Info about Unknown 9: Awakening:

Official game description:
Digital Deluxe Edition
======================
The Digital Deluxe Edition of Unknown 9: Awakening includes:  
\- The Mercenary cosmetic pack  
\- The Shadow cosmetic pack  
\- The Aviator cosmetic pack  
Each pack contains an added unique Haroona skin with two additional color and texture options, a supplementary skin for Haroona’s journal and two extra, alternative, combat animations.
About the Game
==============
_**Delve into the mysterious world of the Unknown 9, and uncover mysteries hidden in plain sight.**_  
You are Haroona, a Quaestor born with the ability to venture into a mysterious dimension that overlaps our own, known only as the Fold. On her quest for powerful hidden knowledge, Haroona will learn to master her unique connection to the Fold, which allows her to channel its powers into our world... But such power does not go unnoticed and Haroona quickly becomes the target of a splinter faction calling themselves the Ascendants, who want to use the Fold to alter the course of human history.  
**Become Haroona** - Play as a young and courageous woman who has the ability to dive into and channel powers from a parallel dimension known as the Fold.  
**Master the Fold** - Leverage your mastery of the Fold and choose your own playstyle. Step into your enemies to control them, dodge bullets, vanish in plain sight, hurl Umbric energy at your opponents, and more.  
**Journey across the world** - From the sands of Mauritania and perilous Indian jungles to the gothic landscapes of 19th century Portugal, discover some of the most mysterious locations the world has to offer.  
**Discover the Unknown 9 universe** - Unknown 9: Awakening lies at the heart of intertwining stories, unfolding through a multitude of Unknown 9 products whose events and characters make up a much larger Storyworld.

Release date: Oct 17, 2024

Categories: Action-Adventure, Single-player Story, Stealth Gameplay, Supernatural Powers, Environmental Combat, Possession-based Gameplay, Linear Progression


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Satisfying and innovative combat system (weight 0.3): The combat system is frequently highlighted as enjoyable and well-designed, with unique mechanics like stealth, environmental manipulation, and mental strength-based abilities. Players appreciate the variety in enemy types and the strategic depth offered by unlockable powers.
- Strong and engaging story (weight 0.28): The game's narrative is widely praised for its depth, coherence, and engaging structure. Players highlight its unique metaphysical concepts, well-developed characters, and strong pacing. The story is often cited as the standout feature, even when other aspects of the game are criticized.
- Immersive atmosphere and sound design (weight 0.16): The game's atmosphere is frequently described as unforgettable, with beautiful environments, immersive sound design, and top-notch music. Players highlight the strong emotional impact of the game's themes and the quality of its voice acting in multiple languages.
- High-quality graphics and performance (weight 0.16): The game's visuals are consistently described as visually appealing, with stunning environments, atmospheric lighting, and smooth performance on mid-to-high-end hardware. Players note that the graphics exceed expectations for the game's age and genre.
- Unique and interesting lore and setting (weight 0.11): The game's premise, world-building, and mythological elements are praised for their originality and cultural depth. Players enjoy the blend of classic action RPG elements with fresh perspectives, as well as the engaging lore and character abilities.
- Accessible and relaxed gameplay (weight 0.07): The game is praised for its accessibility, with manageable difficulty settings, forgiving checkpoints, and linear design that prevents frustration. Players appreciate the relaxed playthrough experience, especially on normal difficulty.
- Well-developed and memorable characters (weight 0.06): The game's characters, including the protagonist and supporting cast, are highlighted for their emotional depth, strong voice acting, and natural growth throughout the story. Players find them engaging and memorable, contributing to the game's overall appeal.
- Similarities to popular action-adventure games (weight 0.05): Players note that the game borrows elements from successful titles like *Uncharted*, *Tomb Raider*, and *Assassin's Creed*, which they appreciate. The gameplay loop is described as fun and innovative, combining stealth, combat, and exploration in a familiar yet fresh way.
- Good value at discounted prices (weight 0.04): Many players recommend the game as a good purchase during sales, citing its solid gameplay, engaging story, and overall quality as justifying its reduced price. The game is considered a worthwhile investment at discounts of 50% or more.

