed pacing and insufficient character development, while Metro GameCentral and TrueGaming highlight confusing terminology and chaotic storytelling that alienate newcomers. Additionally, GameMAG and Gaming Age argue that the game falls into familiar tropes, and Oyungezer finds the narrative underwhelming with "cartoonish" character designs. These critiques collectively underscore a struggle to balance ambition with clarity, leaving many reviewers feeling the story fails to fully capitalize on its promising premise. The overall consensus reflects a divided reception, with praise for the game’s lore, cultural elements, and potential for future expansions clashing against criticism of its narrative coherence and depth. While some reviewers, like TheXboxHub and Push Square, acknowledge the story’s gradual improvement and engaging factions, others, such as Atomix and Eurogamer Germany, find it unoriginal and tedious. The game’s reliance on a transmedia universe and complex terminology appears to be a double-edged sword, offering richness for dedicated fans but confusing newcomers. Despite its flaws, Unknown 9: Awakening is seen as a story with ambition and charm, though its execution leaves much to be desired. The mixed feedback suggests that while it has moments of brilliance, the narrative’s inconsistencies and pacing issues prevent it from achieving a universally satisfying experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Praise for inventive stealth and magical systems, but repetitive combat, clunky controls, and shallow design overshadow its potential, making it feel outdated and frustrating.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

12%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

60%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

28%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Unknown 9: Awakening receives mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its creative mechanics and engaging elements. TheXboxHub notes the inclusion of exploration, climbing, platforming, and combat with special abilities, while Digital Trends emphasizes the fun and intuitive combat system that encourages player strategy through Haroona’s unique powers. Checkpoint Gaming and Metro GameCentral commend the Step ability, which allows control of enemies, and the stealth brawler approach, respectively, calling them distinctive and enjoyable. XGN appreciates the third-person perspective and the variety of Fold powers, suggesting that the game’s magical abilities and combat options offer flexibility, even if they occasionally lead to mistakes. These positives indicate that the game’s core systems have potential, particularly in their innovative use of stealth and ability-based interactions, which some reviewers find refreshing compared to more formulaic titles. However, the negatives dominate the critique, with repeated complaints about repetition, poor execution, and lack of depth. Atomix and Gameliner criticize the gameplay as monotonous and overly complex, citing confusing controls and unengaging combat. Eurogamer Germany and Games.cz describe the melee combat as clunky, while Digital Chumps and IGN Benelux note that basic combat mechanics feel uninteresting and the enemy AI lacks variety. GamingBolt and Push Square point to repetitive encounters and predictable level designs, with the latter comparing it to "older gaming eras." Additionally, critics like Noisy Pixel and Oyungezer highlight unbalanced enemy types, frustrating navigation, and a progression system that hinders early gameplay. The consensus here is that while the game introduces unique ideas, their implementation often falls short, leading to a tedious and uninspired experience, particularly in later stages. Overall, the critics’ opinions reveal a polarizing reception. While some praise the game’s stealth mechanics, magical abilities, and creative tactics (as noted by Checkpoint Gaming, Metro GameCentral, and XGN), the majority condemn its repetitive combat, unrefined controls, and lack of innovation. TheXboxHub and Digital Trends acknowledge initial engagement, but many, like Atomix, Gameliner, and TrueGaming, argue that the gameplay feels outdated and shallow. The game’s linear structure and underdeveloped progression systems are frequently cited as flaws, with Shacknews and Gaming Age pointing to slow early gameplay and unbalanced difficulty. Despite pockets of praise for its distinct elements, the overwhelming sentiment suggests that Unknown 9: Awakening struggles to maintain momentum, with its positives often overshadowed by technical and design shortcomings that frustrate players over time.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Praise for inventive stealth and magical systems, but repetitive combat, clunky controls, and shallow design overshadow its potential, making it feel outdated and frustrating.

