Don’t Judge Intergalactic: Heretic Prophet Yet
Naughty Dog has long been synonymous with gaming excellence. From the platforming charm of Crash Bandicoot to the cinematic brilliance of Uncharted, their games have left an indelible mark on the industry, shaping its evolution and inspiring generations of creators. Following the emotional tale of The Last of Us Part II, fans have been eagerly awaiting their next move. Speculation ranged from a bold new IP to revisiting beloved franchises. At The Game Awards, the studio defied expectations with the unveiling of Intergalactic: Heretic Prophet. Met with an unexpected wave of backlash, the negativity is not only premature but entirely undeserved.
Protagonist Design
Portrayed by the incredibly talented Tati Gabrielle, Jordan A. Mun emerges as a compelling lead. A strong, confident character of Asian descent with a striking-shaven head and a commanding presence. Critics have been quick to label her as a “Marvel-esque” archetype, citing trends in modern cinema. However, dismissing her character as a product of current fads overlooks Neil Druckmann’s remarkable track record of crafting layered, relatable protagonists. His dedication to progressive representation of gender and race has already broadened the narrative horizons of gaming, and Jordan appears to further this legacy.
Arguments that her design reflects a so-called “woke” agenda fail to acknowledge the long-standing tradition of unconventional heroines. Ripley from Alien, for instance, also sported a shaved head in her iconic arc. But ultimately, why should her hairstyle or departure from historical gaming conventions matter? Naughty Dog’s commitment to creating realistic, relatable characters over pandering to outdated norms is worthy of praise. Jordan A. Mun is a reflection of the industry’s future, and I, for one, applaud the studio for defying expectations to deliver something authentic and fresh.
Product Placement
Throughout the reveal trailer, you’ll spot products from Porsche, Adidas and Sony which look like overt product placement. While this is clearly the case, if executed correctly, this can enhance the realism and help to form a lived-in universe. Although recognizable brands stand out, they also help to build a universe. We can pin-point a 90s retro aesthetic which leads to narrative assumptions that are intriguing. While some might worry that Intergalactic: Heretic Prophet risks becoming a glorified advertisement, Naughty Dog’s storied dedication to storytelling should put those fears to rest. Their focus on crafting meaningful, character-driven adventures suggests that any product placement will serve the narrative rather than overshadow it.
Similarity to Guardians of the Galaxy
The MCU tone has infected the action-adventure genre with almost every release emulating aspects of the production company. After over a decade of the formula, many have grown tired of the format which has resulted in a low point for Marvel Studios. While Naughty Dog is known for its witty and humorous characters, such as Nathan Drake, the similar setting and characterization create an uncanny comparison. Even the inclusion of popular music and retro-futuristic items adds fuel to the fire.
Given the high-profile misstep of Concord, which many criticized as a shallow imitation of James Gunn’s famed franchise, it’s easy to understand the skepticism surrounding the game. However, Naughty Dog has built its reputation on subverting expectations and infusing emotional depth into seemingly familiar concepts. Unlike Concord, which offered only a glimpse of the story to support its multiplayer gameplay, this is a single-player experience crafted to deliver a thought-provoking narrative. Judging a game solely on its reveal trailer is premature, especially when considering the studio’s history of delivering masterpieces.
Thematic Concerns
Druckmann is known for tackling divisive subjects and Intergalactic: Heretic Prophet looks to continue down that same path. His track record with tackling complex themes is extraordinary. He manages to handle these with nuance to provide thought-provoking explorations. Clear from the game’s subtitle, his latest title aims to investigate religion. While there is little information regarding how the game will tackle this, many are concerned with the concept. Based on his previous work, subjects are explored sensitively allowing you to form your own opinions based on morally divisive situations.
Final Thoughts
It’s natural for high-profile releases to receive criticism from a portion of the audience, however, the volume for Intergalactic: Heretic Prophet is unfounded. Based on assumptions and ridiculous prejudices, many are refusing to acknowledge the company’s history and basing everything off a reveal trailer. While auteurs may produce divisive content, trusting their process often results in unique and memorable experiences that are often considered highlights of their respective mediums.
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