Common complaints:
- Repetitive and outdated gameplay (weight 0.99): The game suffers from highly repetitive gameplay, linear level design, and a lack of variety in enemies and environments. Many players noted that the gameplay feels outdated, resembling titles from the PS3 era, with rigid mechanics and uninspired combat.
- Poor technical performance and optimization (weight 0.67): The game is plagued by numerous technical issues, including frame rate drops, stuttering, crashes, and poor optimization. Players with high-end hardware reported significant performance problems, making the game feel unpolished and unfinished.
- Mediocre story and weak characters (weight 0.32): The story is described as generic, unengaging, and poorly executed, with thinly developed characters and forgettable dialogue. Players found it difficult to connect with the protagonist or supporting characters, further diminishing the overall experience.
- Overpriced for its quality (weight 0.11): Players overwhelmingly feel that the game is overpriced given its lack of polish, outdated presentation, and repetitive gameplay. Many recommend only purchasing the game at a steep discount or if obtained for free.
- Ineffective stealth mechanics (weight 0.08): Stealth gameplay is poorly implemented, with unrealistic enemy AI and restrictive level design. Players found stealth sections tedious and ineffective, often failing to create tension or engagement.
- No difficulty adjustment options (weight 0.08): The game lacks flexibility in difficulty settings, with no option to adjust difficulty mid-game or respec skill points. This limitation frustrates players who find the game either too easy or unfairly difficult during boss fights.
- Poorly designed abilities and powers (weight 0.04): Abilities and powers feel poorly balanced and underutilized. Players noted that some abilities are outclassed by enemy skills, and the full suite of powers is not available until late in the game, making early combat feel uninspired.

Gameplay feedback:
- Core stealth and combat mechanics (weight 0.34): The game prominently features a balanced mix of stealth and combat mechanics, including possession, dodging, parrying, and a dedicated stealth skill tree. Players can approach encounters through stealth takedowns or direct confrontation, with abilities like invisibility and telekinesis enhancing flexibility. This duality is a defining aspect of the gameplay experience.
- Progression via collectibles and abilities (weight 0.13): Progression is tied to collecting anomalies, relics, and light orbs, which unlock new abilities, passive enhancements, and upgrades. The system encourages exploration but may feel repetitive due to the sheer volume of collectibles, some of which lack clear utility.
- Linear level design with platforming (weight 0.13): The game adopts a linear corridor design with straightforward paths, platforming sections, and arena-based combat. While exploration is limited, the structure includes branching paths for secrets and environmental interactions, resembling titles like *Uncharted* or *Tomb Raider*.
- Traditional narrative and genre influences (weight 0.12): The game follows a classic 'chosen one' narrative with mythological elements and a McGuffin-driven plot. Its mechanics draw inspiration from established franchises like *Assassin’s Creed*, *Tomb Raider*, and *Dishonored*, which may appeal to fans of the genre but lack innovation.
- Supernatural powers and possession (weight 0.09): The protagonist wields unique supernatural abilities, such as possession, reality-bending powers, and force-like attacks (e.g., 'Fold' or 'Am'). These mechanics enable creative combat tactics, including controlling enemies to gang up on tougher foes or triggering environmental hazards.
- Boss battles and unique mechanics (weight 0.04): The game includes boss battles with distinct mechanics, often requiring players to adapt their supernatural abilities or environmental strategies. These encounters add variety but may feel uneven in challenge or design.
- Adjustable difficulty with challenges (weight 0.02): The game offers adjustable difficulty settings, including a 'Hard' mode that significantly increases combat challenge. While this caters to different player preferences, some may find the difficulty spikes frustrating, especially in arena-based encounters.
- AI multiplayer and replayability (weight 0.02): The game includes an online multiplayer mode with AI opponents of varying difficulty, alongside replayable chapters. However, the multiplayer component is not a primary focus and may lack depth compared to dedicated titles.

Performance notes:
- Mixed performance optimization (weight 0.26): The game exhibits inconsistent performance across different hardware configurations. While some players report smooth gameplay on high-end and even older systems, others experience frequent frame drops, lag, stuttering, and crashes, even on capable hardware. This suggests optimization issues, particularly with Unreal Engine 5, and variability in how the game handles different setups.
- Limited upscaling support (weight 0.01): The game only supports FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) and lacks DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) integration. This limits performance optimization options for players with NVIDIA hardware, potentially impacting visual quality and frame rates on those systems.
- Short playtime duration (weight 0.01): Based on limited feedback, the game's playtime is reported to be around 8-10 hours. While this may not be a universal issue, it could indicate a lack of content depth or replayability for some players.
- Promotional hardware bundling (weight 0.01): The game was offered for free with an AMD CPU, which may have influenced its player base and review demographics. This point is noted for context but has low relevance to gameplay or technical feedback.

