Naughty Dog’s latest game trailer for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is facing some heavy criticism, accumulating an estimated 125,000 dislikes. This new sci-fi action-adventure title, which closed the show at The Game Awards 2024, is a fresh project from the studio renowned for hits like Crash Bandicoot, Jak and Daxter, Uncharted, and The Last of Us.
Set in an imaginative 1986 where advanced space travel is the norm, the trailer introduces us to Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter navigating this retro-futuristic world. While the clip doesn’t showcase gameplay, viewers can expect a third-person adventure focusing heavily on melee combat.
Despite this rough start, fans trust that Naughty Dog’s reputation might still work in the game’s favor. The trailer might be under fire, with dislikes hidden from public view on YouTube, but extensions like Chrome’s Return YouTube Dislike indicate a significant negative response.
The source of criticism? It seems many aren’t pleased with Jordan A. Mun, a bald female protagonist, some accusing the game of excessive political correctness. Then there’s the issue with overt product placement from brands like Sony, Porsche, and Adidas. Adding fuel to the fire, lingering disappointment from The Last of Us Part 2 has led to skepticism over Naughty Dog’s new venture. Some even go so far as to compare it unfavorably to Concord, a short-lived PlayStation-exclusive sci-fi game.
Yet, there’s hope that Intergalactic will shine in its own right. Naughty Dog has a history of delivering critically acclaimed games, despite any controversies. The Last of Us Part 2, for instance, received mixed story feedback but still clinched Game of the Year in 2020. It’s too early to predict if Intergalactic will achieve similar success or meet its end prematurely.
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet follows the daring journey of Jordan A. Mun, who finds herself stuck on Sempiria, a mysterious planet cut off from the universe for centuries. This planet entices many adventurers, none of whom return. It’s now up to Jordan to become the first to break free from its enigmatic grip. This game promises an expansive universe and exciting narrative, and while it’s exclusive to PlayStation, its release will reveal whether it can live up to the legacy set by its predecessors.
