Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet promises to offer players a significantly enhanced level of freedom compared to previous projects from the studio. Drawing inspiration from Elden Ring, the developers aim to incorporate similar mechanics for open-world exploration. According to journalist Ben Hanson, the game is set on a single expansive planet where players will delve into the mysteries of a vanished civilization and explore a new religion, which is central to the storyline. While it's uncertain how closely the game will align with the traditional open-world concept, it's clear that the developers are steering away from the linear structure seen in their earlier works.
In a notable departure for the studio, The Heretic Prophet will feature a solo experience, with players navigating the game without companions or allies. Neil Druckmann emphasizes the studio's goal to evoke a profound sense of solitude in an uncharted universe while deeply exploring themes of faith and religion. The narrative unfolds in an alternate future on the planet Sempiria, which has been isolated from the rest of the galaxy for over 600 years. Here, players will follow the journey of bounty hunter Jordan Moon, who arrives on the planet as part of her contract.
Druckmann also highlights that the game's development drew inspiration from titles like Half-Life 2 and Monkey Island. This influence suggests a shift away from conventional hints towards a storytelling approach where players must piece together the narrative themselves.
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet was announced at The Game Awards 2024, though a release date has yet to be disclosed.