Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophetis set to be the next big thing fromLast of Usdeveloper Naughty Dog. The studio’s first new IP in well over a decade,Intergalacticis also taking a different approach with its narrative premise in comparison to other Naughty Dog titles. But while one can expectIntergalactic’s high sci-fi premiseto make for distinct storytelling, it may not be as far removed from the company’s previous releases in terms of tone or style.
Since the release of the firstUnchartedback in 2007, Naughty Dog has emphasized high-fidelity graphics, well-tuned character animations, and industry-leading acting, all in the service of creating a blockbuster-like experience. Naughty Dog’s games are often compared to films, and while such comparisons can sometimes be reductive, there’s certainly some truth behind them: Naughty Dog’s stories are evocative and thrilling, and its characters are relatable and affable. Nowhere are these qualities more apparent than in theUnchartedseries, which carries the air of anIndiana Jonesadventure thanks to witty dialogue, likable characters, and wry humor. Based on what’s available about it so far, it looks likeIntergalacticcould channel these same strengths.
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Could Mark Naughty Dog’s Return to Comedy
The Uncharted Games Are Often Relentlessly Funny
While it wouldn’t exactly be accurate tolabel theUnchartedgames as comedies, they most definitely borrow heavily from the genre. Dramatic, high-stakes narratives underpin these games, but the moment-to-moment storytelling is typically lighthearted, almost to the point of aloofness, with characters naturally riffing off each other to provide ample opportunities for jokes. It’s through these tonal dimensions that theUnchartedgames pay homage to the likes ofIndiana JonesandThe Mummy, which leverage comedy to balance out the danger of their swashbuckling plots.
This style of writing may be whyUncharted’s legacy is markedly different from that ofThe Last of Us, which is decidedly spartan with its joke-telling. In essence, a game likeThe Last of Usis more likely to make someone depresseddue to the bleakness of its narratives and the acidic qualities of its characters, whereasUnchartedhas a tendency to put a smile on one’s face. WithIntergalactic, Naughty Dog may manage to find its way back toUncharted’s style of doing things, as the adventures of protagonist Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter, could very well hearken back to those of Nathan Drake. The flippant nature of Mun’s interactions with the only other character in the trailer also suggests a return to the buddy comedy angle thatUnchartedshowcases so effectively.
None of this is to say that theUnchartedseries can’t have emotionally evocative storytelling—Uncharted 4proves otherwise—but the series' tone is undeniably more frivolous than something likeThe Last of Us.
A More Lighthearted, Comedic Story Would Be a Nice Change of Pace After The Last of Us 2
The Last of Us 2is unpleasantin many ways. Regardless of what one thinks of the franchise, it is hard to argue that sheer violence, hatred, and desperation don’t define these games, especially its sophomore release. Characters are far more likely to kill or curse at each other rather than crack a joke, and even characters who are supposed to like each other have a tendency toward strife and conflict.
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophetcould wash this sour taste out of players' mouths, reminding audiences of what Naughty Dog can achieve when it isn’t taking itself too seriously. No one wantsIntergalactic’sstory to be shallow, but an injection of humor, which Naughty Dog has already proven is one of its strong suits, would certainly be a welcome throwback.
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet
WHERE TO PLAY
Intergalactic: The Heretic Propher follows Jordan A. Mun, a dangerous bounty hunter who ends up stranded on Sempiria – a distant planet whose communication with the outside universe went dark hundreds of years ago. In fact, anyone who’s flown to it hoping to unravel its mysterious past was never heard from again. Jordan will have to use all her skills and wits if she hopes to be the first person in over 600 years to leave its orbit.