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Unknown 9: Awakening dazzles with imaginative, visually striking environments—think "elthritic otherworlds" and "Eastern-futuristic landscapes"—but crumbles under outdated graphics, stilted animations, and technical glitches that clash with its artistic ambition. While critics praise its creative world-building and aesthetic flair, others call it "generic," "inconsistent," and "reminiscent of older consoles," citing bland textures, awkward character models, and performance hiccups. A game of stark contrasts: beauty in concept, but flaws in execution, leaving its potential overshadowed by polish issues and linearity.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

26%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The reviews for Unknown 9: Awakening highlight a mixed reception regarding its graphics and visual design, with several critics praising its artistic and environmental strengths. Checkpoint Gaming and Digital Trends commend the game’s "gorgeous visuals" and "visually awe-inspiring segments," particularly noting the creative and diverse locations, such as the "elthritic otherworld" and the "Fold" dimension, which are described as "beautifully realized" and "visually interesting." Push Square and XGN also emphasize the game’s aesthetic appeal, with the latter pointing to "beautiful environments with Eastern influences and futuristic designs" despite its lack of AAA polish. Gameliner and Gamer.no acknowledge the visual beauty of the settings, though they critique the game’s linearity, which limits players’ ability to fully engage with the artistry. These positive remarks often center on the game’s imaginative world-building and the effort to create a visually distinct experience, even with a modest budget. However, the negatives dominate discussions about technical execution and consistency. Atomix and Eurogamer Germany criticize the graphics as "outdated" and "lacking detail," comparing them unfavorably to titles like Uncharted 4 and noting "generic environments" and "awkward character models." GamingBolt and IGN Benelux highlight "stilted facial animations" and "poor detail" in character design, while Noisy Pixel and Softpedia point to "technical issues like bugs and graphical inconsistencies" that disrupt immersion. TheXboxHub and Multiplayer.it describe the visuals as "inconsistent," with "bland textures" and "inadequate" character models overshadowing moments of beauty. Additionally, PlaySense and Gamer.no note that cutscenes and animations fail to match the quality of the environments, and Shacknews criticizes performance issues on PC, suggesting the visuals deteriorate over time. These critiques often focus on the game’s inability to fully leverage modern hardware or engine capabilities, such as Unreal Engine 4. The overall consensus reflects a divide between the game’s artistic ambition and its technical shortcomings. While Checkpoint Gaming and XGN argue that the visuals are "amazing" and "commendable" despite being non-AAA, many critics, including Atomix, Eurogamer Germany, and TrueGaming, feel the graphics fall behind current standards, appearing "reminiscent of older console generations." Metro GameCentral and Multiplayer.it note a lack of standout elements, with Gameliner and Gamer.no emphasizing that the linearity restricts appreciation of the design. Despite these flaws, the game’s environments and creative concepts are frequently praised, suggesting that its visual design has potential but is undermined by inconsistencies, poor animations, and technical issues. The mixed feedback underscores a title that excels in imagination but struggles to deliver a polished, cohesive visual experience across platforms.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Divided audio reviews: While some hail its atmospheric score and authentic Spanish voice acting, others call it generic, inconsistent, and underwhelming with technical glitches.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

29%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The overall sentiment toward the sound design and music of Unknown 9: Awakening is mixed, with several critics highlighting its strengths. TheXboxHub praises the sound design as "excellent," emphasizing a "robust score" and strong performances from the main cast, suggesting the music effectively complements the game’s atmosphere. TrueGaming similarly commends the sound design as the "strongest aspect," noting the "period-appropriate music" that enhances immersion. Vandal acknowledges the positive contribution of Spanish voice acting, which adds cultural authenticity and enriches the experience. These reviews indicate that the game’s audio elements, particularly its musical composition and localized voice work, are seen as commendable and well-executed in certain areas, offering a cohesive and engaging auditory backdrop. However, several critics express dissatisfaction with the sound design and music, pointing to inconsistencies and lack of memorability. Atomix describes the sound design and music as "generic and forgettable," criticizing the absence of standout compositions and the overshadowing of the score by sound effects. God is a Geek highlights "inconsistent sound direction" and "weird audio issues," such as abrupt dialogue triggers, which disrupt the flow. PlaySense notes that while voice acting is "decent," the sound effects are "unremarkable," failing to leave a lasting impression. GameMAG calls the sound design "underwhelming," lacking depth and memorable effects, though they praise the localization. These critiques suggest that while the game has moments of quality, its audio design often falls short in creating a distinctive or immersive experience, with technical flaws and repetitive elements detracting from its potential. The overall consensus among critics is divided, reflecting a blend of praise and criticism. While some reviewers, like TheXboxHub and TrueGaming, celebrate the music and sound design as integral to the game’s appeal, others, including Atomix, God is a Geek, and GameMAG, find them lacking in originality and technical polish. PlaySense and Vandal add nuance, acknowledging decent voice acting but pointing to unremarkable sound effects or limited details on the audio design. This divergence indicates that Unknown 9: Awakening’s audio elements may resonate differently depending on player expectations, with its strengths in musical atmosphere and localization offset by weaknesses in consistency, memorability, and technical execution. The mixed feedback suggests the game’s sound design is a polarizing aspect, neither universally lauded nor entirely dismissed.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Divided audio reviews: While some hail its atmospheric score and authentic Spanish voice acting, others call it generic, inconsistent, and underwhelming with technical glitches.

