Among the esteemed developers under the PlayStation first-party banner, Santa Monica Studio distinguishes itself with an impressive track record of consistency. Established 26 years ago, this California-based studio has launched a limited but notable number of games, each receiving widespread acclaim. Since 2005, Santa Monica Studio has concentrated its efforts on the critically celebrated God of War franchise, continually reinvigorating the series with each installment, from God of War III to the recent God of War: Ragnarok. However, the studio’s upcoming project is rumored to break away from tradition by venturing into sci-fi territory.
Speculation surrounding this original science fiction game dates back several years. In 2019, Cory Barlog, director of the acclaimed 2018 title God of War, hinted at the development of an unannounced project via Twitter. His hints became more direct in 2022 when Barlog confirmed he was indeed working on a new game for Santa Monica Studio, although he refrained from divulging specifics. Recent job postings and statements from former studio writers have fueled speculation that Barlog’s project will feature a sci-fi theme.
Santa Monica Studio’s Sci-Fi Game: Finding Its Unique Identity
Exploring New Frontiers: Naughty Dog’s Foray into Sci-Fi
If the information turns out to be accurate, this will mark Santa Monica Studio’s first new sci-fi intellectual property since the release of Kinetica in 2001. Interestingly, it appears that the studio won’t be alone in this venture. Naughty Dog, another renowned PlayStation studio, is also breaking new ground in the sci-fi genre.
During The Game Awards 2024, Naughty Dog unveiled plans for its latest project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. This third-person action-adventure game will follow a bounty hunter exploring an alien world in a distant future. Like Santa Monica Studio, this will be a significant departure for Naughty Dog, which also hasn’t developed a sci-fi themed game in quite some time.
A Shift in Gameplay Focus: Melee Combat Takes Center Stage
Naughty Dog has long been recognized for its evolution from creating 3D platformers to specializing in third-person shooters. Recent titles, such as The Last of Us Part II, feature mostly gunplay, with combat encounters often emphasizing ranged tactics, particularly against formidable enemies like bloaters. The Uncharted series similarly showcases an arsenal of firearms.
In an exciting twist, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet appears to break from this established mold by steering the gameplay towards melee combat rather than relying primarily on firearm use. The protagonist, Jordan A. Mun, prominently wields a striking red energy sword throughout the promotional materials, indicating a potential shift to melee mechanics as the game’s core focus. This could result in a markedly different experience compared to Naughty Dog’s recent offerings.
Proposing a Contrast: Ranged Combat for Santa Monica Studio’s New Project
Santa Monica Studio’s anticipated sci-fi title is expected to be a third-person action-adventure game, akin to Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. However, to carve out its niche, the studio should consider embracing a focus on ranged gunplay rather than melee combat. Given that Santa Monica Studio has a legacy of melee-centric gameplay, introducing gun mechanics could offer a refreshing shift, allowing the studio to showcase its versatility in a new genre.
By prioritizing ranged combat in its upcoming project, Santa Monica Studio can not only differentiate itself from Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet but also demonstrate mastery in delivering a distinct and engaging gameplay experience.
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