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Naughty Dog Goes Sci-Fi with Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet
December 16, 2024Bounty hunters, distant planets, and wild creativity
Naughty Dog, the legendary studio behind The Last of Us and Uncharted, has unveiled its next big thing: Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Departing from the grounded, character-driven narratives they’ve mastered, this new title thrusts players into a sci-fi universe brimming with danger, mystery, and the promise of mind-blowing storytelling. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming PS5 exclusive that’s already sending shockwaves through the gaming community.
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A Bold New Frontier for Naughty Dog
Set thousands of years in the future, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet introduces players to Jordan A. Mun, a hardened bounty hunter stranded on the enigmatic planet of Sempiria. For over 600 years, this distant world has been cut off from the universe, its orbit shrouded in silence and secrecy. Players will guide Jordan as she navigates this alien landscape, uncovering its dark history while fighting to become the first person in centuries to leave its orbit.
This isn’t just a new setting for Naughty Dog—it’s a new creative playground. In a PlayStation blog post, Neil Druckmann, Naughty Dog’s co-president, described the game as the studio’s “wildest, most creative story yet.” Considering the narrative heights of The Last of Us, that’s saying something.
Meet Jordan A. Mun: The Reluctant Hero
Jordan A. Mun, voiced by Uncharted movie star Tati Gabrielle, takes centre stage as the game’s protagonist. Unlike the treasure-hunting charm of Nathan Drake or the emotionally weighted journey of Joel and Ellie, Jordan offers a fresh perspective as a resourceful bounty hunter. Stranded and isolated, she relies on her cunning, combat skills, and adaptability to survive on a planet that doesn’t want her to leave.
Jordan’s story promises to delve into survival, exploration, and identity themes, blending Naughty Dog’s signature emotional depth with a fast-paced sci-fi action narrative.
The World of Sempiria: A Planet Full of Secrets
Sempiria isn’t your typical alien world—it’s a character in itself. Once a thriving hub of interstellar communication, the planet mysteriously went dark hundreds of years ago. Its sprawling landscapes, bizarre creatures, and technological relics hold the key to understanding what happened.
From the reveal trailer, we saw hints of sprawling alien cities, hauntingly quiet ruins, and a sense of oppressive isolation. The setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s an active participant in the story, shaping Jordan’s challenges and discoveries.
Gameplay: Hack ‘n’ Slash Meets Sci-Fi Survival
While details about gameplay are still under wraps, the “hack ‘n’ slash” label teased during the announcement hints at fast-paced combat. Expect dynamic battles against alien enemies and strategic encounters as Jordan fights her way through hostile environments.
Given Naughty Dog’s track record with cinematic storytelling and seamless gameplay integration, Intergalactic could introduce innovative mechanics to complement its sci-fi narrative. Combat will likely emphasize Jordan’s skills as a bounty hunter, with upgrades and abilities tied to her survival on Sempiria.
A Star-Studded Cast
Fans of The Last of Us and Uncharted will be thrilled to see familiar faces stepping into this futuristic world. Tati Gabrielle, who played Braddock in the Uncharted movie, voices Jordan, bringing depth and charisma to the character. The trailer also teased what looks like Kumail Nanjiani, adding his signature charm to the mix.
Additionally, Troy Baker—known for his iconic roles as Joel in The Last of Us and Sam Drake in Uncharted—is confirmed to have a part in the game. Druckmann’s commitment to working with top-tier talent ensures Intergalactic will feature some of the most compelling performances in gaming.
Naughty Dog’s Most Ambitious Story Yet
Neil Druckmann has set high expectations, describing Intergalactic as Naughty Dog’s “most creative story yet.” The studio is known for its meticulous approach to narrative, weaving emotional arcs with gripping action. This time, they’re venturing into uncharted territory—literally and figuratively.
The sci-fi setting allows the studio to explore new themes and storytelling techniques, pushing the boundaries of what players expect from a Naughty Dog game. Fans can anticipate a blend of high-stakes action and intimate character moments, all wrapped in a story that challenges the genre’s conventions.
Intergalactic and the Future of Naughty Dog
Intergalactic marks a significant departure for Naughty Dog, but it’s also a bold statement about their future. After years of building on the success of Uncharted and The Last of Us, this new IP signals a willingness to take risks and redefine its creative identity.
With “multiple single-player projects” reportedly in development, Intergalactic could pave the way for even more experimental titles from the studio. As Druckmann himself said, Naughty Dog is entering a new era of storytelling—and Intergalactic is leading the charge.
When and Where to Play
While no release date has been confirmed, the game is currently in development for PS5. Given Naughty Dog’s meticulous development process, fans should prepare for a wait, but the early glimpses suggest it will be worth it.
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