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics raved about Anya Chalotra's powerhouse voice work as Haroona, calling it "emotional" and "charismatic," but others slammed inconsistent direction, weak NPC performances, and technical hiccups—proving Unknown 9: Awakening’s voice acting is a flawed yet vital gem for narrative-driven gamers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

37%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The majority of critics praised the voice acting in Unknown 9: Awakening, with particular emphasis on Anya Chalotra’s performance as the protagonist Haroona. TheXboxHub highlighted the "strong performances from the main cast," while Checkpoint Gaming commended her "endearing earnestness," noting it enhanced the character’s likability. Digital Trends and IGN Benelux both lauded her portrayal for its "depth and emotional resonance," with God is a Geek and Push Square emphasizing her ability to convey vulnerability and charisma effectively. GamingBolt and PlaySense also celebrated the voice talent, stating that well-written characters were "complemented by strong voice performances," and Multiplayer.it acknowledged her as a "highlight" despite technical limitations. These reviews collectively underscore the positive impact of the voice acting, especially Chalotra’s work, on the game’s narrative and character immersion. However, some critics raised concerns about the voice acting’s consistency and quality. Atomix criticized Chalotra’s performance for being "poorly directed," resulting in an "exaggerated accent," while TrueGaming called the overall voice acting "generally weak," pointing out that many NPCs and enemies lacked emotional depth. Multiplayer.it also noted that technical limitations affected both character animations and voice acting, suggesting a disconnect between performance and execution. Additionally, GameMAG and Oyungezer offered lukewarm assessments, with GameMAG stating that Chalotra’s involvement "did not significantly enhance the experience," and Oyungezer failing to elaborate on the quality at all. These critiques highlight areas where the voice acting fell short of expectations, particularly in supporting roles and technical implementation. Despite mixed feedback, the overall consensus leans positive, with most reviewers recognizing the voice acting as a standout element, especially Chalotra’s work. While some critics like Atomix and TrueGaming pointed out flaws, the majority—such as Digital Chumps, who compared it to "90s action films" for its "entertaining and meaningful" presentation—emphasized its contribution to the game’s atmosphere and storytelling. The technical limitations mentioned by Multiplayer.it and the occasional lack of depth in NPCs were seen as minor drawbacks against a backdrop of generally strong performances. This suggests that while the voice acting isn’t flawless, it is a significant strength that enhances the game’s appeal, particularly for players drawn to its narrative and character-driven elements.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Unknown 9: Awakening is technically flawed on both PS5 and PC, with frame drops, bugs, poor animations, and unresponsive controls that make it feel incomplete and frustrating—despite some minor playability. No platform shines.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

