Naughty Dog has made a significant impact at the 2024 Game Awards by unveiling its brand-new intellectual property, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. This announcement marks a thrilling moment for fans, as it has been over a decade since the studio has launched a new IP since their last original release in 2013.
For years, Naughty Dog focused on expanding the narratives surrounding The Last of Us and Uncharted, but the recent debut signals a bold shift towards innovative storytelling in a futuristic setting. During the climactic end of the 2024 Game Awards, the studio finally lifted the veil on what promises to be an ambitious sci-fi adventure.
With an in-depth knowledge already on hand, including cast details and gameplay elements, this article aims to bring you up to speed on what to expect from Naughty Dog’s latest venture.
Intergalactic represents Naughty Dog’s first original IP in over a decade.
Release Date Information
As of now, there’s no confirmed release date or even a rough estimate for Intergalactic.
The inception of Intergalactic traces back to February 2024, when Sony Interactive Entertainment registered a trademark for the enigmatic title. Studio Head Neil Druckmann later confirmed in a blog post that development began in 2020. However, the pace of progress remains uncertain, as parts of the development timeline may have been spent in conceptual planning.
Therefore, potential players should remain patient, as speculation suggests the game may not release until late 2026 or even into 2027. Rest assured, updates will be provided as new information emerges.
Storyline Insights
Intergalactic immerses players in the role of Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter embroiled in a grave predicament on the mysterious planet of Sempiria. This narrative unfolds within an alternate universe set in 1986, where technology has advanced far beyond our current reality.
On her quest to capture a target linked to the notorious gang known as The Five Aces, Jordan decides to investigate a Sempirian moon against the advice of her confidant, AJ. Unbeknownst to her, this planet harbors dark secrets; communications ceased abruptly centuries ago, as highlighted by the PlayStation blog.
“Anyone who’s ventured there in search of its past has vanished,” Druckmann cautions. Ignoring these warnings, the resolute Jordan confronts the ancient forces of Sempiria in a formidable close-quarters battle.
With over 600 years of unsuccessful escape attempts, Jordan aims to break this deadly cycle. Druckmann elaborates that Intergalactic will be another “emotional, character-driven epic.”
The ancient Sempirian inhabitants are determined to keep any visitors permanently imprisoned on their world.
Details surrounding the planet and its inhabitants remain scarce, but evidence of their unique language is apparent, showcased at the trailer’s onset and inscribed on their bodies.
Currently undecipherable, this ancient script includes a foreboding message: “The suffering of generations must be endured to achieve our divine end,” suggesting a highly intelligent species with an agenda spanning millennia, reminiscent of the Reapers from Mass Effect.
Beyond these insights, a song featured during the trailer might provide hints about Jordan’s motivations. “It’s a Sin”by the Pet Shop Boys resonates through her ship, underscoring themes of regret and introspection with lines suggesting a troubled past.
Cast and Characters
Though it’s early in the development stage, several cast members for Intergalactic have been confirmed.
Protagonist Jordan is voiced by Tati Gabrielle, known for her role as Jo Braddock in the 2022 Uncharted film. Gabrielle has also been cast as Nora in the upcoming second season of The Last of Us.
Jordan is at the heart of Naughty Dog’s upcoming project, though her backstory remains a mystery for now.
While no other characters have been confirmed yet, the trailer features Kumail Nanjiani, known for his roles in Eternals and Silicon Valley, potentially portraying a significant antagonist named Colin Graves. Graves is connected to The Five Aces, providing the initial target for Jordan’s mission on Sempiria.
Colin Graves is the bounty that draws Jordan to the enigmatic planet Sempiria.
Additionally, Jordan is guided by her one-eyed advisor, AJ, who cautions against pursuing the dangerous bounty, insisting that Graves isn’t worth the risk.
AJ serves as Jordan’s cautious advisor in the adventure.
The confirmed cast list currently includes:
- Jordan A. Mun – Tati Gabrielle
- Colin Graves – Kumail Nanjiani
- AJ – Unknown
Further exploration of footage speculates on additional members of The Five Aces, although character specifics remain unverified.
Decoding the motives behind Jordan’s pursuit of The Five Aces could become a pivotal element within Intergalactic.
Theories about other characters list potential names, although true identities are shrouded in mystery:
- Cesar Maceda
- Tyrin Dustsmith
- Etienne Renarde
- Atticus Basileon
- Randall Stevens
Game Platforms
In an exciting moment during the trailer, it was confirmed that Intergalactic is set to launch exclusively on the PS5.
The extended development timeline indicates that the game is being designed for the cutting-edge capabilities of the latest PlayStation hardware.
As of this writing, there’s no word on a possible PC release; however, following current industry trends, a PC version may launch roughly a year after the console edition.
Gameplay Features
While gameplay specifics remain unconfirmed, Druckmann has touted Intergalactic as the “deepest”gameplay experience to date, drawing from Naughty Dog’s rich history while pushing creative boundaries.
Initial impressions suggest a focus on third-person gameplay complemented by a new emphasis on melee combat, given the presence of Jordan’s dynamic hand-to-hand weapon shown in the trailer.
Players could have the chance to pilot Jordan’s ship within the expansive universe of Intergalactic.
Exploration appears to be a key feature, both on foot and via spacecraft as the trailer showcases camera angles revealing the possibility of space travel throughout a stellar environment.
Soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
The acclaimed musical duo, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, will be composing the score for Intergalactic. Known for their Grammy-winning work on films such as The Social Network and Gone Girl, this collaboration marks their first entry into the realm of video game music on such a grand scale.
The trailer provided an initial glimpse into the innovative soundtrack, with much anticipation for further auditory revelations as development progresses.
Watch the Trailer
The unveiling of Intergalactic debuted on December 12, 2024, during the Game Awards, serving as a dramatic closing highlight of the event.
This four-minute and 33-second trailer captivates viewers with a blend of cinematic scenes and gameplay, a hallmark of Naughty Dog’s storytelling approach.
As more information about Intergalactic emerges in the upcoming months, we encourage fans to stay tuned. This thrilling new adventure promises to expand Naughty Dog’s legacy, solidifying their place as a groundbreaking leader in the gaming industry.
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