Recommendations:
- Mixed recommendations based on price (weight 0.6): Players are deeply divided on whether the game is worth purchasing, with many recommending it only at heavily discounted prices (e.g., $10–$20) or for free. Some players find it enjoyable despite flaws, while others advise against buying it at any price. The feedback suggests the game’s value is highly dependent on individual expectations and price sensitivity.
- Low replayability and short experience (weight 0.54): Players note that the game offers limited replay value, with some suggesting it is only worth a single playthrough. Others describe it as a short, nostalgic, or time-wasting experience, comparable to a single episode of a larger franchise. This feedback highlights a mismatch between the game’s length and its perceived value.
- Strong negative sentiment from some players (weight 0.53): A subset of reviews expresses extreme dissatisfaction, with phrases like 'worst game ever,' 'waste of money,' or 'unacceptable at any price.' While some of this feedback may be hyperbolic, the frequency and intensity suggest a significant portion of players had a very poor experience. This could indicate a polarizing or niche appeal.
- Positive outliers highlight niche appeal (weight 0.49): A smaller group of players describes the game as a 'small gem,' 'best $24.99 spent,' or enjoyable despite its flaws. These reviews often emphasize the game’s unique world-building, indie charm, or linear story as redeeming qualities. This suggests the game may have a dedicated but limited audience.

