The Disappointing Launch of Unknown 9: Awakening
The launch of Unknown 9: Awakening, developed by Refletor Entertainment and published by Bandai Namco, has been met with disappointment within the gaming community. Despite its release on October 17, 2024, the game has failed to make a significant impact, with only 285 players at its peak on the Steam platform. Furthermore, the game has received a score of 62 on Metacritic and a predominantly negative rating from players on Steam, with only 29% of player reviews being positive.
Criticism and Low Sales
SteamDB data reveals that sales of Unknown 9: Awakening on Steam have been notably low, with the game failing to generate substantial interest. The criticisms aimed at the game largely revolve around technical issues, such as outdated graphics, performance problems like stuttering and low frame rates – even on high-end systems. This has led to frustration among players, particularly those who received the game for free as part of an AMD promotion. Additionally, some users have pointed out that despite its relatively small scale, the game is priced at €49.99, further contributing to the perception of a lack of value.
Gameplay and Reception
Unknown 9: Awakening follows the story of Haroona, a protagonist endowed with the ability to navigate a parallel dimension known as The Fold. The gameplay incorporates melee combat along with the use of special talents like Umbric, which can weaken enemies, and stealth abilities for environmental manipulation or remaining undetected. However, player feedback suggests that the execution of the game fell short of initial expectations, with many players noting that it feels like a small-scale experience lacking in incentives to justify its premium price tag.
