In the ever-expanding universe of video games, the announcement of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet from Naughty Dog sent shockwaves through the industry. After years of whispers and unverified leaks, the acclaimed studio behind The Last of Us has finally confirmed its dive into a brand-new sci-fi IP. The cinematic reveal, while light on narrative specifics, painted a picture of isolation and mystery. Players will find themselves stranded on Sempiria, a planet that has been completely severed from galactic society for over six centuries—a prison from which no one has ever escaped. Given Naughty Dog's recent forays into more expansive, open-ended environments in titles like Uncharted 4 and The Last of Us Part 2, it's almost a given that Sempiria will feature vast, explorable zones. For inspiration on how to make a single, immersive planet truly sing, the developers might look no further than Respawn Entertainment's 2023 hit, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Its handling of the planet Koboh serves as a masterclass in open-world hub design.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor took a bold approach by focusing on fewer, but more detailed, planets. The crown jewel was undoubtedly Koboh. This wasn't just a backdrop for the story; it was a character in itself. Early in their journey, players stumble upon Pyloon's Saloon, a cantina run by the Latero pilot, Greez. This place quickly becomes the player's home away from home, a central hub that evolves dynamically throughout the campaign. It's the perfect example of a 'third place' in a video game—somewhere to catch your breath, gear up, and just vibe.
The genius of Pyloon's Saloon lies in its organic growth. As protagonist Cal Kestis progresses, the saloon fills up with a motley crew of patrons, each with their own stories and, crucially, their own quests to offer. This creates a living, breathing community right at the heart of the adventure. The activities here are a real game-changer:
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Bounty Hunting: Pick up contracts to track down dangerous targets across the galaxy.
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Holotactics: Challenge new opponents to strategic mini-games, perfect for a quick mental workout.
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Cozy Sim Elements: Honestly, who saw this coming in a Star Wars game? Players can tend to a garden full of strange alien flora and even collect exotic fish for a giant aquarium. It's these little touches that add layers of personality and make the world feel lived-in.
For Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, implementing a similar hub is a no-brainer. Stranded on the harsh, unforgiving world of Sempiria, the protagonist would need a sanctuary. The perfect candidate? Their Porsche-branded spaceship. Seriously, talk about a slick mobile base! This ship could serve as the ultimate safehouse, a place to:
| Hub Function | Potential in Intergalactic |
|---|---|
| Arsenal Customization | Upgrade and modify weapons & gear in the ship's workshop. |
| Companion Interactions | Chat with allies picked up on the journey, deepening relationships. |
| Mission Management | Review logs, plot courses, and pick up signals from Sempiria's surface. |
| Environmental Refuge | A clean, safe space contrasting with the planet's presumed hostility. |
Beyond the hub, Jedi: Survivor excelled in its Metroidvania-inspired world design, particularly on Koboh. The landscape around Pyloon's Saloon is a intricate web of interconnected paths, cliffs, and valleys. Key locations like the massive downed Lucrehulk ship or the mysterious Forest Array aren't just dots on a map; they are woven into the physical fabric of the world. The player's exploration is constantly rewarded with shortcuts and new pathways that unlock as they gain new abilities. This design philosophy makes Koboh feel like a tangible, explorable space, not just a series of levels.
Intergalactic would be wise to borrow this approach for Sempiria. Imagine the planet not as a flat open world, but as a multi-layered, vertical puzzle. The player's stranded ship could be the central point from which they slowly unlock the secrets of the planet, using new gear or abilities to access previously unreachable areas. This creates a fantastic gameplay loop: venture out into the dangerous wilds, discover a new tool or power, and use it to unlock a shortcut back to your ship or access a hidden region. It makes every discovery feel earned and the world feel coherent.
As we look ahead to Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet's eventual release, the blueprint for a compelling single-planet experience is already out there. By learning from Star Wars Jedi: Survivor—embracing a dynamic, character-filled hub area and employing smart, interconnected world design—Naughty Dog can ensure that the planet Sempiria isn't just a prison for its protagonist, but a rich, rewarding, and unforgettable world for players to get lost in for years to come. The potential is, as they say, out of this world. \ud83c\udf0c\ud83d\ude80
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