18%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

82%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Unknown 9: Awakening on the PlayStation 5 and PC receives mixed acknowledgment, though positives are minimal. On the PS5, critics like Atomix and Digital Trends note that while the game suffers from performance issues, they are not severe enough to make it unplayable, with Digital Trends emphasizing that bugs and NPC glitches are "manageable." Similarly, Gamer.no and Gameliner highlight that the game’s flaws, such as frame rate drops and lag, are present but do not entirely derail the experience. For PC, Gaming Age mentions "glitches and inconsistent performance," though it lacks the nuanced praise seen in the PS5 reviews. Overall, the game’s technical foundation is seen as functional, but its execution falls short of expectations, with no major platform-specific strengths reported. The negatives for Unknown 9: Awakening are more pronounced and consistent across both platforms. On the PS5, Eurogamer Germany criticizes the "shaky frame rate and lack of graphical fidelity," while GamingBolt and TrueGaming point to frame drops and bugs during combat, especially in large group encounters. Noisy Pixel and Softpedia emphasize "graphical inconsistencies" and "unpolished animations," and XGN highlights "unresponsive controls" and "poorly placed save points." Multiplayer.it calls the technical performance a "disaster," citing frequent bugs and poor animation quality. For PC, Gaming Age echoes similar concerns, though the review is brief. These issues collectively create a sense of incompletion, with TrueGaming specifically noting the game "feels incomplete and in need of updates." The overall consensus among critics is that Unknown 9: Awakening struggles with technical performance on both the PS5 and PC, with no platform escaping significant flaws. While some reviewers, like Atomix and Digital Trends, acknowledge the game’s playability despite its issues, the majority—Gameliner, GamingBolt, Multiplayer.it, and Vandal—paint a more dire picture, citing frame rate instability, animation problems, and persistent bugs that undermine immersion. The PC version, though less detailed in the provided reviews, aligns with the PS5’s shortcomings, suggesting a lack of optimization or polish across platforms. This widespread criticism indicates that the game’s technical execution is a major hindrance, overshadowing its potential and leaving players with a frustrating experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Unknown 9: Awakening’s tactical combat and varied chapters can’t offset its repetitive gameplay, linear design, and lack of replay incentives—players won’t want to revisit it.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

63%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

TheXboxHub and Checkpoint Gaming highlight some positive aspects of Unknown 9: Awakening that could theoretically enhance its replay value. TheXboxHub acknowledges the "fun tactical options" provided by the Step ability and combat mechanics, suggesting that these elements offer a degree of engagement during the initial playthrough. Checkpoint Gaming praises the game’s "brisk pace" and "varied locations," which make each chapter feel "valuable and memorable," even if the overall duration is not overly long. Additionally, Push Square notes that collectibles provide "extra insight into the story and characters," which might appeal to completionists or fans of narrative depth. These points indicate that the game’s design includes features that could sustain interest, particularly for players who appreciate its combat systems or story-driven exploration. However, the negatives dominate the critical reception regarding replay value. Atomix and Gamer.no both describe the game as something players will "forget quickly" and "not want to revisit," citing repetitive combat and predictable gameplay as major drawbacks. God is a Geek criticizes the "wasted real estate and dead ends," arguing that exploration feels unrewarding despite the presence of collectibles and skill upgrades. Softpedia and Push Square point to the game’s "linear" structure and lack of side quests or New Game+ options, which diminish its longevity. TheXboxHub’s observation about the "repetitive nature of combat" and Oyungezer’s blunt statement that the game is "boring" and "not recommend[ed]" further reinforce the consensus that the core mechanics and design fail to justify multiple playthroughs. These critiques collectively suggest that the game’s shortcomings in variety and incentive outweigh its initial strengths. Overall, the critics present a largely negative consensus on Unknown 9: Awakening’s replay value. While a few elements like tactical combat and narrative collectibles are praised, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game’s repetitive structure, limited exploration, and lack of meaningful post-game content make it a one-time experience. TheXboxHub, Atomix, and God is a Geek emphasize that the gameplay becomes monotonous quickly, with no substantial rewards to encourage revisiting. Push Square and Softpedia also note that the absence of side quests or New Game+ options reduces its appeal for repeat play. Even Checkpoint Gaming, which acknowledges the game’s memorable chapters, concedes that boss fights are repetitive, underscoring the broader issue. This suggests that Unknown 9: Awakening struggles to balance its engaging mechanics with the depth or diversity needed to sustain long-term player interest.

TL;DR

replay value

Unknown 9: Awakening’s tactical combat and varied chapters can’t offset its repetitive gameplay, linear design, and lack of replay incentives—players won’t want to revisit it.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