Other player notes:
- Poor marketing and reputation (weight 0.11): Players note that the game suffered from poor marketing, leading to low visibility or misaligned expectations. Its initial reputation as 'unpolished' and failure to deliver on its unique selling points further damaged its reception. Some reviewers also accused others of spreading misinformation about the game's quality.
- Free acquisition skews expectations (weight 0.09): A significant portion of reviewers obtained the game for free through hardware promotions (e.g., AMD GPU/CPU bundles). This likely influenced their expectations and tolerance for flaws, as many completed the game despite its issues simply because it cost them nothing. This context may explain some of the polarized reviews.
- Photo mode and QA concerns (weight 0.06): Players request features like a photo mode and criticize the lack of quality assurance, questioning how the game passed approval for release. These points suggest unmet expectations for polish and post-launch support, though they are mentioned less frequently than core gameplay issues.
- Unique setting and lore potential (weight 0.05): The game's setting (early 20th-century India with Eastern mysticism influences) and ties to a larger universe (Unknown 9, including books and comics) are highlighted as strengths. Players appreciate the thematic cohesion and world-building, though some feel the execution falls short of the lore's potential.
- Controversy over diversity and inclusion (weight 0.03): The game's approach to diversity (e.g., involvement of Sweet Baby Inc.) sparked debate, with some reviewers defending it as reasonable and others criticizing it as overemphasized or forced. This controversy appears to have fueled review-bombing or ideological backlash, though the feedback on the actual implementation is mixed.
- Defensive or polarized reviews (weight 0.02): Some reviewers actively defend the game against negative feedback, dismissing critics as 'trolls' or 'spoiled gamers.' This polarization may indicate review-bombing or ideological divides, but the feedback lacks specific, constructive insights. Importance is low due to lack of actionable detail.
- Storytelling gaps and pacing issues (weight 0.02): Reviewers criticize the story for unexplained character appearances, slow starts, and gaps in narrative coherence. Some players report not feeling engaged with the plot even after significant playtime, suggesting issues with pacing or execution of the lore-heavy premise.
- Low price justifies limited scope (weight 0.02): Some players argue that the game's low price (e.g., 8€) makes its flaws more tolerable, though others suggest a higher price (e.g., 19.99€) would be more appropriate given its content. This reflects a divide in expectations based on perceived value.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.31): The primary causes of disappointment stem from the game's poor execution across multiple aspects, including story, graphics, performance, and combat mechanics. Reviewers frequently cite unmet expectations due to the game's ambitious marketing and high budget, which contrasts sharply with its lack of polish, repetitive gameplay, and technical shortcomings. The perceived lack of effort from developers, such as missing features (e.g., HDR, Ray Tracing) and unresolved bugs, further amplifies this emotion.
- Frustration (weight 0.3): Frustration arises predominantly from severe technical and design flaws, such as game-breaking bugs, unresponsive controls, and poor performance (e.g., crashes, stuttering). Reviewers highlight repetitive and poorly balanced combat mechanics, unfair difficulty spikes, and restrictive design choices (e.g., lack of difficulty options, rigid skill requirements) as key contributors. The combination of these issues with unpolished AI, camera problems, and lack of customization exacerbates the negative experience.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.12): Satisfaction is primarily driven by the game's engaging story, unique combat mechanics, and well-designed exploration elements, which resonate with players despite its flaws. Reviewers appreciate the game's value when purchased at a discounted price, stable performance post-patch, and the progressive unlocking of abilities. The protagonist's character, side characters, and stealth mechanics also contribute to positive experiences, particularly for players who enjoy casual or linear gameplay.
- Boredom (weight 0.09): Boredom stems from the game's repetitive and uninspired gameplay mechanics, lack of enemy diversity, and monotonous combat loops. Reviewers describe the story as flat, uncreative, or overly long, with minimal innovation in level design or exploration. The absence of engaging content or meaningful progression further diminishes player interest, particularly in later stages of the game.
- Excitement (weight 0.05): Excitement is sparked by the game's unique premise, fresh mechanics, and immersive storytelling, particularly during the initial stages. Reviewers highlight the adventurous atmosphere, mythological elements, and tactical combat system (e.g., controlling enemies, unlocking powers) as standout features. The novelty of the setting and well-crafted story moments also contribute to this positive emotion, especially when the game exceeds low expectations.
- Joy (weight 0.04): Joy is derived from the game's enjoyable combat, engaging story, and immersive environments, which create a fun and rewarding experience. Reviewers express appreciation for character development, stealth mechanics, and the game's ability to exceed expectations despite negative pre-release reviews. The combination of visuals, music, and gameplay variety (e.g., power combos) also enhances the overall enjoyment.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Anger is directed at the game's poor design choices, technical issues, and perceived deception by the developers. Reviewers cite rage-quitting moments due to unfair difficulty, bugs, and unresponsive controls (e.g., target-lock system). The game's high price, lack of innovation, and invasive features (e.g., firewall bypass attempts) further fuel this emotion, with some players vowing to avoid the publisher in the future.
- Relief (weight 0.02): Relief is experienced when the game becomes enjoyable after overcoming initial frustrations, such as technical issues or a slow start. Reviewers appreciate the game's simplicity, linearity, and value at a discounted price, particularly when it exceeds low expectations. Stable performance after adjusting settings and a satisfying ending also contribute to this emotion.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion arises from unclear storytelling, ambiguous lore, and mixed reviews that create uncertainty about the game's quality. Reviewers note difficulty understanding the narrative, cultural portrayals, and the unusual combat system, which detract from the overall experience.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): Disgust is triggered by the game's cheap and unpolished presentation, including poor graphics, lifeless character models, and unappealing visual effects. Reviewers compare the experience to unappetizing food, emphasizing the stark contrast between the game's potential and its subpar execution.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Annoyance stems from minor but persistent issues, such as constant dialogue interruptions, forced full-screen mode, and poor performance on specific platforms (e.g., Steam Deck). These problems, while not game-breaking, disrupt immersion and detract from the overall experience.
- Creepiness (weight 0): Creepiness is caused by the game's lifeless character models, particularly the unsettling appearance of the main character's eyes. This unnatural visual design creates an eerie atmosphere that unsettles players.
- Regret (weight 0): Regret is tied to the feeling of wasting time and money on a mediocre or poorly executed game. Reviewers express disappointment in their investment, particularly when the game fails to meet expectations or deliver a satisfying experience.
- Curiosity (weight 0): Curiosity is sparked by the game's unique universe and potential for deeper exploration. Reviewers express a desire to learn more about the lore, characters, and world-building, even if the current experience falls short.
- Indifference (weight 0): Indifference reflects a lack of strong emotions toward the game due to its generic or unremarkable features. Reviewers note the absence of standout mechanics, depth, or innovation, leading to a neutral or apathetic response.}