Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet appears to offer players a significantly higher degree of freedom than the studio's previous projects. Inspired by the open-world exploration mechanics of Elden Ring, the developers aim to create a similarly immersive experience. Journalist Ben Hanson has disclosed that the game will be set on a single large planet, where players will unravel the mysteries of a vanished civilization and delve into a new religion that plays a central role in the narrative. While it's uncertain how closely the game will adhere to the traditional open-world concept, it's clear that the developers are moving away from the linear structure seen in their earlier works.
In a departure from their past games, The Heretic Prophet will be the studio's first project where the player navigates the world alone, without companions or allies. Neil Druckmann highlights that the game seeks to evoke a sense of solitude within an unexplored universe while deeply exploring themes of faith and religion. The story unfolds in an alternate future on the planet Sempiria, which has been isolated from the rest of the galaxy for over 600 years. It is on this planet that bounty hunter Jordan Moon arrives, driven by her contract.
Druckmann further notes that the development of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet has been influenced by iconic games such as Half-Life 2 and Monkey Island. This suggests a shift away from conventional hints towards a narrative style where players must piece together the story from scattered fragments. This approach promises a more engaging and challenging storytelling experience.
The game was unveiled at The Game Awards 2024, but a release date has yet to be announced. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new venture into the world of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
