Naughty Dog has officially unveiled its latest project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, a new sci-fi franchise being developed exclusively for the PlayStation 5. Here are the key highlights from the announcement:
After years of speculation and anticipation, Naughty Dog has finally lifted the curtain on its next big project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. This brand-new science fiction franchise, currently in development for the PlayStation 5, was officially announced at The Game Awards 2024. Although a release date hasn’t been disclosed, the studio revealed that development began back in 2020.
Overview of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet
- Protagonist and Setting:
- The game stars Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter played by Tati Gabrielle. The story unfolds on Sempiria, a desolate planet that has been cut off from communication with the outside universe for over 600 years. Anyone who has attempted to explore its mysteries has mysteriously vanished.
- Gameplay and Narrative:
- Naughty Dog promises that this title will feature their “deepest gameplay in history,” emphasizing emotional, character-driven storytelling. Players will navigate the challenges of Sempiria while developing Jordan’s skills to escape the planet’s treacherous environment.
- Creative Team:
- The game is directed by Neil Druckmann, known for his work on previous Naughty Dog titles. The soundtrack will be composed by the acclaimed duo Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, adding a unique auditory experience to the game’s atmosphere.
- Visual Style and Trailer:
- The reveal trailer showcases a retro-futuristic aesthetic, complete with recognizable branding elements like a Porsche spaceship and Adidas sneakers, set against a moody backdrop complemented by pulsing synth music.
- Development Timeline:
- Development of Intergalactic began in 2020, and while no specific release date has been announced, it is expected to take some time before players can experience this new adventure.
- Additional Cast:
- The game features a star-studded cast, including Kumail Nanjiani, who plays one of Jordan’s targets. More cast members are expected to be revealed as development progresses.
A Fresh Era for Naughty Dog
Studio head and game director Neil Druckmann described Intergalactic as the studio’s “wildest, most creative story yet.” Speaking through a blog post on the Naughty Dog website, Druckmann shared, “We’ve been working on this brand-new adventure since 2020! This game is shaping up to be an emotional, character-driven epic journey, offering the deepest gameplay in Naughty Dog’s history.”
The announcement was accompanied by a reveal trailer, premiered by The Game Awards creator Geoff Keighley, marking the final highlight of the night. The trailer hints at a moody, retro-futuristic aesthetic with synth-heavy music, showcasing the protagonist, Jordan Mun, a bounty hunter navigating a mysterious and perilous planet.
What We Know About the Story
Set on the distant planet Sempiria, the narrative follows Jordan A. Mun, a skilled bounty hunter stranded on a world that has been cut off from the universe for hundreds of years. As Sempiria’s dark secrets unfold, Jordan must rely on her wits and skills to survive and, perhaps, become the first in centuries to escape the planet’s orbit.
According to Druckmann, Intergalactic will deliver a gripping, character-driven narrative that aligns with Naughty Dog’s storytelling legacy. The game will blend emotionally engaging storylines with gameplay innovations, pushing the boundaries of what the studio has accomplished with franchises like Uncharted and The Last of Us.
Gameplay and Aesthetic Highlights
The teaser showcased in-engine footage featuring elements of retro-futurism, such as Jordan’s Porsche spaceship and Adidas-branded sneakers. Early hints suggest a mix of shooting and melee combat, with Jordan wielding weapons like an automatic pistol and a red laser sword. The spaceship’s presence hints at possible traversal mechanics or a home base system.
Druckmann promised that gameplay would be the most immersive and expansive in Naughty Dog’s history, leveraging the studio’s learnings from its previous titles.
Star-Studded Cast and Award-Winning Composers
The reveal trailer also highlighted some of the voice cast, including Tati Gabrielle as Jordan Mun, Kumail Nanjiani as bounty target Colin Graves, and Tony Dalton in an undisclosed role. Additionally, the game’s score will be crafted by renowned composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, celebrated for their work on films like The Social Network.
Exclusivity and Launch Expectations
While fans eagerly anticipate more details, Naughty Dog has confirmed that Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet will be released exclusively for the PlayStation 5. As the studio’s fifth original franchise following Crash Bandicoot, Jak and Daxter, Uncharted, and The Last of Us, this sci-fi epic is expected to redefine narrative-driven gaming.
Though the release timeline remains unclear, early indications suggest that the game might still be a few years away from hitting the shelves. Stay tuned for updates as Naughty Dog continues to develop what promises to be a groundbreaking addition to the PS5 library.
