At Gamescom 2024, I had the chance to get my hands on Unknown 9: Awakening. The short demo I played offered a combat-heavy look at the game, putting me in control of Haroona and her mysterious powers. While the full game promises a rich narrative and a world full of secrets, this demo only offered a look at the combat but let me tell you, it won’t be easy. Let’s jump in!
Let’s start a fight
From the moment the demo started, it was clear that Unknown 9: Awakening isn’t just about mindless button mashing. Sure, Haroona has the power to take down enemies with her fists and her mysterious abilities, but simply trying to punch everyone in the face and hope for the best won’t really cut it. The combat demands a more clever approach, which took me a few tries to figure out, and some welcomed tips from the staff.
Initially, I tried to rely solely on Haroona’s raw power, hoping to punch my way through the enemies. But after a few painful defeats, it became clear that this wasn’t a button-mashing brawler. The key to success is Haroona’s ability to manipulate her environment and her enemies. The game forces you to think outside the box and come up with alternative strategies.
Use the environment to your advantage
As I replayed the demo for the third time, I began to understand the depth of the combat system. Haroona isn’t a fighter pur sang; she’s a strategist. By using her powers to interact with the environment, I could turn the tide of battle. At one point, I managed to create a chain reaction by luring enemies into firing at each other, using Haroona’s powers to manipulate their movements and positions. It was a satisfying moment where I realized that combat in Unknown 9: Awakening is different from what I’m used to, which certainly is refreshing.
A small glimpse into the Unknown
While the demo was short and focused on combat, it left me wanting to explore more of Haroona’s story and the world she inhabits. There’s a mystery here that promises much more than just fighting it’s also about a gorgeously created world filled with mysteries and interesting characters.
Unknown 9: Awakening has the potential to offer a narrative-driven experience with deep combat mechanics that reward strategic thinking. But based on this first demo, it’s clear that it’s going to take time to master Haroona’s abilities and truly understand the game’s potential. It was a tough, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately satisfying first encounter, and I’m eager to see how the full game unfolds.
