Naughty Dog’s New Game Draws from Elden Ring
Naughty Dog is set to redefine its gaming narrative with its upcoming title, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, which reportedly takes cues from the acclaimed action-RPG, Elden Ring. The studio has promised that this new franchise for the PS5 will deliver the “deepest gameplay in Naughty Dog’s history.” Industry insider Ben Hanson has revealed that the game will offer players more freedom, reminiscent of the expansive gameplay found in Elden Ring.
Naughty Dog Takes Inspiration from Elden Ring
Ben Hanson, founder of the independent gaming media outlet MinnMax, has disclosed that Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is heavily inspired by Elden Ring, particularly in its approach to player choices. On a recent episode of The MinnMax Show, Hanson noted, “At some point on the podcast a while ago before the reveal trailer happened, I teased the idea of like ‘I’ve heard Naughty Dog’s next game is very inspired by a game with a lot of player freedom.’ I think it’s fine to say now: that game was Elden Ring that it was compared to back then.”
Hanson elaborated on the game’s setting, indicating that it takes place on a single planet where players will uncover the history of the world. He suggested that the reveal trailer aligns with this concept, hinting at a gameplay style that diverges from Naughty Dog’s traditional linear narratives. Prior to the game’s reveal at The Game Awards 2024, Hanson had mentioned that Intergalactic would emphasize “a lot of player freedom,” a departure from the studio’s previous titles.
Neil Druckmann Discusses Intergalactic’s Vision
Naughty Dog president and director Neil Druckmann has described Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet as the studio’s “wildest, most creative story yet.” He emphasized that the game will feature an “emotional, character-driven” narrative, a hallmark of Naughty Dog’s storytelling. Druckmann has expressed a growing interest in games like Elden Ring and Inside, which convey their stories through exploration and gameplay rather than relying solely on traditional cutscenes.
In a 2023 interview with The Washington Post, Druckmann stated, “I’m more recently intrigued by stuff like Elden Ring and Inside that doesn’t rely as much on traditional narrative to tell its story.” He highlighted the importance of environmental storytelling, suggesting that players can glean much about a game’s world through exploration and interaction. This philosophy appears to be influencing the design of Intergalactic, which aims to offer a fresh gameplay experience compared to previous titles like Uncharted and The Last of Us.
Gameplay Innovations and Exploration
While details about Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet remain limited, the reveal trailer hints at a significant shift in gameplay mechanics. Unlike the third-person action-adventure format of Naughty Dog’s earlier games, which primarily focused on shooting, Intergalactic appears to incorporate melee combat, with the protagonist seen wielding a sword. This addition suggests a more diverse combat system that may enhance player engagement.
The game is set on a remote planet, where exploration will play a crucial role in uncovering the secrets of its past. This design choice echoes the open-ended exploration found in Elden Ring, where players navigate a vast world with minimal guidance. Although Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet does not yet have a confirmed release date, it has been in development since 2020 and will be available exclusively on the PS5, promising an exciting new chapter for Naughty Dog fans.
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