The announcement ofIntergalactic: The Heretic Prophetwas one of the biggest surprises of The Game Awards, as Naughty Dog revealed its new original IP to the masses. It was known that Naughty Dog had been working on a new franchise, butIntergalactic: The Heretic Prophetshocked many, due to it being a huge departure from its most recent ventures,UnchartedandThe Last of Us.
When it comes toUncharted, Nathan Drake’s story came to a close withA Thief’s End. While there was a spin-off withThe Lost Legacy, theUnchartedfranchise as a whole has been wrapped up. However,The Last of Us Part 2left its story completely open-ended, leading many to have hopes of aPart 3announced at The Game Awards. Now that the event has come and gone, noPart 3awaits gamers for now, but there is a silver lining.Intergalacticlooks like a compelling change of pace, and most importantly, a potential melee combat dream. Fans ofTLOUPart 2’s melee mechanics may have something special in store, asIntergalacticis being co-directed by one of the designers responsible for that portion of gameplay.
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Boasts TLOU Part 2’s Combat Designer
Three Naughty Dog Veterans Take the Helm
This trio is the leadership of the project, but the most important, for the sake of this writing, is Matthew Gallant. Based on information that can be found in his LinkedIn profile, he served as the Lead Systems Designer onTLOU Part 2. This role held a variety of important duties, but one of the most intriguing is that he was the principal combat designer forWLF and Seraphiteencounters.
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophetfollows protagonist Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter.
While there were moments where long-ranged weapons were required in these encounters,TLOU Part 2boasted a lot of close-ranged melee moments. The combat mechanics are one of the best parts ofplayingTLOU Part 2. Although the game’s story caused some controversy with its shocking twists, the action and gameplay were praised. Gallant is a big reason forTLOU Part 2’s strong combat mechanics, and that makesIntergalactic’s teased melee that much more exciting.
Intergalactic Could Have a Heavy Melee Focus
It’s unclear what types of weapons will be at one’s disposal inIntergalactic, but the game’s announcement trailer has made it known that cool plasma swords will play a part in combat. Unfortunately,Intergalactic’s trailer had very little gameplay, but one short glimpse of sword-wielding was showcased.
If melee is the main method of combat players can expect, then having Matthew Gallant as a co-director is a strong sign that this type of gameplay could feel incredible. Whether running around as Ellie with her switchblade or fighting a Serpahite with a machete as Abby,Naughty Dog nailed the combat inTLOU Part 2, especially when it comes to melee. Players can feel the impact of every punch or slash inflicted on enemies, and the prospect of having an even more refined version of this makesIntergalacticfar more intriguing.
The story takes place on a mysterious planet called Sempiria. No one has communicated with or left the planet’s orbit in over 600 years.
Just likeTLOU Part 2,Intergalactichas also found itself in controversy. This is unfortunate, as Naughty Dog trying something new could produce an incredibly exciting game. There’s no telling whatIntergalacticwill be like, but the first sneak peek promises a retro-futuristic bounty-hunting tale that could have strong melee elements. Whether it’s through plasma sword slashing or fluid dodge maneuvers,TLOU Part 2fans may get another taste of this satisfying combat in a brand-new IP.
