- Naughty Dog’s games are mainly praised for their stories, but their gameplay is equally impressive.
- Thanks to its sci-fi setting, Intergalactic should allow the team to push boundaries further in this department.
- The studio has also teased a bigger focus on this element, promising its deepest gameplay yet.
Following a long streak of sequels and a slew of re-releases, Naughty Dog has finally announced its next project, a brand new IP. Set in the far future, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet promises a very different experience from this studio’s typical releases.
The initial controversies aside, Intergalactic’s announcement has created excitement among the Naughty Dog fandom, particularly for those who remember the team’s pre-Uncharted days.
Back then, Naughty Dog excelled in the gameplay department, and while it still does, it isn’t too hard to argue that gameplay sometimes takes the backseat in both Uncharted and The Last of Us. Fortunately, Intergalactic presents an opportunity to mix things up, opening the possibilities for Naughty Dog’s gameplay expertise to shine anew.
Why it matters: Because Naughty Dog has stuck so close to a tried-and-true formula over the last decade, the team’s new IP should be a departure from established ideas and do something truly fresh.
Naughty Dog’s Gameplay Doesn’t Get Enough Credit
I have quite high hopes for Intergalactic’s gameplay for one major reason: both Uncharted 4 and The Last of Us Part 2 have better gameplay than most give them credit for.
Consider Nathan Drake’s final outing, for instance; it presents smooth third-person shooting that, while basic, is extremely satisfying and polished. The combination of swinging with the grappling hook, melee, and core shooting works surprisingly well, and the gameplay is only held back by the series’ cinematic design philosophy.
Uncharted’s third-person shooting and movement aren’t just competent; they’re better than those of rival games. Move over to The Last of Us Part 2, and Naughty Dog’s talents become even more obvious.
Brutal animations, an impressive stealth sandbox with plenty of freedom, and a wide arsenal at your disposal encapsulate what is one of gaming’s most enjoyable stealth-based combat from the modern era.
However, here’s the kicker. Both games are largely focused on the narrative, so gameplay may have been compromised in some respects to focus on the story and characters. For Intergalactic, on the other hand, the team has promised its deepest gameplay yet.
Intergalactic Will Balance Story and Gameplay
Naughty Dog’s gameplay for the next title is largely a mystery for now, but the first trailer seems to tease a melee combat focus with sword-like energy weapons. This might mean that Intergalactic is more of a hack-and-slash title compared to Uncharted and The Last of Us, which relied on punching and kicking for close-quarters engagements.
The first trailer also shows what appears to be a boss-like enemy, highlighting a much bigger gameplay focus. While boss fights existed in Uncharted and The Last of Us, they were much more grounded in reality.
With Intergalactic, Naughty Dog is no longer shackled by realism, allowing the team to let loose and unleash its creativity. Imagine boss battles on the same scale as FromSoftware’s games or fast-paced face-offs against hordes of enemies like Devil May Cry but with Naughty Dog’s unique spin layered on top.
Intergalactic might not do any of these, but I’m sure its sci-fi setting will become a catalyst for the developer to bring something truly exciting to the table. If history has shown anything, it’s that you should never bet against PlayStation’s biggest developer.
I’m Excited To See Uncut Gameplay
One month after the first reveal, I have high hopes for Intergalactic’s official gameplay reveal. The first trailer was clearly focused on the setting and characters, so it would only be natural for gameplay to be next.
Whether that happens during one of PlayStation’s upcoming State of Plays this year or during the next Game Awards is anybody’s guess, but I’ll certainly keep my eyes peeled for more information.
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[Senior News Reporter]
Avinash is currently pursuing a Business degree in Australia. For more than 5 years, he has been working as a gaming journalist, utilizing his writing skills and love for gaming to report on the latest updates in the industry. Avinash loves to play action games like Devil May Cry and has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as IGN, GamesRadar, GameRant, Dualshockers, CBR, and Gamespot.
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