Unknown 9: Awakening is an interesting video game that immerses players in a rich and mysterious universe. But did you know that it's not the first installment in the Unknown 9's universe? The game is part of a larger narrative that includes a comic book, a scripted podcast, and more. Before we dive deeper, here's a dose of gameplay:
The Expanding Universe
The Unknown 9 universe is vast and filled with lore. To help you navigate this intricate world, we've compiled some foundational elements you'll encounter in the game and other related media.
Am
Am, synonymous with Umbric energy, is the substance that makes up the Fold. It's the single ingredient that fuels Haroona's Umbric abilities. In Awakening, you need Am to Push and Pull enemies, Crush explosives, engage in Umbric attacks, or Heal yourself. Every Umbric ability drains your reserves, which you can replenish through melee combat or unlocking specific skills.
The Ascendants
A breakaway faction of the Leap Year Society, the Ascendants believe in obtaining enlightenment at all costs. Since cutting ties in 1908, they've skirmished with the LYS over powerful knowledge. Vincent Lichter, their ruthless leader, continues to influence the Unknown 9 universe.Echoes
Echoes are vivid renderings of the past accessed through the Fold. In Awakening, Haroona recalls critical moments of her past, tuning into the Fold, which plays back Echoes of her time in specific locations. These manifestations can unearth suppressed knowledge but can also wreak havoc on one's mind.
The Fold
The Fold is a shadowy dimension that overlaps our own, accessible through deep meditation or by those born with the ability. It contains the sum of all human knowledge, with both wisdom and threatening secrets.
The Leap Year Society
Established in 1888, the LYS is an international secret society of truth-seekers aiming to bring enlightenment to humankind. Some of Haroona's closest allies are LYS members, who play crucial roles in the game's narrative.The Sahin
The Sahin are the ancient civilization that spawned the Unknown 9. Technologically advanced, they knew much about the Fold and used this knowledge to reach great heights before succumbing to the forces that fueled their progress.
Quaestor
A Quaestor is anyone brave enough to seek out hidden wisdom. They play integral roles in every Unknown 9 story, including Haroona, Passage's Emilia, Torment's Jaden, and others.
Terminals
Terminals are geographic locations where the partition between our reality and the Fold is thinnest. Players encounter these in various locations throughout the game and other media.
The Unknown 9
These mysterious figures have long watched over humanity, intervening to influence the course of history. Immortal guardians of ancient knowledge, they see civilizations rise and fall in an endless cycle of progress, destruction, and rebirth.
Unknown 9: Awakening was the gateway for me. Dive into the Unknown 9: Torment comic book, the Unknown 9: Out of Sight podcast, Unknown 9: Genesis Novel Trilogy, and Unknown 9: Passage Web Series to uncover more of this thrilling world if immersive experiences are your thing.