Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet promises to offer players a significantly more expansive experience than the studio's previous projects. Inspired by the likes of Elden Ring, the developers are set to introduce mechanics that emphasize open-world exploration. Journalist Ben Hanson has shared that the game will be set on a single vast planet, where players will delve into the mysteries of a lost civilization and explore a new religion, which is poised to be a central theme of the narrative. While it's not yet clear how closely the game will adhere to traditional open-world concepts, it's clear that the developers are steering away from the linear gameplay structures seen in their past works.
In a departure from their usual formula, The Heretic Prophet will be the studio's first project where players will navigate the game world solo, without the aid of companions or allies. Neil Druckmann has expressed that the studio's goal is to evoke a profound sense of solitude within an uncharted universe, while also exploring deep 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 also highlighted that the game's development drew inspiration from titles such as Half-Life 2 and Monkey Island. This influence suggests a shift away from conventional guidance systems towards a narrative style where players must actively piece together the story from scattered fragments.
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet was announced at The Game Awards 2024, though a release date has yet to be disclosed. As the project progresses, fans can look forward to a unique blend of exploration, solitude, and a deep dive into themes of faith and religion, all set against the backdrop of the mysterious planet Sempiria.
