For the past 2-3 days, the video game community has been engaged in heated debates on social media regarding the character of Jordan A Mun, with some defending and others disliking him. Amidst this discussion centered around a single topic, there was little information available about the game itself. However, thanks to an interview with Neil Druckmann published by The New York Times, we now have more insights into this title that has sparked significant interest. It is important to note that with “Intergalactic The Heretic Prophet,” Naughty Dog aimed for a return to its roots, specifically focusing on the action-adventure genre that initially brought them recognition. While “Crash Bandicoot” is mentioned as an inspiration, it is not the only reference; the game also draws from Japanese pop culture, including Katsuhiro Otomo’s “Akira,” and the anime series “Cowboy Bebop.” Upon closer examination of the first trailer, numerous nods to these cult classics can indeed be observed.
The time has come to begin: Intergalactic will unfold in an alternate 1986 universe where space travel has significantly advanced. This choice of the 80s/90s is not coincidental, as it aligns with the periods when Akira and Cowboy Bebop were created—Akira in 1988 and Cowboy Bebop in 1998. For Neil Druckmann, born in 1978, the 80s/90s encompass his entire youth, creating a strong emotional connection to this era that many forty-somethings nostalgically recall. Incorporating references for Neil Druckmann is not just about paying homage to works that have influenced him; it also involves embracing this iconic culture, style, and vibe to make Intergalactic instantly recognizable. There are numerous nods in the first trailer, such as Jordan’s jacket resembling Kaneda’s flamboyant red one, a CD jukebox similar to those seen in Akira, and a record player that evokes Kaneda’s emblematic motorcycle wheel when it starts spinning. Although motors have been replaced by Porsche-branded spacecrafts, they follow the same trajectory, leaving trails of light behind them. Even enlisting The Pet Shop Boys for the trailer’s soundtrack with their 1987 song “It’s a Sin,” which openly addresses homosexuality, reflects themes central to the group’s career.
For the music of the game, it is known that Neil Druckmann reached out to Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who have composed scores for films such as “Challengers” and “The Social Network.” For listeners familiar with rock and metal genres, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross are also well-known as members of the band Nine Inch Nails. The involvement of these two in composing the music for Naughty Dog’s new game is already indicative of high quality. Another reference to the 1980s can be seen in Jordan’s haircut, which he shaves off in the trailer—a clear homage to Ripley from “Alien 3.” A strong female character in space with a closely shaved head from that era unmistakably alludes to Ripley, making this an excellent nod. This is also a practical approach for avoiding the complexity of modeling hair in the game. While it would be interesting to play as Jordan with hair at some point, as evidenced by a photo on his wall, the reason behind him shaving his head remains undisclosed for now, though there must certainly be a genuine explanation.
Returning to the New York Times interview, Neil Druckmann stated that the game’s story is quite ambitious and will revolve around a fictional religion and the consequences when you place your faith in various institutions. Given Mr. Druckmann’s writing style and his ability to tell compelling stories, we can trust him to deliver an engaging narrative. During casting, Tatie Gabrielle’s choice was immediate for him; she stood out with a genuinely intimidating presence. Neil Druckmann compares his meeting with Tatie Gabrielle to his encounter with Ashley Johnson for the role of Ellie. Despite potential criticism of her look, Tati Danielle undoubtedly captures attention on screen, given her unique mixed heritage – born to a Korean mother and an African father. With almond-shaped eyes and dark skin, it’s understandable why Neil Druckmann was captivated by her presence. Moreover, Tati Gabrielle is now familiar to Naughty Dog, having played in the Uncharted film and set to portray Nora in The Last of Us Season 2.
Regarding the development of Intergalactic, it is known to have commenced mid-2020, shortly after the release of The Last of Us Part 2. At Naughty Dog, approximately 250 people were involved in its creation, excluding freelance artists who were also hired. It should be noted that some employees were let go during this period. Neil Druckmann discussed in an interview his intention to strike a balance “between art and business,” aiming for the studio to manage multiple licenses simultaneously rather than being limited solely to Uncharted and The Last of Us franchises. He expressed difficulty working on a new license in secrecy for such a prolonged time, amidst social media criticism that Naughty Dog was only producing remakes or remasters.
It remains to be seen how the gameplay will develop; whether it will lean toward a basic third-person shooter action format or if Naughty Dog will introduce new elements to set it apart. Given the peculiar rectangular sword that can summon a light beam in the shape of an equalizer, it is reasonable to expect music to play a significant role in the gameplay. Despite negative feedback and social media debates, “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet” is a game that elicits strong reactions, and fans are looking forward to further details about this upcoming PS5 exclusive.