82%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall verdict of Unknown 9: Awakening is marked by a mix of praise for its creative potential and narrative elements, though these are often overshadowed by its execution. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Digital Trends highlight the game’s engaging story, likable characters, and stunning visuals, with the former noting its "pulpy action-adventure" appeal and the latter calling it "fresh and inventive" with "memorable characters." Push Square commends its "compelling narrative-driven action-adventure experience," while Softpedia appreciates the "charming universe" and "engaging combat." The game’s stealth mechanics and exploration are also frequently praised, with Metro GameCentral describing it as a "fun and unusual take" on the third-person stealth genre. These positives suggest that Unknown 9: Awakening has a strong foundation in storytelling and world-building, which some reviewers feel could have been more fully realized. However, the negatives dominate the critical reception, with many pointing to technical flaws, repetitive gameplay, and underdeveloped systems. Atomix calls it a "significant failure" and "forgettable," while Gamer.no and Games.cz criticize its "poorly executed combat system" and "technical issues." Multiplayer.it and Vandal note "technical shortcomings" and "outdated gameplay mechanics," and Noisy Pixel describes it as "repetitive combat" and "weak character development." Digital Chumps and TrueGaming both label it a "missed opportunity," with the former emphasizing unfulfilled potential in story and character growth, and the latter pointing to a "poorly executed" complex narrative. IGN Benelux and XGN add that the game feels derivative, with "repetitive gameplay" and a lack of originality, while GameMAG and Gaming Age argue it "feels outdated" and "fails to meet expectations." These critiques collectively paint a picture of a game hindered by its own technical and design limitations. The overall consensus among critics is that Unknown 9: Awakening is a mixed experience, with its strengths often undermined by its flaws. While a few reviewers, such as Checkpoint Gaming and Digital Trends, see it as a promising, if imperfect, title, the majority view it as a subpar or underwhelming entry. TheXboxHub and Atomix are particularly harsh, calling it "underwhelming" and "forgettable," respectively, while Eurogamer Germany suggests it’s only worth playing "on sale." The game’s narrative and visual design are frequently lauded, but these are counterbalanced by complaints about combat, platforming, and technical polish. Though some praise its "unique gameplay elements" and "interesting lore," the recurring theme is that Unknown 9: Awakening fails to deliver a cohesive or memorable experience, leaving it as a title with potential but significant room for improvement.

TL;DR

Unknown 9: Awakening is a mixed bag—its engaging story and visuals shine, but clunky combat, technical flaws, and repetitive gameplay overshadow its potential, making it an underwhelming, missed opportunity.

MONSTER

Reviews

93 reviews found

Digital Trends

PlayStation 5

Nov 12, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite some technical hiccups, Unknown 9: Awakening is seen as a fresh and inventive game with memorable characters and engaging gameplay, deserving of attention.

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Checkpoint Gaming

PlayStation 5

Oct 17, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Unknown 9: Awakening is praised for its engaging story, likable characters, fun gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals. Despite some shortcomings in boss fights and antagonist depth, the game is described as a great experience that may appeal to players looking for a pulpy action-adventure with unique gameplay elements.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Oct 17, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Unknown 9: Awakening is a decent self-contained adventure with enjoyable combat and exploration, despite being somewhat derivative and not groundbreaking. It offers fun moments but falls short in terms of originality and technical polish.

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Push Square

PlayStation 5

Oct 17, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Unknown 9: Awakening is a good debut with rough edges but offers a compelling narrative-driven action-adventure experience. The linear level design and lack of innovative ideas are balanced by interesting lore and engaging stealth mechanics.

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Metro GameCentral

PlayStation 5

Oct 17, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A fun and unusual take on the third person stealth game with room for improvement in writing and visuals.

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GamingBolt

PlayStation 5

Oct 18, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite its flaws, Unknown 9: Awakening offers a compelling story and engaging exploration, though combat issues detract from the overall experience.

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Softpedia

PlayStation 5

Nov 12, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

While not flawless, Unknown 9: Awakening offers a pleasant surprise with a charming universe and engaging combat, though it feels limited and rough around the edges.

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XGN

PlayStation 5

Oct 31, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Unknown 9: Awakening shows potential with its story and ideas but lacks execution and polish. It is not a bad game, but it misses the finesse of a top-tier title, leaving room for improvement in future installments.

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Vandal

PlayStation 5

Oct 18, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

While Unknown 9: Awakening has interesting elements and a rich backstory, it ultimately falls short of expectations due to gameplay execution and technical issues.

IGN Benelux

PlayStation 5

Nov 1, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game offers a nostalgic single-player experience but falls short due to repetitive gameplay and lackluster platforming. It is somewhat redeemed by its story and strong voice acting.