Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet – A New Era for Naughty Dog
Announced at The Game Awards 2024, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is an exciting new venture for acclaimed director Neil Druckmann, known for his work on The Last of Us. This third-person sci-fi adventure plunges players into a vibrant 80s-inspired retrofuturistic universe, where they follow the journey of seasoned bounty hunter Jordan A. Mun. While pursuing a target, Mun finds himself stranded on the mysterious planet Sempiria. Notably, this title is set to launch exclusively on the PS5, though a release date has yet to be confirmed.
Shifting Gears: Naughty Dog’s New Direction
From the initial reveal trailer, it’s clear that Intergalactic marks a significant departure from Naughty Dog’s established portfolio. Traditionally recognized for franchises like Uncharted and The Last of Us, the studio has not ventured into traditional sci-fi territory, aside from the more fantastical elements of the Jak & Daxter series. This makes Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet the company’s true entry into the science fiction genre. Moreover, it embraces a melee-centric combat system, diverging from the gunplay-focused mechanics of previous titles. This innovative approach promises a fresh gaming experience while potentially retaining the collectible aspect synonymous with Naughty Dog’s best-known projects.
Intergalactic’s Collectibles: A Likely Tribute to The Last of Us
The collectibles within Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet are poised to be reminiscent of those found in The Last of Us, an element that adds depth to gameplay. The Last of Us franchise is notable not only for its compelling narratives and character development but also for its intricate collectibles system. Over both games, players can discover a total of 440 collectibles, including 286 unique items in The Last of Us Part 2 alone. Naughty Dog’s commitment to enriching these items with story and contextual relevance speaks volumes about their craftsmanship.
What Collectible Types Can Players Expect?
Within The Last of Us universe, collectibles are far from mere fluff; they consist of six distinct types: artifacts, Firefly pendants, coins, training manuals, comics, and trading cards. Artifacts represent lost memories in the form of notes, journals, and maps, while pendants and coins serve as more of a narrative flourish. Training manuals, on the other hand, provide tangible game benefits, granting players upgrades and new abilities. Comics and trading cards, particularly interesting collectibles, delve into a captivating fictional narrative.
Exploring the Science Fiction Lore
In the narrative landscapes of The Last of Us Part 1 and Part 2, comics and trading cards narratively intertwine through the fictional sci-fi saga of Savage Starlight, featuring Dr. Daniella Star. There are 14 comic books in Part 1 and a staggering 48 trading cards in Part 2, each adorned with unique cover art and plot summaries. The thoughtfulness behind these collectibles not only enriches players’ experiences but also showcases Naughty Dog’s dedication to world-building.
Potential Retro-Inspired Collectibles for Intergalactic
Given the nostalgic 80s aesthetic of Intergalactic, it would be fitting for the game to offer collectibles inspired by retro anime, akin to those seen in The Last of Us. For instance, players could gather collectible items linked to the anime that protagonist Mun is seen enjoying in the reveal trailer. Imagine the thrill of collecting VHS tapes scattered across Sempiria, with the option to watch episodes on in-game TVs similar to mechanics in GTA V. Although implementing these features would be a formidable challenge, Naughty Dog has always excelled at pushing boundaries in gaming.
Leave a Reply ▼